Video games have become a popular form of entertainment around the world. For many people, gaming offers a way to unwind after work or school, escape into another world and enjoy some downtime.
But where are people most likely to play video games online? Research from Datslots has looked at the percentage of internet users who play video games across different countries to find out where gaming is most popular.
The figures, collected by Statista from a worldwide survey of people aged 16 to 24, reveal some interesting differences between regions.
The Countries Where Gaming Is Most Popular
The Philippines takes the top spot, with 95.8% of internet users in the surveyed age group saying they play video games. That means more than nine in ten young internet users in the country are gamers.
Several other Asian countries also rank highly. Indonesia follows closely at 94.8%, while Vietnam and Thailand record 93.1% and 93% respectively.
Turkey also makes the top five, with 92.3% of internet users playing video games. India follows at 91.9%, while Mexico and Taiwan both record 91.3%.
Saudi Arabia and South Africa complete the top 10, with 90.1% and 89.7% respectively.
| Country | 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% |
Greece Leads Europe in Gaming
Europe also has a strong gaming culture. According to Statista, the European gaming market was worth $42.12 billion in 2023.
Greece has the highest percentage of internet users playing video games in Europe, at 86.3%. Portugal comes second with 84.7%, followed by Romania at 83.3%.
Poland and France are next, with 80.9% and 80.8% respectively. Italy follows at 80.6%, while Spain records 79.8%.
At the other end of the list, Belgium has the lowest percentage among the European countries included, at 69.5%. Ireland, the UK and Norway all sit at just over 72%.
| Country | 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% |
Asia Dominates the Global Gaming Rankings
Asia is home to many of the countries with the highest rates of online gaming. Statista estimates that the region’s gaming industry is worth more than $54.4 billion.
The Philippines leads the Asian rankings, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. India also features near the top, with 91.9% of internet users in the surveyed group playing video games.
The figures become more varied further down the list. South Korea and Israel both record 78.3%, while China stands at 72.1%. Japan has the lowest percentage among the Asian countries included, at 66.4%.
| Country | 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% |
Mexico Tops the Americas
Mexico has the highest percentage of internet users playing video games among the countries included from the Americas, with 91.3%.
Brazil follows at 88.4%, while Chile records 87.6%. Colombia and the United States also have high participation rates, at 84.8% and 82.9% respectively.
Argentina sits at 80.2%, with Canada recording the lowest figure in the region at 79.5%.
| Country | 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% |
Why Do So Many People Play Video Games?
Gaming can offer more than simple entertainment. It can give players challenges to overcome and a sense of achievement when they complete a difficult level, win a match or reach a personal goal.
There is also a strong social side to gaming. Online multiplayer games allow people to connect with players from different parts of the world, work together towards shared goals and build friendships along the way.
A spokesperson for Datslots said that video games can provide players with both a challenge and a sense of accomplishment, while also creating opportunities to connect with others around the world.
The figures show just how widespread gaming has become, particularly among younger internet users. While the popularity of gaming varies from country to country, it has clearly become a major part of how millions of people spend their free time.
