ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES INENGAGEMENT AND COMPETITIVENESS WITHIN ESPORTS

<p dir="ltr">This research aimed to analyze gender differences in the video game industry, focusing</p><p dir="ltr">on usage patterns, mobile devices, and competitive approaches to gaming. The study employed a</p><p dir="ltr">quantitative methodology, using a questionnaire to collect data from over seven hundred</p><p dir="ltr">respondents in the Republic of Croatia. The analysis, conducted using IBM SPSS v.26, highlighted</p><p dir="ltr">significant trends within the video game industry, showing that many respondents reduced their</p><p dir="ltr">engagement with video games as they transitioned into adulthood. Men were more likely to use</p><p dir="ltr">consoles and computer platforms in their youth, while women preferred mobile devices. The</p><p dir="ltr">findings further reveal that men remain more involved in esports and competitive gaming, a</p><p dir="ltr">growing segment of the video game industry, where they follow competitions and engage in</p><p dir="ltr">competitive play more frequently than women. The study concludes that there are significant</p><p dir="ltr">differences in how men and women interact with the video game industry, with men showing a</p><p dir="ltr">stronger preference for competitive gaming on traditional platforms, while women favor mobile</p><p dir="ltr">gaming and are less engaged in competitive video gameplay.</p>