Digital gaming, sport and gender

This paper has developed out of ongoing research into the associated patterns of sport and digital gaming interests and participation. Specifically here this paper presents the major findings of a questionnaire based survey distributed to undergraduate students at Sheffield’s two universities, and a number of follow up interviews. In particular, this research finds no evidence to suggest that participating in digital gaming can have a negative affect on levels of sport participation. Moreover, it argues that for some digital gaming may increase individual’s interest and knowledge of sport, and can prove for many a popular source of conversation which can cross-cut and inform conversations on sport. However, contrary to many previous studies, this research indicates that there continues to be distinct gender differences in gaming patterns