Have you ever wondered how many gamers there are in the world?
Chances are, you yourself play a variety of games every now and then. Whether it’s on consoles, PCs, mobile phones, or something else entirely – gaming has become an integral part of our lives.
This article will dive into some facts and explore just how huge the global gaming industry really is!
How Many People Play Video Games?
The gaming world is expanding worldwide. By 2025, an astonishing number of people – approximately 2.68 billion – will have become fervent gamers spread across the globe.
In 2019, the worldwide gaming revenue was valued at over $152 billion and was estimated to reach an astounding $250 billion in 2025.
The Impact of COVID-19 (Pandemic) on The Increase of Gamers
COVID-19 has certainly brought about a ton of changes in the world, and one of the most surprising ones has been the increase in gamers worldwide.
Before the pandemic, there were around a billion gamers worldwide, a large portion of them being casual gamers or playing games occasionally.
However, since the pandemic hit, that number has increased tremendously. It’s estimated that there are now around 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, with many individuals turning to games to cope with the isolation and stress of lockdowns and social distancing protocols.
According to Statista, Time spent video gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic increased by double digits in all regions. Latin American gamers increased their time spent on video games by 52%, while Asia-Pacific saw a 42% increase in gaming time.
This rise in gamers has increased demand for gaming consoles, accessories, cloud gaming, and even gaming PCs. Who knew that a pandemic could have such an unexpected impact?
How Many Video Games Are There?
When it comes to people playing games, the numbers are astronomical.
According to Webtribunal, there are over 800,000 million video games exist in the market.
Not only is this a lucrative business for developers and publishers, but people all over the world of gaming are uniting in the gaming space.
If you want to learn more about the top grossing and top selling video game, check out the “15 Top Grossing Video Games of All Time (2025)” article.
Gamers by Region/Country
Let’s learn about gamers in different regions and countries!
What Country Plays The Most Video Games
With over 2.5 billion gamers playing video games, what country is leading the charge?
Unsurprisingly, it’s China!
Video games have become increasingly popular throughout the Chinese population, with gamers in that country making up a staggering 699.6 million in 2024.
What Nation Has the Highest Per Capita Ratio for Video Game Addiction Users
As of 2023, South Korea has the highest per capita ratio for video game addiction users.
The Korea Gaming Addiction Association estimates that 11 million South Korean citizens are addicted to video games, resulting in a staggering 41% of the population being affected by this issue.
These figures, compiled from Korea’s Ministry of Culture and its youth protection systems, demonstrate the severity of this public health crisis in South Korea.
Gamers by Region
The gaming industry is a global phenomenon, with gamers spread across the world. The following statistics are based on research from ExplodingTopics.
| Region | Gamers Count |
|---|---|
| Africa | 312 million |
| Asia | 1.48 billion |
| Europe | 715 million |
| North America | 285 million |
| Oceania | 32 million |
| South America | 272 million |
Gamer by Country
The trend of playing video games is different in each country. The following statistics are based on research from Newzoo.
| Country | Gamers Count |
|---|---|
| China | 744.1 million |
| United States | 209.8 million |
| Brazil | 102.6 million |
| Japan | 77.1 million |
| Germany | 49.5 million |
Regardless of geographical location, it’s clear that playing video games has become a global phenomenon that’s sure to continue growing in the years to come.
Gamer Demographics
Playing video games has become extremely popular across demographics. Let’s see it in detail!
Percent of Male/Female Gamers
According to Statista’s report, the percentage of male gamers is 52%, and of female gamers is 48%.
According to the latest Statista’s report, the percentage of male gamers is 53%, and of female gamers is 46%, with 1% not providing an answer.
This demographic of gamers indicates an overall shift in the gaming industry, where male gamers were previously believed to be in the majority.
However, more female gamers joining the community and playing different games proves that gaming isn’t exclusively male-focused and can attract a broader audience than initially anticipated.
The Average Age of Gamers
What is the average age of a gamer, you may ask?
As of 2023, the average age of gamers has been reported to be 35 years old, which might surprise many who still believe gaming is primarily a hobby for young people.
This shift has been driven by the advancement in gaming technology and the emergence of various gaming platforms catering to different age groups.
Time Spent Playing Video Games
Did you know that people today are spending an impressive amount of time playing video games?
According to a recent report, the average worldwide gamer spends about 8.45 hours per week gaming, while for US gamers, the rate is 7.71 hours per week.
On top of this, Forbes reveals that the total time spent playing games globally in 2018 was a whopping 200 billion hours! This mind-boggling number underscores just how massive and influential the gaming industry has become.
In fact, 63% of Americans play video games every day.
Gamer Preferences or Reason for Playing Games
According to a survey by the Entertainment Software Association, the top reasons gamers play video games are:
| Reason | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Fun and enjoyment | 65% |
| Stress relief | 49% |
| To challenge themselves | 48% |
| To compete with others | 43% |
| To escape reality | 35% |
| To socialize with friends and family | 28% |
| To learn new things or develop new skills | 27% |
| To satisfy their curiosity | 24% |
| To relax and unwind | 24% |
| To experience interactive storytelling | 22% |
Gaming Platforms/Devices (PC, Consoles, Tablet, Smartphone)
Delving into gaming platforms and devices, it’s fascinating to discover how varied the choices are for the average PC gamer and those who represent different types of gamers.
PC Gaming vs. Console Gaming Statistics
According to Demandsage, 40% of gamers play video games on their smartphone, 28% play games on their game consoles, 21% on PC, 9% on tablets, and 2% on browser PC games.
Moreover, 56% of Millennials who play video games use PCs.
Gamer by Platforms/Devices
According to Newzoo, most gamers play video games on their mobile phone.
| Devices/Platforms | Gamers Count |
|---|---|
| Mobile | 2.5 billion |
| PC | 1.3 billion |
| Console | 729 million |
| Tablet | 300 million |
| Handheld | 190 million |
The type of gamers who embrace these platforms can range from casual players seeking relaxation and entertainment during their downtime to professional esports athletes competing for fame and fortune.
Conclusion
For now, it is safe to say that no matter where you are in the world, you’re probably never too far away from a fellow gamer!
As more and more countries embrace different forms of digital entertainment and technology advances change the way we experience gaming, the number of people playing video games can expect to keep rising into the future.
Whether you’re a casual or pro gamer, connect with others who share your passion for gaming and enjoy friendly competition within a welcoming community!