Bitkom Study Asks If Bundeswehr Should Use More Gaming
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In a recent representative study by digital industry association Bitkom, a significant part of questions revolved around the use of games in war. More than a third of participants believed that the Bundeswehr should use games to recruit, while almost half of Germans stated games can highlight the atrocities of war.
The German digital industry association Bitkom has released a study in regards to gaming in Germany on the occasion of the coming gamescom 2025. The study looks at gaming habits, sociodemographic data and certain opinions towards gaming. Apart from some general, interesting statistics – for example, that women play for about 20 minutes more per day than men – and general information on platforms and favourite genres, the study is especially interested in opinions from participants regarding transferable skills of games. Specifically, war games and shooters in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: War games, such as simulation or shooter games, could inspire young people to join the military, according to 34 per cent of participants. 43 per cent believe that games of this kind succeed in highlighting the atrocities of war. However, 50 per cent also see a downside, as they believe that playing these games desensitizes players to war. 43 percent of participants therefore believe that the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) should develop their own video games for training soldiers. 38 per cent believe that the Bundeswehr should use them to recruit new recruits.
The data is based on a representative survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. A total of 1,209 people aged 16 and over in Germany were surveyed by telephone, including 626 gamers. The survey took place between calendar weeks 20 and 23 of 2025. It can be found as download on the Bitkom website.
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