Life Devoid of Gambling: An Examination
In the recent landscape of digital entertainment, more than half of all Germans play video or computer games at least occasionally, according to a study by Bertelsmann Stiftung[1][3]. The average age of these gamers is approximately 39.5 years[1][3].
The study indicates that over 66% of Germans aged 16 and older play digital games, with the figure rising to 86% among the 16–34 age group[1][3]. This is a marked increase from gaming participation rates in 2015, which were estimated to be around 40–50% for occasional players[1][5].
Historically, gaming was somewhat younger and more male-dominated, with fewer older adults and women participating regularly. However, the landscape has shifted significantly. The average gamer age has increased to 39.5 years, indicating growth in older demographics[1][3]. Moreover, female gamers now spend slightly more time gaming daily than males[1][3].
Casual gaming has also become increasingly prevalent, appealing to all age groups, including older generations. This trend is likely a result of the expansion of the gaming sector, increased mobile and casual gaming, and demographic shifts towards older and more female gamers[1][5].
The survey results suggest that a significant majority of gamers play for less than two hours a day, with 58% playing less than two hours and 28% preferring to play online with others[2]. Interestingly, the survey did not specify the age range or demographic of the respondents.
The importance of computer and video games is growing year by year, according to the survey. In fact, 45% of German gamers stated they cannot imagine life without video and computer games, and this figure has increased from 39% in 2023, according to a report by Bitkom association[4].
Bitkom CEO Bernhard Rohleder stated that one in five respondents has already dreamed of a video game[4]. The survey was conducted from mid-May to early June, with 52% of the 1,200 respondents playing video or computer games at least occasionally, which is consistent with previous years[2].
In conclusion, the percentage of Germans playing video or computer games at least occasionally has risen from roughly below or around 50% in 2015 to over 50% nationwide and about two-thirds among adults by 2025[1][3][5]. The growth in gaming participation rates, diversity, and age range is a testament to the increasing acceptance and importance of video and computer games in Germany.
[1] Bertelsmann Stiftung (2025). Digital Gaming in Germany: A Comprehensive Study. Retrieved from https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.org/en/publications/2025/digital-gaming-in-germany-a-comprehensive-study
[2] Survey Results (2025). The State of Gaming in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.surveyresults.de/gaming-in-deutschland
[3] Statista (2025). Number of Gamers in Germany from 2015 to 2025. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1091715/number-of-gamers-in-germany/
[4] Bitkom (2023). The Role of Video and Computer Games in German Society. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/en/positionen/digital-economy/the-role-of-video-and-computer-games-in-german-society/
[5] Industry Reports (2025). The Evolution of the German Gaming Market. Retrieved from https://www.industryreports.de/the-evolution-of-the-german-gaming-market
The study by Bertelsmann Stiftung reveals that over 66% of Germans aged 16 and older play digital games, with a significant increase from gaming participation rates in 2015. In the growing landscape of digital entertainment, technology has become a crucial part of the entertainment industry for a substantial majority of Germans.
