Julia Stoll
Research expert covering TV and video media
Video gaming audiences in the United Kingdom (UK) - Statistics & Facts
Who are the gamers in the UK? These days, it could be anybody – yer man, yer mam, or even yer gran. With over half of the population in the United Kingdom playing video games, gaming is truly a mainstream entertainment option across many demographics and the number of video game users in the UK is projected to close in on 59 million in 2029, up from 37.7 million gamers in 2024.
Overall, the UK gaming landscape is diverse and constantly expanding. Video game companies can take advantage of the wide range of audiences, as there many different types of gamers waiting to play different types of games.
Zooming in on UK gamers
Due to its size and the maturity of its gaming market, the UK is home to the largest video gaming audience in Europe. Nearly three in ten gamers in the country are between 30 and 39 years old – a larger share than in any other comparable Western gaming market. In 2024, about 53 percent of gamers in the UK were male, while 47 percent were female.Which gaming platforms do UK gamers prefer?
Recent survey data indicates that mobile phones are the most popular gaming device in the UK. With the vast variety of games, comparatively low price point, and easy access, it is hardly surprising that mobile gaming is increasingly popular among all age groups. Consoles consistently rank as the second-most popular platform for gaming in the United Kingdom, with the COVID-19 boost among female UK console gaming audiences being particularly apparent for the most recently observed period.Online gaming as a notable trend in the UK
The possibilities to connect with other people via in-game socializing are bigger than ever and have started to appeal to gamers of all ages and backgrounds. As such, online gaming is increasing in popularity – in 2023, 68 percent of gamers in the United Kingdom were found to play games online with or against other people. Online gaming is especially popular among gamers aged 16 to 24 years – over eight in ten gamers in that age group enjoy connecting with wither players online, with male UK gamers being more likely to do so than female players.The next gamer generation
Children in the UK are also keen on video games, with gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets being the most popular devices for them to access games on. As online sandbox gaming platform Roblox ranked first among the most popular gaming apps used by children in the UK, it comes as no surprise that kids are prolific online gamers, with already 28 percent of children aged 3 to 4 years having ever accessed online games.Overall, the UK gaming landscape is diverse and constantly expanding. Video game companies can take advantage of the wide range of audiences, as there many different types of gamers waiting to play different types of games.
