Global Gaming Preferences: How Player Habits Are Evolving Worldwide

By Marcus Chen

May 31, 2025 at 12:01 AM

Gaming is evolving rapidly worldwide, shaped by technological advances and regulatory changes across different regions. Here's how gaming preferences vary in key markets:

Casino interior with slot machines

Casino interior with slot machines

Norway leads in gaming engagement per capita, with strong enthusiasm for esports, video games, and online gambling. The country has integrated esports into educational curricula and sees increasing betting activity on esports competitions, despite maintaining a state monopoly on gambling.

The UK maintains strict gambling regulations and has recently focused on controlling loot boxes in video games. In 2023, Ukie introduced voluntary principles to protect players, including age restrictions and transparency requirements for loot box purchases.

India's gaming market is experiencing explosive growth, with 488 million online gamers expected to reach 517 million by 2025. Mobile gaming dominates at 96% of all gaming activity. However, new regulations like the 28% GST on gaming have created industry challenges.

Key Global Gaming Trends:

  • Cross-platform play becoming standard
  • Rise of subscription gaming services
  • Cloud gaming reducing hardware requirements
  • Mobile gaming leading market growth
  • Mainstream adoption of esports

Man using Sony PlayStation VR headset

Man using Sony PlayStation VR headset

Amazon logo with smile arrow

Amazon logo with smile arrow

The future of gaming will continue to be shaped by mobile technology, regulatory frameworks, and evolving consumer preferences, requiring developers to balance innovation with market demands and compliance requirements.

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