Can Topgolf attract Millennials by partnering with Sonic the Hedgehog?


By: November 18, 2024


Analyzing the gamer statistics, Topgolf’s new game has the potential to resonate with Millennials and Gen Z. Various insights into gaming demographics support this. Here are some compelling stats about gamers:

  • By 2024, there are expected to be 3.32 billion gamers worldwide.
  • The video game market is worth an estimated $282 billion (Source: Statista.com). And esports players are increasingly contributing to that figure.
  • 55% of gamers in the US are male. In terms of raw numbers, there are approximately 1.7 billion male gamers. And 1.39 billion female gamers worldwide.
  • 58% of gamers are under the age of 34.
  • According to US gaming statistics, 52% of gamers subscribe to at least one gaming service. That accounts for around 1.61 billion gamers globally.
  • In the US, console gamers (74%) are more likely to subscribe to a gaming service than PC gamers (66%)
  • Globally, 2.04 billion people play video games to unwind.
Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog cooperation

Sonic the Hedgehog™ Game to Launch at Topgolf Glasgow

Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the bestselling video game franchises. In 2024, series sales and free-to-play mobile game downloads exceeded 1.77 billion.

This sheds light on Topgolf’s significance in partnering with Sega to create a joint game (Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog) officially launched last Friday. The new game will be

Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog will be exclusively available for play at Topgolf venues across the U.S. and Glasgow.

Topgolf meets Sonic’s fast-paced action in the new in-venue game, as super fans of all skill levels go head-to-head in iconic virtual Sonic environments, Green Hill Zone and Sky Sanctuary, to hit springs, collect rings, and destroy badniks.

The experience features Topgolf’s proprietary Toptracer ball-tracing technology, which combines the physical act of hitting a golf ball with a digital game.

Players can watch popular characters like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy as they track each shot and collect rings, all while competing to climb to the top of the leaderboard.

Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog cooperation in Glasgow

You can elevate your game with exclusive, limited-edition merchandise that brings excitement to your experience.

Sonic the Hedgehog-themed hats and T-shirts, available in both adult and youth sizes, showcase Sonic in a dynamic pose, gripping Topgolf’s newest club, The Sure Thing.

My comments – smart venues

Topgolf and comparable venues, such as those utilizing Toptracer, TrackMan, or Inrange technology, should prioritize collecting real-time data (e.g. AI, machine learning, IoT, etc.) concerning guest and golfer interactions with their facilities.

By doing so, these venues can advance beyond merely satisfying basic needs and instead work towards anticipating and exceeding customer expectations.

Richer data will allow driving ranges and golf entertainment venues to delight guests and members more broadly and deeply online and offline.