Millions of people around the world enjoy playing video games. Gaming gives people a chance to relax, take a break from school or work, enter an online world, and have fun with friends and other players.
But which countries have the highest percentage of people who play video games? Data from Datslots, based on a worldwide survey by Statista of internet users aged 16 to 24, reveals the countries where gaming is most popular.
Countries Where Gaming Is Most Popular
The Philippines has the highest percentage of internet users who play video games, with 95.8% of respondents saying they play. This means that more than nine out of every ten internet users in the country are gamers.
Indonesia follows closely behind at 94.8%, while Vietnam and Thailand also have very high figures at 93.1% and 93%, respectively.
The top 10 countries are:
| Country | Percentage of internet users who play video games |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 95.8% |
| Indonesia | 94.8% |
| Vietnam | 93.1% |
| Thailand | 93.0% |
| Turkey | 92.3% |
| India | 91.9% |
| Mexico | 91.3% |
| Taiwan | 91.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 90.1% |
| South Africa | 89.7% |
Four Asian countries appear in the top five, showing the strong popularity of gaming across the region. Turkey follows at 92.3%, while India, Mexico and Taiwan all record more than 91%.
Saudi Arabia is next at 90.1%, followed by South Africa at 89.7%.
Gaming in Europe
Europe has a large and established gaming market. According to Statista, the European gaming market was worth $42.12 billion in 2023. However, gaming popularity varies from one European country to another.
Greece has the highest percentage of internet users who play video games, at 86.3%. Portugal comes next at 84.7%, followed by Romania at 83.3%.
Here is the full list:
| Country | Percentage of internet users who play video games |
| Greece | 86.3% |
| Portugal | 84.7% |
| Romania | 83.3% |
| Poland | 80.9% |
| France | 80.8% |
| Italy | 80.6% |
| Spain | 79.8% |
| Russia | 78.4% |
| Sweden | 78.4% |
| Switzerland | 77.9% |
| Czechia | 75.9% |
| Austria | 75.5% |
| Netherlands | 75.2% |
| Germany | 74.6% |
| Denmark | 74.3% |
| Norway | 72.7% |
| United Kingdom | 72.4% |
| Ireland | 72.1% |
| Belgium | 69.5% |
Belgium has the lowest percentage among the European countries included in the survey, at 69.5%. Ireland follows at 72.1%, while the United Kingdom records 72.4%.
Norway is slightly ahead of the UK at 72.7%.
Asia Leads the Global Gaming Rankings
Asia has some of the world’s strongest gaming markets. Statista valued the Asian gaming industry at more than $54.4 billion.
The Philippines leads the region, with 95.8% of internet users aged 16 to 24 saying they play video games. Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand also have figures above 90%.
| Country | Percentage of internet users who play video games |
| Philippines | 95.8% |
| Indonesia | 94.8% |
| Vietnam | 93.1% |
| Thailand | 93.0% |
| India | 91.9% |
| Taiwan | 91.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 90.1% |
| UAE | 88.2% |
| Malaysia | 87.4% |
| Hong Kong | 83.1% |
| Singapore | 81.7% |
| Israel | 78.3% |
| South Korea | 78.3% |
| China | 72.1% |
| Japan | 66.4% |
Although Japan has a famous gaming culture and is home to some of the world’s biggest video game companies, it has the lowest percentage in this particular survey, at 66.4%.
This highlights an important point: the size of a country’s gaming industry and the percentage of young internet users who play games are not necessarily the same thing.
Gaming Across the Americas
Mexico has the highest percentage of internet users who play video games among the countries included in the Americas data, at 91.3%.
Brazil follows at 88.4%, while Chile records 87.6%. Colombia and the United States also have strong figures, at 84.8% and 82.9%, respectively.
| Country | Percentage of internet users who play video games |
| Mexico | 91.3% |
| Brazil | 88.4% |
| Chile | 87.6% |
| Colombia | 84.8% |
| United States | 82.9% |
| Argentina | 80.2% |
| Canada | 79.5% |
A spokesperson from Datslots explained that people play video games for different reasons. Games can offer players a challenge and a sense of achievement when they complete a level or reach a goal.
Gaming can also help people connect with others. Online games allow players to interact with people from around the world, build friendships and become part of a gaming community.
