26 August 2025
By Roger Kennedy
roger@TheCork.ie
Entertainment
Cork’s reputation has always been a good one. It’s the place you want to go to for great conversations with locals, packed pubs, and lively music sessions. Despite all that the city has to offer, another pastime is becoming popular amongst Cork residents: gaming. You’ll find that gaming is no longer something hidden away in bedrooms for only a few enthusiasts. People are now playing games everywhere, from buses and cafés to living rooms after work. Given the state of gaming in 2025, it’s hard to imagine that this once felt like a hobby for a small group of people. Now, gaming has become an important way for the city to unwind. It’s this digital entertainment that is finding a space to remain alongside Cork’s traditional social scene.
Games Are Always in Your Pocket
The success of gaming in 2025 wouldn’t be where it is now without mobile phones. Everyone has a smartphone, which means that games are just a tap away. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see commuters swiping through puzzles on the train to Kent Station. Otherwise, you might find workers going through a football manager app during their lunch break. But it’s not only mobiles. PC and console players are diving into multiplayer titles. The technology behind these games also means that you can play with friends across the world. Given the accessibility and high-quality of gaming, it’s quietly slipped into the background of daily routines without demanding much commitment.
It’s not only generic gaming that is capturing Cork residents’ attention. Digital casinos have also become a staple for unwinding after work. Many players choose these casino platforms over traditional venues, mainly because they’re available instantly and offer far more choice. According to gambling expert Viola D’Elia at Esports Insider UK, people are drawn to top online casinos because they offer a mix of bonuses, wide game selection, and live dealer options. The technology behind the best online casino sites is unique because it brings the buzz of a casino straight to your mobile phone wherever you might be. For many Cork residents, this ease of logging on for a quick round after dinner is one of the reasons behind its appeal.
The Growing Pull of Esports
Esports is another strand of gaming that’s making its mark locally. Watching competitive matches used to mean scrolling through highlights online, but now pubs and cafés in Cork are starting to screen big events. You’ll find groups gathering to cheer on their favourite teams, much like they would for a football match. Platforms like Twitch make it simple to follow international tournaments or pick up new skills from professionals. What feels new is the way these global events have started to create a shared experience for local players.
Playing Together, Even Apart
Far from being a solitary activity, gaming in Cork is becoming one of the easiest ways to stay connected. Friends hop online after work to chat while teaming up in cooperative games. Others join local Facebook groups or Discord servers to find like-minded players. For many, this is just as social as meeting for a pint on Princes Street. In role-playing and strategy games especially, communication is key, so players often end up forming long-term friendships. The screen may be digital, but the connections are very real.
Gaming as a Cheaper Night In
Rising living costs have also changed how people spend their evenings. With food, drink, and transport adding up, a night out in Cork isn’t always affordable. Staying in with friends or relaxing at home has become a more appealing option, and gaming fits perfectly into that lifestyle. Online platforms offer hours of entertainment for a fraction of the price of a pub crawl or concert ticket. Subscriptions and free-to-play titles make it even more accessible. For many, gaming is a way to keep socialising while keeping expenses under control.
New Ways of Spending on Games
How people spend money on their hobby has changed, too. Few head into shops for physical discs anymore. Digital downloads are the norm, with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass offering hundreds of titles for a set fee. On top of that, in-game extras (skins, characters, expansion packs) are part of the experience. People in Cork are generally happy to pay when the extras feel worthwhile or genuinely add to the game. It’s less about owning a box on the shelf and more about keeping the entertainment flowing.
Businesses Catching On
Local businesses have started to notice the growing appetite for gaming. Gaming cafés, once rare in Cork, are becoming gathering spots for tournaments and casual nights alike. Bars that used to rely only on quiz nights or live music are experimenting with esports screenings.
What’s Next for Cork Gamers?
Newer technologies are only beginning to creep into everyday gaming. Virtual reality headsets are showing up in households, offering completely different experiences. Cloud gaming services mean players no longer need the most expensive hardware to enjoy the latest releases. These changes are still early, but they’re gathering interest. What’s clear is that people in Cork aren’t waiting around. Instead, they’re trying out these platforms, seeing what fits, and making gaming a flexible part of their social and cultural lives.