Gaming in the United Kingdom 2023

In a September to November 2023 survey of UK adults aged 16 years and older, it was found that 52 percent of respondents reported ever playing games on any device. This represents a slight decline from the 56 percent of respondents who claimed the same during the previous year. Gaming penetration across the UK grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as national lockdowns forced people to stay at home and socialize through digital means. Among gaming audiences in Europe, players from the UK showed particularly high engagement with gaming content.

Gaming penetration in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2007 to 2023

Characteristic	Share of respondents
2023	52%
2022	56%
2021	60%
2020/21	62%
2019	39%
2018	38%
2017	36%
2016	37%
2015	41%
2014	44%
2013	42%
2012	35%
2011	37%
2010	34%
2009	36%
2007	31%

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Release date

January 2024

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2007 to 2023

Number of respondents

3,651 respondents

Age group

16 years and older

Special properties

includes mobile, console, PC, handheld, smart tv, VR, and wearable devices

Method of interview

Online panel

Supplementary notes

* n (2007) = 2,905; n (2009) = 1,824; n (2010) = 2,117; n (2011) = 1,823; n (2012) = 1,805; n (2013) = 1,642; n (2014) = 1,890; n (2015) = 1,841; n (2016) = 1,846; n (2017) = 1,875; n (2018) = 1,882; n (2019) = 1,479; n (2020/21) = 3,105; n (2022) = 3,651; n (2023) = 3,643.

2022 wave: interviews were conducted between September 23 and November 9, 2022
2021 wave: interviews were conducted between October 16 and December 13, 2021
2020/21 wave: interviews were conducted between October 6, 2020 and January 23, 2021.

2021 methodology: interviewing conducted using a mix of post-to-online and online panels. Paper questionnaires could also be requested by postal respondents and were returned by post. Any break column with a base size lower than 100 has been removed as margins of error become too great. Data is tested at the 99% confidence level.

Original question: Do you play games at home or elsewhere in any of these ways? (MULTI CODE)

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