82% of Australians Are Players: Gaming Reaches New Heights in National Study
A new report reveals video games are a widespread pastime in Australia, with a remarkable 82% of the population identifying as gamers. The “Australia Plays 2025” study,conducted by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) in partnership with Bond University,surveyed 1,241 households to paint a complete picture of the nation’s gaming habits.
The average age of an Australian gamer is 35, and the majority (81%) are adults. This data challenges outdated perceptions of gaming as primarily a children’s activity,with 84% of working-age adults and a meaningful two-thirds of Australians of retirement age regularly engaging with games.
Australians utilize a diverse range of platforms to play. Consoles remain the most popular choice at 87%,followed by smartphones (71%) and PCs (58%). The prevalence of gaming is further underscored by the fact that 74% of homes possess at least two gaming-capable devices,and nearly half have three or more.
The study also marks a significant demographic shift within the gaming community. For the first time in the study’s history,women now represent a slight majority of players,accounting for 51% of the gaming population compared to 48% of men.
beyond entertainment,players are driven by a strong sense of accomplishment.A resounding 91% of respondents cited “a sense of achievement” as thier primary motivation for gaming, with exploration and competitive elements also being highly valued. Social interaction is also key, as 77% of Australians play games with others, although older gamers are more inclined to play solo.Parental engagement with gaming is also on the rise. 70% of parents surveyed are aware of in-game control features, and three-quarters actively enforce rules regarding their children’s gaming activities. Moreover, video games are increasingly recognized for their educational potential, with 42% of schools now utilizing them as teaching tools and nearly a third incorporating game development into their curriculum.
“This study demonstrates a level of parental understanding and acceptance of gaming that frequently enough goes unacknowledged,” stated IGEA CEO Ron Curry.”Games offer more than just entertainment; they foster connection, provide learning opportunities, and can even contribute to mental wellbeing.”
Professor Jeffrey Brand of Bond University echoed this sentiment, noting that Australians view games as “an engaging environment for both children and adults to learn and develop valuable skills.”
With Australians averaging 14 years of gaming experience, the “Australia plays 2025” report confirms that video games have transcended the realm of a simple hobby and become a deeply ingrained part of Australian culture.
