To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have launched a special series of articles dedicated to key transformations in the gaming industry from 2015 to 2025. Throughout the year, we will delight you with interesting facts and insights on gaming trends and changes. This time, we would like to discuss one of the most significant shifts – the changing demographics of gamers. New gaming preferences and behavioral trends are reshaping the market, and we’re here to dive deep into these developments.
Where are The Most Players?
According to Exploding Topics, there are 3.32 billion active video gamers worldwide. From 2015, that figure has risen by over 1 billion!
The Asia-Pacific region remains the key area in terms of number of gamers. In the considered time period, the number of gamers increased by approximately 65% in the region, achieving 1.512 billion users. Moreover, in Latin America, the percentage of gamers has grown by over 118% in 10 years, highlighting the significant expansion of gaming in areas where it was previously less prominent.
Who Plays Games?
With the rise of the number of gamers, their demographics have also changed. For example, one of the most notable modifications is the increasing dominance of the 18-35 age group. In 2015, this demographic accounted for 30% of gamers, but by 2025, it has risen to 38%. At the same time, the share of gamers under 18 has declined from 26% to 20%.
Interestingly, gender distribution has remained relatively stable. In 2015, 56% of players were men and 44% were women. A decade later, those figures have shifted only slightly to 55% men and 45% women, demonstrating gaming’s universal appeal across genders.
This shift in age groups is connected to the fact that many early gamers continue playing well into adulthood. As gamers mature, the industry evolves alongside them, adapting to their changing interests and expectations.
What Do They Play?
Gen Z and Gen Alpha, two of the largest age groups of gamers, have introduced fresh preferences that have impacted the gaming industry over the past 10 years.
Back in 2015, casual games and puzzles were at the top of game genres. But now, shooter and action-adventure games have become the leaders. Moreover, gamers started to pay attention to the sports genre that wasn’t so popular a decade ago.
However, it’s worth noting that gamers have been appreciating social games over the 10-year period. In 2015, 39% of gamers frequently played social games, and this trend continues to grow in 2025. According to Newzoo, more than 70% of Gen Alpha players are drawn to competitive gameplay, engaging in duels or matches against other players, while nearly 60% of Gen Z share the same competitive drive. Additionally, 68% of Gen Alpha find motivation in cooperative gameplay, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging multiplayer experiences.
In our next article, we will focus on the changes in game developers’ demographics, their preferences, and creative ideas. Stay tuned to discover how developers have shaped the industry over these ten years!
