Gaming is primarily used for emotional regulation in Spain, with 78% of men and 75% of women reporting that it effectively reduces stress and anxiety.
Social connection is a major driver for the Spanish gaming population, with 62% of men and 55% of women citing it as a primary motivation for play.
Online multiplayer engagement is significantly higher among men, with approximately 80% reporting they play with others online, whereas women show a stronger preference for solo play.
Gaming serves as a vital tool for combating loneliness, as 78% of men and 72% of women report that playing reduces their feelings of isolation.
The Spanish gaming demographic is heavily concentrated in younger age brackets, with 49% of male players and 28% of female players falling within the 19–24 age range.
Escapism is a gendered motivator, with 48% of women using games to cope with daily problems compared to only 28% of men.
Entertainment remains the core value proposition for the Spanish market, with 85% of all surveyed players identifying fun as their primary motivation for gaming.
**Summary of “The Power of Play: España” (Survey of Spanish Video‑Game Players)**
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## 1. Scope & Sample - **Population surveyed:** 12 847 active gamers (play ≥ once a week) across several markets. - **Spanish subsample:** 1 139 respondents (men + women) who answered the questionnaire.
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## 2. Demographic Profile
| Age group (years) | % of Spanish respondents* | |-------------------|---------------------------| | 16‑18 | 8 % (men) / 41 % (women) | | 19‑24 | 49 % (men) / 28 % (women) | | 25‑34 | 28 % (men) / 28 % (women) | | 35‑44 | – | | 45‑54 | – | | 55‑64 | – | | 65+ | – |
\*The table in the original document mixes gender‑specific percentages; the numbers above reflect the most clearly reported figures.
- **Gender split (overall):** Roughly equal, with a slight male majority in the 19‑24 bracket. - **Play mode:** 8 out of 10 male gamers (≈ 80 %) report playing **with other players online**. For women, solo play is still the most common, but a sizable minority also play online or in person.
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## 3. Primary Motivations for Playing
| Motivation | % of respondents (overall) | |------------|----------------------------| | **Fun / Entertainment** | 85 % | | **Stress reduction / relaxation** | 78 % (men) – 75 % (women) | | **Social connection (meeting new people, making friends)** | 62 % (men) – 55 % (women) | | **Escapism / coping with daily problems** | 28 % (men) – 48 % (women) | | **Feeling happier / more positive** | 75 % (men) – 60 % (women) | | **Creating lasting memories** | 45 % (men) – 35 % (women) |
*Note:* The percentages are drawn from multiple overlapping questions (e.g., “Jugar a videojuegos me ayuda a sentir…”, “Reduce el estrés, la ansiedad, el aislamiento”). The highest‑scoring items are fun, stress relief, and social interaction.
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## 4. Perceived Benefits
### 4.1 Psychological & Emotional - **Stress & anxiety:** 78 % of men and 75 % of women say gaming helps them feel **less stressed** and **less anxious**. - **Isolation:** 78 % of men and 72 % of women report a **reduction in feelings of loneliness**.
