Brits love gaming in all its forms it would seem. In 2027, the number of Brits who game online is expected to increase to 11.56 million. That’s an increase of 6.64% from the 10.84 million of 2023. The same year, 68% of gamers played online, according to research.
If you think online gaming is big, just wait until you read the video gaming stats. The UK is already Europe’s biggest gaming market, but, according to stats from consumer and market data company Statista, the number of video game users in the UK is projected to reach 57.56 million in 2027. In 2023, it was 51.21 million.
Below is a look at the British passion for gaming, at some of the main demographics, popular gaming niches and at the future of the gaming industry.
A nation enjoying its gaming
Britain is a nation that simply loves its gaming. A lot of British gamers are happy to just game casually on a mobile device, as and when the need suits them. Many others have embraced gaming as not just a way of passing the time, but as a serious hobby and will spend enthusiastically on consoles and other equipment for the best gaming experience. Some have even turned pro and earned thousands of dollars from competitive gaming.
World events may have taken a massive toll on the gaming community, but more than half of men (53%) and of women (51%) still consider themselves gamers. Playing games solo offline seems to be the preferred way of gaming, according to research from British internet-based market research and data analytics company YouGov published online in July 2022. Thirty-eight percent of all British gamers who spent at least 30 minutes each week playing video games had stated this preference.
Interestingly, online multiplayer gaming is more popular among those who spent more than 21 hours per week gaming. Driving, shooting and fighting genres are popular when it comes to this style of play, whereas platform game players are more likely to prefer solo offline. Research has also found male UK gamers are more likely to connect with other players online than female.
Popular gaming genres in the UK
One of the main appeals of gaming is the wide variety of niches available, which keeps gaming engaging for players because they can switch from one niche to another. Below are some popular niches with gamers in the UK.
Online casino gaming
Britain has a relaxed attitude towards gambling, so it may come as no surprise that the nation is fond of online casino gaming. This gaming option is highly convenient and accessible and offers plenty of variety. It’s also highly affordable, both because of the many promotions and bonuses available and because it’s possible to wager low amounts. Online casinos process payments fast and winnings are eligible for instant withdrawal at a lot of them.
Role playing games
Lots of players love role playing games (RPGs) because these games have depth and complexity to them. Players enjoy a sense of personalisation. They can create and shape characters and their decisions will have an impact on the characters in the game world. Players can also cooperate or compete with other players, which provides opportunities to socialise.
Sports games
As a nation that enjoys sports and betting on sports, you can imagine how much UK gamers love sports games. Sports games allow players to engage with their favourite sports and to compete against other players and connect with them in a similar way as they do in the sporting world. Sports games are immersive, accessible and enable players to interact with their favourite sports teams and stars. They’re a bridge between the physical world and the digital one.
Horror games
Brits love gothic and suspenseful narratives, something deeply rooted in British literature. Along with the thrill of being scared, they can soak up the storytelling and tense atmosphere that horror games create. All of this makes them big fans of horror games.
The future of gaming in the UK
One thing gamers may see is more inclusivity in gaming. Some gamers have noted that a lot of titles in gaming are aimed at men, but that more women use their smartphones and tablets for gaming than men do.
That’s a major opportunity for growth for companies in the industry if they choose to take it. However, tough economic times mean that British entrepreneurs in the industry are finding it harder to secure investment. Their focus on this may be distracting them slightly from these opportunities.
Gaming is an extremely popular past-time in Britain. For some it’s even a profession. Some like to play alone, whereas others like playing in groups. That’s one of the joys of gaming, however: everyone can experience it in different ways, but the result is the same: enjoyment.
