Library

This analysis of the 2024 U.S. video gaming market identifies a resilient landscape where 71% of the population, or approximately 236.4 million people, engage with games. While this reflects a slight decline from the 74% peak seen in 2020, it remains significantly higher than the 67% recorded in 2018. The study utilizes a survey of 5,100 active gamers aged two and older, conducted between May and June 2024, to categorize the audience into six distinct behavioral segments: Super Gamers, Console Warriors, Transitionals, Easy Accessors, Daily Dabblers, and Incidental Players.

A primary finding is that while the total player count has dipped slightly, engagement and monetization are increasing. Gamers now spend an average of 14.5 hours per week playing, an increase of 1.8 hours since 2022. Spending has also risen to an average of $56.20 over a six-month period. Mobile remains the most pervasive platform, used by 65% of the total population, while console gaming has seen the most significant growth in weekly time investment. Conversely, PC gaming saw a 4% decline in reach since 2022.

The market is shifting toward more dedicated segments. There has been a notable decrease in casual "Incidental Players" and "Daily Dabblers," with a corresponding migration toward "Super Gamers" and "Transitionals." Super Gamers represent the most valuable demographic, typically consisting of males aged 18 to 34 who play across multiple platforms and engage deeply with gaming culture, including streaming and esports. Although teens and young adults remain the most valuable segments in terms of time and spend, the report notes that player investment is rising across nearly all age groups despite the overall contraction in the total number of gamers.

The global live streaming industry experienced a significant resurgence in the second quarter of 2024, with total viewership reaching 8.5 billion hours. This 10% year-over-year increase represents the first substantial growth period since the pandemic-era peak. While Twitch maintains its position as the primary market leader, its dominance has softened from 70% to 60% of total hours watched. This shift reflects a diversifying landscape where YouTube Gaming and Kick have captured 23.4% and 5.5% of the market, respectively, and Rumble has established itself as a top-ten platform by leveraging political content and debate-related viewership.

Content trends during this period were heavily influenced by major software releases and political events. The launch of downloadable content for Elden Ring triggered a 331% surge in viewership for the title, driving a 30% increase in the broader Action genre. Conversely, traditional pillars such as First-Person Shooters and MOBAs saw slight declines in market share. The VTuber segment remains a high-growth area, particularly within the Grand Theft Auto V category, where individual creators saw viewership spikes exceeding 300%. Esports also reached new heights, evidenced by the LCK Grand Final achieving a record 2.7 million concurrent viewers.

A critical structural shift is occurring in creator demographics, characterized by the decentralization of viewership. The market share held by the top 5% of streamers fell to 86% from a 2019 high of 98%, while the share held by the top 0.01% of channels dropped from 45% to 33%. This trend suggests a maturing ecosystem where visibility is increasingly distributed among a broader range of mid-tier creators rather than being concentrated exclusively at the top. These findings indicate a healthy, diversifying industry that is successfully transitioning from pandemic-driven volatility to sustainable, multi-platform growth.

This analysis examines global consumer engagement with video games, drawing on data from over 73,000 surveyed individuals across 36 markets. The findings reveal that gaming has become a dominant pillar of modern entertainment, with 80% of the total online population playing games and 85% engaging with the medium through playing, viewing content, or participating in social communities. Engagement is highest among younger demographics; over 90% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z consumers are game enthusiasts, with Gen Alpha notably spending more time on gaming (5.2 hours per week) than on social media.

The data highlights a significant shift in how different generations and genders interact with the medium. While Adventure is the top genre for Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials, younger female players are increasingly likely to invest in pay-to-play titles, challenging traditional industry stereotypes. On PC and console platforms, players are motivated primarily by vast open worlds and deep storytelling. These platforms also attract higher-spending audiences compared to mobile; 22% of console players spend more than $25 per month, and over half are classified as medium-to-high spenders.

Despite a market where a small number of established franchises capture the majority of playtime, a vital segment of "new game seekers" remains. Approximately 31% of PC and console players actively hunt for trending titles. This cohort is highly valuable, as 80% of them spend money on games monthly and they are 50% more engaged than the average player. Geographically, this appetite for new experiences is strongest in emerging markets like China, India, and Saudi Arabia, while more mature markets like Japan and Western Europe show more conservative play patterns. The findings suggest that success in a competitive landscape requires moving beyond playable experiences to engage consumers across multiple dimensions, including social media, creator content, and transmedia brands.

Video game marketing remains a vital component of the industry, though consumer preferences have shifted toward authentic, multi-channel discovery rather than traditional overt sales tactics. Research conducted in May 2024 among 1,009 PC and console gamers in the United States reveals that the average player utilizes four to five different information sources before committing to a new title. This behavior underscores a move away from single-channel reliance toward a diverse marketing mix where authenticity and peer-led insights are prioritized over corporate messaging.

YouTube stands as the dominant platform for game discovery, used by 52% of respondents and cited as the most trusted source of information. However, discovery habits vary significantly by demographic. Younger gamers aged 18–24 are twice as likely to use TikTok and Instagram for news compared to those aged 34–44. Gender also influences platform choice, with men favoring YouTube and Twitch, while women are 13% more likely than men to utilize TikTok for discovery. Despite the prevalence of these platforms, trust remains fragmented; while YouTube is the most trusted, social media platforms like TikTok and X are frequently viewed with skepticism, suggesting that trust resides more in specific creators than the platforms themselves.

Purchasing decisions are primarily driven by familiarity and risk mitigation. Forty percent of gamers prioritize established franchises they already enjoy, and 25% favor games from respected developers. While reviews and influencer endorsements remain influential, cost-related factors such as subscription services and price promotions also play a significant role in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the data suggests that successful game discovery relies on building a presence across multiple social and video platforms while leveraging established brand equity and influencer relationships to overcome consumer distrust.

The African video games industry represents a rapidly expanding mobile-first frontier, characterized by a player population that surged from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million in 2021. With annual revenues projected to surpass $1 billion by 2024, the continent is positioning itself to replicate the success of other emerging markets like Brazil and India. Growth is currently concentrated in regional hubs across South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, where a young demographic is increasingly integrating local cultural themes into digital entertainment. This evolution is supported by a complex value chain where mobile gaming accounts for the vast majority of engagement, mirroring global trends where mobile platforms generate over $92 billion in annual revenue.

Despite this potential, the ecosystem remains in a nascent stage, with 63% of studios operating for five years or less and 59% of developers never having secured external investment. While high-profile deals such as Carry1st’s $27 million funding round and GBarena’s $15 million acquisition of Galactech signal growing investor confidence, the broader market is still dominated by hobbyists. Only 36% of developers currently earn a living from their work, and over half of those rely exclusively on domestic revenue. Technical development is heavily centralized around the Unity engine, which is utilized by 64% of the market, reflecting the industry's focus on accessible mobile content.

Significant structural barriers continue to impede the transition from a hobbyist community to a professionalized global competitor. Infrastructure deficits are the primary concern, with 60% of industry participants citing poor power supply and high internet costs as critical obstacles. Furthermore, government support is nearly non-existent, currently reaching only 3% of the sector. To achieve sustainable maturity, the industry requires a coordinated effort to stabilize infrastructure, formalize talent pipelines, and attract informed investors who understand the unique dynamics of the African market. Addressing these catalysts is essential for transforming local creative potential into a robust, revenue-generating economic sector.

The 2024 Level Up report, a collaborative analysis by Comscore and Anzu, examines the evolving landscape of the U.S. gaming market and the expanding opportunities for brand integration. The study defines gamers as adults aged 18 to 65 who play multiple times a week, revealing that 62% of the U.S. adult population fits this criteria. A significant finding is the high level of cross-platform engagement; 77% of gamers utilize more than one device, while 40% play across all platforms, including PC, console, and mobile.

The data highlights distinct consumer behaviors based on platform preference. Console gamers demonstrate the highest willingness to pay for content, with 37% prepared to spend over $60 on a single title. In contrast, 32% of mobile-only gamers prefer free-to-play models. Genre preferences also vary by hardware, with PC players favoring first-person shooters and RPGs, while console players show a strong affinity for action-adventure and sports titles.

From an advertising perspective, the report concludes that gaming is no longer a niche silo but a mainstream medium with high receptivity to marketing. Approximately two-thirds of gamers view in-game advertisements as having a positive or neutral impact on their experience. Specifically, 34% of respondents believe product placement enhances realism, and 45% express a preference for rewarded ad formats. Case studies, such as Tommy Hilfiger’s campaign, demonstrate the efficacy of these strategies, showing a 20-point lift in brand favorability and a 23-point increase in purchase intent. The report emphasizes that the partnership between Comscore and Anzu now allows for more precise measurement of the incremental reach provided by intrinsic in-game advertising.

The European video games industry represents a high-growth strategic sector that generated €26.8 billion in revenue in 2024, with digital channels accounting for 90% of all sales. This robust economic activity supports over 116,000 skilled professionals across 6,000 studios and serves a diverse player base comprising 54% of the European population. Mobile gaming remains the dominant platform, utilized by 71% of the region's 127 million players. To manage this vast ecosystem, the industry relies on the PEGI age-rating system across 40 countries, ensuring a standardized approach to consumer protection and responsible gameplay.

Central to the industry’s operational integrity is a rigorous regulatory framework focused on monetization transparency and online safety. Updated standards mandate the disclosure of loot box probabilities and strictly prohibit the exchange of virtual items for real-world currency. Safety protocols are reinforced by comprehensive parental controls, currently adopted by 67% of parents, alongside mandatory age-verification tools and reporting mechanisms for harmful content. Compliance is maintained through a tiered enforcement system, where severe violations of age-rating or safety standards can result in financial penalties of up to €500,000.

Beyond economic and regulatory concerns, the sector is increasingly defined by its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Major regional initiatives across Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany are driving diversity and inclusion through measurable policy changes and scholarships aimed at increasing female participation. Simultaneously, the industry is pursuing aggressive decarbonization through the Playing for the Planet Alliance and voluntary agreements that have already yielded significant energy savings in hardware manufacturing. These efforts are complemented by the integration of environmental themes into gameplay and the development of carbon calculators to assist studios in achieving long-term sustainability goals.

The European video games industry is a significant cultural and economic driver, characterized by steady growth and a commitment to responsible gameplay. In 2023, the European market reached €25.7 billion in revenue, a 5% year-on-year increase. The sector employs approximately 115,000 people across Europe, with 90,000 based in the EU. This growth is supported by a diverse player base; 53% of the European population aged 6-64 plays video games, with an average player age of 31.4 years. Notably, 75% of players are adults, and women make up 43.5% of the total gaming population.

The industry emphasizes a robust framework for minor protection and consumer transparency through the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, PEGI has issued nearly 40,000 age rating licenses across 40 countries. Awareness of these labels is high, with 79% of parents whose children play games recognizing the system. Furthermore, the industry actively promotes diversity and inclusion through various regional initiatives and addresses environmental sustainability via the Games Consoles Voluntary Agreement and the Playing for the Planet Alliance.

To maintain global competitiveness, the industry advocates for a strategic EU policy framework. Key priorities include recognizing video games as unique creative works distinct from the audiovisual sector, addressing the digital skills gap through education and STEAM programs, and maintaining a fair regulatory environment that supports small and medium-sized enterprises. The data for these findings is derived from GameTrack and Games Sales Data (GSD) surveys conducted by Ipsos, involving a sample of 60,000 individuals across major European markets to ensure national representation.

The Brazilian gaming industry represents a rapidly maturing ecosystem that defied global trends in 2022, growing by 3% to reach 103 million players while the international market experienced its first contraction. With 1,042 active studios as of 2023—a 177% increase over five years—the sector is primarily composed of micro and small enterprises concentrated in the Southeast and South regions. Despite this expansion, local studio revenue accounts for only 10% of domestic consumption, highlighting a significant gap between local production and the country’s status as the world’s fifth-largest online gaming population.

Development trends show a shift toward multi-platform strategies, with computers and mobile devices serving as the primary targets for the 1,009 games produced in 2022. While 93% of studios develop proprietary intellectual property, there is a burgeoning reliance on international markets; 65% of studios active abroad derive more than half of their revenue from exports. Furthermore, the industry has seen a 62% surge in outsourcing services, particularly in 3D art and animation, signaling a transition toward high-value service provision for the global entertainment sector.

The workforce expanded to over 13,000 professionals in 2022, characterized by a 70% remote work rate and an increasing focus on administrative roles that suggest greater corporate maturity. However, the industry faces persistent structural and social challenges. The lack of a specific national economic classification complicates data collection, while diversity remains a critical area for improvement. Women represent only 24.3% of the workforce, and minority groups remain underrepresented. While external initiatives and diversity councils aim to foster inclusivity, 82% of companies still lack formal internal inclusion policies, indicating that the sector’s social evolution has yet to match its rapid economic and technical acceleration.

The Turkish gaming market demonstrated significant resilience and maturation throughout 2023, maintaining its status as a premier hub within the Europe and MENA regions despite economic volatility and regional challenges. Generating $580 million in revenue from a robust base of 47 million gamers, the industry is characterized by a dominant mobile sector that mirrors global trends. While total revenue in USD saw a slight decline due to currency fluctuations and platform policy changes, the market grew in local currency terms, fueled by high internet penetration and a population that views gaming as a primary social ritual.

Mobile gaming remains the cornerstone of the ecosystem, with Turkish developers achieving international acclaim. Notably, Dream Games’ Royal Match became the world’s highest-grossing mobile title in late 2023, underscoring the global competitiveness of domestic studios. Beyond entertainment, the industry is expanding into "serious games" and gamification, with major brands in finance, aviation, and retail integrating game mechanics to drive customer loyalty. This diversification extends to the defense and health sectors, where simulation technologies are increasingly utilized.

The investment landscape transitioned into a maturation phase in 2023, with $33.27 million across 35 deals. While this represents a decrease from pandemic-era peaks, the infrastructure continues to strengthen through the rise of digital entrepreneurship centers and structured esports regulations. The esports sector is professionalizing rapidly, supported by 188 licensed teams and significant international victories in titles like Valorant. However, a critical talent gap remains; while academic programs in game design are proliferating, there is an urgent need for better synchronization between university curricula and practical industry requirements to sustain long-term growth.

Looking toward 2024, the market is poised for further expansion driven by AI-driven content, AR/VR advancements, and a shift toward direct-to-consumer business models. Success for international and local players alike depends on deep localization and cultural sensitivity, ensuring engagement with a diverse demographic that increasingly prioritizes price-performance ratios and local payment solutions.

The gaming landscape in 2024 has solidified as a mainstream entertainment pillar, with 62% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 65 identifying as active gamers. This audience is characterized by high engagement across multiple devices, as 77% of players utilize more than one platform and 40% play across PC, console, and mobile combined. While mobile-only gamers typically prefer free-to-play titles, console and PC players demonstrate a high willingness to invest in premium content, with 45% of all gamers spending over $40 on their most recent purchase.

The demographic profile of the U.S. gaming audience skews toward Millennials and spans a wide range of household income levels. Genre preferences vary by platform; PC gamers favor first-person shooters, action, and role-playing games, while console players show a strong preference for action-adventure, sports, and racing titles. This broad reach is further amplified by the success of video game intellectual property in other media, evidenced by significant box office performance for game-inspired films.

Advertising within the gaming ecosystem presents significant opportunities for brand growth through formats such as intrinsic in-game ads, rewarded video, and sponsorships. Approximately two-thirds of gamers view advertisements as having a positive or neutral impact on their experience, with 34% noting that product placements can enhance realism. Case studies, such as campaigns by Tommy Hilfiger, demonstrate that non-intrusive in-game ads can drive substantial lifts in brand favorability, recommendation, and purchase intent. Through partnerships between measurement firms like Comscore and ad-tech providers like Anzu, advertisers can now better quantify the incremental reach provided by these specialized digital environments.

The Global Games Market Report 2024 projects a modest 2.1 % year‑over‑year growth, bringing worldwide revenues to $187.7 billion in 2024 and reaching $213.3 billion by 2027 at a 3.1 % compound annual growth rate. PC gaming remains the largest segment, generating $43.2 billion in 2024 and accounting for roughly 22 % of total revenue by 2027, while consoles are expected to rise to a 30 % share as cross‑platform releases become more common. Mobile revenue growth has slowed after the pandemic, and its market share is projected to decline further, underscoring a shift toward PC‑centric titles.

Player numbers are set to climb to 3.42 billion, a 4.5 % increase driven largely by PC adoption; mobile and console growth are more modest at 3.5 % and 2.3 %, respectively. The report’s methodology blends primary consumer research, macro‑economic data, app‑store feeds, and public company financials to estimate players, payers, and revenue streams. It also highlights the rising influence of user‑generated content (UGC) and cross‑generational appeal, noting that Gen Alpha and Gen Z together represent 94 % and 86 % of online gamers, respectively. UGC is emerging as a significant revenue source for both studios and creators, demanding strategies that balance older and younger player habits.

Key insights emphasize the growing importance of IP‑driven franchises, licensing, and transmedia ventures for revenue generation. Detailed breakdowns cover game delivery models, monetization tactics, genre performance, and regional revenues—including VR and cloud gaming metrics. The report promotes tailored consulting services such as TAM sizing, genre teardowns, audience analysis, campaign measurement, and live‑service strategy to help studios optimize development, marketing, and monetization in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Africa Games Industry Report 2024 presents a data‑driven assessment of the continent’s gaming ecosystem, targeting investors, policymakers, developers and the broader public. It argues that Africa’s youthful demographics, rapid mobile penetration and cultural diversity create a fertile environment for game development and monetisation. The report identifies fre‑to‑play with in‑app purchases as the dominant revenue model, while premium titles, ad‑based income, subscriptions and licensing remain viable alternatives for developers willing to overcome higher entry barriers.

Key findings show that the Sub‑Saharan gamer base has more than doubled from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million in 2021, with mobile gaming accounting for 95 % of players and nearly 90 % of the region’s $778.6 million revenue in 2022. Approximately one‑third of players make in‑app purchases, underscoring significant monetisation potential. The industry is largely composed of small to medium studios and solo developers, with Unity the preferred engine and mobile/PC platforms dominating. Yet only 36 % of respondents earn income from games, and infrastructure challenges—unreliable power (71 %) and costly internet (57 %)—continue to impede growth.

The report calls for coordinated action from investors, studios, policymakers and the public. It highlights mobile network operators and alternative payment systems as critical partners for expanding reach, while outlining a five‑factor ecosystem—reliable infrastructure, talent pathways, informed investors, connected industry and evidence of success—to unlock high‑value jobs, cultural exports and foreign investment. The overarching thesis is that Africa’s gaming sector is poised for rapid expansion, offering substantial economic and creative opportunities if these systemic barriers are addressed.

The global games market is entering a period of stabilization and renewed growth, with 2023 revenues projected to reach $184.0 billion. This recovery follows a post-pandemic correction and is supported by a massive player base of 3.31 billion people worldwide. While the industry faces macroeconomic pressures and shifting privacy regulations, long-term forecasts remain positive, with total revenues expected to climb to $205.4 billion by 2026. This trajectory is fueled by the maturation of the current console generation, the expansion of the middle class in emerging markets, and the increasing influence of transmedia strategies that drive engagement across multiple entertainment formats.

Market dynamics are shifting significantly across different platforms and regions. Mobile gaming remains the largest revenue segment at $89.7 billion, yet it is currently experiencing a 1.4% decline as privacy policies complicate user acquisition and monetization, particularly within the RPG genre. In contrast, the PC and console segments are the primary growth engines for 2023, benefiting from a steady supply of hardware and a robust slate of high-profile releases. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region maintains its dominance, accounting for 46% of global revenue, even as regulatory hurdles in China slow its immediate growth. Meanwhile, significant capital infusions, such as Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion investment through Savvy Games Group, are reshaping the competitive landscape.

Technological and structural transformations are further defining the industry's future. Generative AI is emerging as a pivotal tool for managing the rising costs of AAA development, though its adoption is tempered by concerns over copyright and workforce impact. Revenue models have transitioned almost entirely to digital formats, with physical sales becoming negligible in the PC market and live-service models dominating console engagement. As the industry evolves, the rise of cloud gaming and handheld "complementary devices" like the Steam Deck are expanding how and where players interact with content, ensuring the market remains resilient despite shifting regulatory and economic conditions.

The global games market in 2024 is characterized by a period of stabilization and strategic restructuring following the post-pandemic correction. While the industry saw a revenue decline in 2022, recovery began in 2023 and is expected to continue through 2024, driven largely by the expanding install base of current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Despite this growth, the year is defined as a lean period for many companies as they navigate high interest rates, reduced investment capital, and a highly competitive landscape where a small number of titles dominate the majority of player engagement.

Key findings indicate a significant shift in business models and platform strategies. While live-service games remain the primary revenue drivers, the market is experiencing oversaturation, leading many developers to return to premium, finite gaming experiences. Growth in multi-game subscription services is expected to slow as they face competition from free-to-play social platforms like Fortnite and Roblox. Additionally, mobile developers are increasingly diversifying by bringing their titles to PC to combat rising user acquisition costs and stricter privacy regulations. Major hardware and distribution shifts are also anticipated, including the launch of a new Nintendo console and the introduction of an Xbox mobile store on Android.

The scope of this analysis covers global market trends across PC, console, and mobile segments, with revenue forecasting extending through 2026. The methodology combines internal market data and analyst perspectives with a survey of gaming executives and industry experts from companies such as Ubisoft, Iron Galaxy Studios, and Savvy Games Group. Emerging technologies like generative AI are identified as tools for increasing production efficiency, though they are not expected to transform game development at scale within the immediate calendar year. Overall, the industry is moving toward risk-reduction strategies, focusing on established intellectual properties and cross-platform accessibility to maintain stability.

The global gaming industry is currently navigating a period of stabilization following a massive 26% growth surge between 2019 and 2021. While the rapid pandemic-era expansion has moderated, the sector reached $106.8 billion in 2023 and is on a trajectory to hit $205.7 billion by 2026. This growth is underpinned by a global player base expanding to 3.79 billion people, with mobile gaming remaining the dominant force, accounting for nearly half of all consumer spending. Despite a downward revision in year-over-year growth forecasts to 0.6%, mobile spending is expected to reach $111.4 billion in 2024, led by strong performance in the United States and Japan.

The industry is undergoing a significant structural transformation driven by technological shifts and regulatory changes. The transition toward digital-only monetization, cloud-based services, and the metaverse—projected to reach $996 billion by 2030—reflects a broader convergence with the entertainment landscape. Furthermore, the implementation of the Digital Markets Act is opening doors for alternative billing systems and direct-to-consumer web stores. These shifts occur alongside a demographic evolution where women now represent nearly 50% of the player base, though they remain underrepresented in executive and professional roles.

Financial dynamics within the sector show a complex landscape of consolidation and rising costs. While AAA development budgets have tripled over the last five years, the investment market has faced volatility, characterized by a cooling M&A environment and significant layoffs. Despite a drop in deal volume, strategic investment value surged by 577% in mid-2023, reaching $7 billion in a single quarter. To counter high user acquisition costs and stricter privacy regulations, developers are increasingly adopting generative AI for efficiency and pivoting toward community-focused organic reach, early access models, and influencer partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.

The study investigates how household rules governing video‑game use influence weekly play time and the emergence of gaming disorder among Japanese elementary and middle‑school students. By tracking participants over two survey waves—late 2022 to early 2023 and late 2023 to early 2024—the research tests whether specifying permissible gaming periods or prohibiting certain times can curb excessive play and related daily‑life problems.

A longitudinal sample was drawn from four elementary schools and four middle schools in Tokyo and Fukuoka, yielding 243 elementary and 201 middle‑school respondents after excluding esports players. Analyses focused on the 147 elementary and 107 middle‑school students who reported gaming at least once per week across both waves. Weekly gaming hours were calculated from weekday and weekend use, while gaming disorder was measured with the ICD‑11‑based Gaming Disorder Test and a custom scale assessing disruptions to sleep, meals, and routine. The presence of two rule types—“allowed‑time” (e.g., one hour per day) and “prohibited‑time” (e.g., no gaming after midnight)—was recorded at each wave and examined using cross‑lagged models and mixed‑design ANOVAs.

Results show that higher weekly gaming hours predict later increases in gaming‑disorder scores for both age groups (standardized coefficients .12 for elementary and .11 for middle‑school students), while disorder does not feed back into later play time. Gaming hours and daily‑life problems mutually reinforce each other, forming a negative feedback

The study investigates how Spanish video‑game players experience play, what motivates them, and which social and cognitive benefits they perceive. It situates Spain within a broader cross‑national analysis that also includes Poland, South Korea and Australia, focusing on active gamers who play at least once a week.

Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 12,847 weekly players across the four markets, of which 1,139 respondents were from Spain. The sample spans ages 16 to 65 plus and includes both genders, allowing comparison of habits and attitudes between men and women and across age brackets.

Among Spanish gamers, 80 % cite “meeting different people” and “stimulating the mind” as primary reasons for playing, while 78 % report that games help reduce stress and anxiety. Men are slightly more likely than women to feel less isolated (78 % vs 72 %) and to use gaming as a healthy outlet for daily pressures (75 % of men versus 60 % of women). Solo play remains the most common mode, yet eight out of ten men regularly play with others online, and roughly half of all respondents combine solo and online sessions.

Social interaction is linked to perceived skill gains: 78 % associate multiplayer play with enhanced creativity, 74 % with teamwork, and 64 % with improved cognitive and STEM‑related abilities. Integrated communication tools are used frequently by 29 % of younger male players, while 55 % of all participants view playing with others—whether online or in person—as a positive experience that fosters lasting friendships and shared memories.

Overall, Spanish gamers view video games as a versatile medium that delivers entertainment, mental‑health relief, social connection and transferable competencies, underscoring the sector’s relevance for both consumer satisfaction and broader wellbeing initiatives.

The European video‑game sector seeks recognition as a distinct blend of technology and creative culture and urges policymakers to embed this identity in the EU’s 2024‑2029 strategic framework. By positioning games as a driver of digital innovation, cultural expression, and economic growth, the manifesto argues that tailored legislation, financing, and data‑collection mechanisms are essential to sustain the industry’s momentum and competitiveness.

Between 2019 and 2024 the sector expanded by 16 %, reaching €24 billion in revenue and employing roughly 110 000 highly‑skilled workers across the Union. More than half of Europeans (53 %) now play games, with women accounting for 46.7 % of the audience and the average gamer aged 32. Research indicates that girls who game are three times more likely to pursue STEM studies, underscoring the medium’s educational impact. The self‑regulatory PEGI system, which has labelled over 40 000 titles in 40 countries, has cut non‑compliant sales by up to 50 %, demonstrating effective consumer protection without heavy legislative burden.

Current EU financing tools—tax credits and grants—are deemed insufficient to match the incentives offered by hubs such as Canada, the United Kingdom and France. The manifesto calls for a dedicated funding framework that channels public resources toward innovative, creative projects, alongside flexible talent‑attraction visas and Horizon‑funded labour‑market mapping to close digital‑skills gaps. It also highlights the strain of 850 new obligations introduced between 2017 and 2022, amounting to more than 5 000 pages of regulation, which increase compliance costs for developers and publishers.

To solidify the sector’s contribution, a unified intellectual‑property regime and a revision of NACE classification codes are proposed, enabling accurate economic measurement. Mandatory PEGI‑based age controls, parental‑lock tools and proactive chat moderation address the 53 % of Europeans prioritising child‑friendly environments. Finally, the industry’s low‑carbon digital products and initiatives such as “Playing for the Planet” and “Green Game Jam” are presented as foundations for a climate‑responsible future, aligning gaming with

Europe’s video‑game sector has expanded by 16 % between 2019 and 2024, now delivering €24 billion in revenue and employing roughly 110 000 highly‑skilled workers. More than half of the continent’s gamers are under 20 years old, and nearly half of parents rely on the PEGI age‑rating system to ensure safe play. The industry’s dual nature—combining advanced technology with creative content—underpins a call for EU‑level measures that preserve an open, tax‑free single market, extend the Creative Europe programme, apply the General Exemption Regulation to games, and reinforce intellectual‑property protection while investing in digital‑skill education, particularly STEM pathways for girls.

The PEGI framework, supported by co‑regulation, has already classified around 40 000 titles across 40 European countries, halving non‑compliance penalties and cutting energy‑consumption violations by roughly 20 %. Nevertheless, the sector faces a regulatory load of 850 new EU obligations (over 5 000 pages of rules) introduced between 2017 and 2022. A shift toward transparent self‑regulation is advocated, emphasizing clearer in‑game purchase disclosures, stronger parental‑control tools, and EU‑wide educational programmes to close digital‑skills gaps and attract diverse talent.

Safety‑by‑design requirements now obligate all publishers to integrate PEGI‑based age classification, parental‑control portals, chat moderation, purchase limits and time‑spending caps, reflecting the predominance of minors among players. The climate‑and‑inclusion agenda shows progress: women represent 23.7 % of the video‑game workforce, surpassing the 17 % share in the broader ICT sector, and industry members are adopting gender‑equality guidelines and green initiatives such as the Green Game Jam. Coordinated self‑regulation, targeted public funding, and unified online‑safety strategies are presented as essential to sustain economic contribution, foster innovation, and position Europe as the leading hub for socially responsible game development.