A new report from market research firm NewZoo, the Global Gamer Study, has found that 76% of women worldwide have played video games in the past six months. The comparable figure for men is 83%. The data, collected in 2025, indicates a high level of engagement from both genders, though a notable gap remains.
The study highlights significant differences in how men and women play. Women are more likely to play on mobile devices, while men show a stronger preference for PC and console gaming. Furthermore, men tend to spend more money on games and in-game content on average than women.
NewZoo's research also explores how gamers discover new titles. Women are more influenced by recommendations from friends and family, whereas men are more likely to follow gaming news websites and streamers. These behavioral insights are crucial for developers and marketers aiming to reach broader audiences.
The global games market continues to grow, with an increasingly diverse player base. Understanding these demographic and behavioral splits is key for the industry's future strategy and content development.
