Country Reports·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Interactive Software Federation of Europe
The European video game market maintained a stable value of €23.3 billion in 2021, following the initial pandemic-driven surge.
The industry employs over 98,000 people across Europe, with 74,000 of those roles based within the EU.
Digital revenue dominates the sector, accounting for 81% of total market value through app-based gaming and in-game purchases.
Video gaming is a mainstream activity in Europe, engaging 52% of the population aged 6 to 64 with an average player age of 31.3 years.
Gender representation in gaming is nearly balanced, with women accounting for 48% of the total player base.
Average weekly playtime stabilized at nine hours in 2021, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Industry-led initiatives, including the PEGI rating system and parental control tools, have successfully reduced unsupervised in-game spending by minors.
The European video game market maintained a stable value of €23.3 billion in 2021, following the initial pandemic-driven surge.
The industry employs over 98,000 people across Europe, with 74,000 of those roles based within the EU.
Digital revenue dominates the sector, accounting for 81% of total market value through app-based gaming and in-game purchases.
Video gaming is a mainstream activity in Europe, engaging 52% of the population aged 6 to 64 with an average player age of 31.3 years.
Gender representation in gaming is nearly balanced, with women accounting for 48% of the total player base.
Average weekly playtime stabilized at nine hours in 2021, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Industry-led initiatives, including the PEGI rating system and parental control tools, have successfully reduced unsupervised in-game spending by minors.