A new global study has revealed a major generational divide in Australia over whether gaming and esports should be given formal education pathways.

Research from Logitech G found 72% of Australian Gen Z respondents believe universities, colleges and specialist courses should offer formal pathways into esports and professional gaming careers.

This compares with just 45% support among the broader Australian population.

The study, which surveyed 18,000 people globally, found Australia remains behind several major markets in its support for esports education.

In China, 93% of respondents backed more education pathways for esports and professional gaming, followed by Brazil and Switzerland at 83%, South Korea at 80%, Poland at 67% and Spain at 66%.

Logitech G ANZ Senior Category Manager Dan Hall said esports had become a major cultural force, creating careers across a range of sectors, but Australia’s education system had yet to fully reflect that shift.

“Esports is a major cultural phenomenon that sells out stadiums and has created a range of new careers across sectors,” Hall said.

The research also found 57% of Australian Gen Z respondents believe esports classes should be included in the curriculum in a similar way to traditional sports. That compares with just 31% of Australians overall.

Hall said gaming could help students build skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication, particularly among young people who may not engage with traditional sport.

“Gaming is a major part of many young Australians’ lifestyles, and making esports part of the curriculum would break down this barrier,” he said.

Logitech has been expanding its gaming and creator hardware push in recent months, including new mechanical keyboards (pictured above), modular gaming boards, haptic mice and sim racing accessories.