Power of Play: United Kingdom

As part of the Power of Play survey, industry associations also took a close look at the participating countries. GamesMarkt summarizes the results. This time: United Kingdom.

What makes gamers around the world tick, and how do they differ from country to country? These questions and many more are addressed in the Power of Play study, which was conducted and published by industry associations. In addition to global evaluations, the report also compiles the most important answers to essential questions at the level of the 21 countries that participated.

In UK, the commissioned market research institute AudienceNet surveyed a total of 1,002 people aged 16 and older. The results correspond at least partially exactly to the global average. This is evident, for example, in the question of whether games are a tool for mental resilience.

Video games as a tool for mental resilience

Video Games… - Help me feel less stressed: 78% in Germany vs. 77% globally - Help me feel happier: 76% in Germany vs. 73% globally - Provide a healthy outlet from everyday challenges: 75% in Germany vs. 72% globally - Help me feel less anxiou: 70% in Germany vs. 70% globally - Help me feel less isolated: 62% in Germany vs.64% globally - Help me get through difficult times: 61% in Germany vs. 62% globally

Similar to Germany the influence of games also appears to be less pronounced in professional and private life in the UK. Only 36% of the UK gamer surveyed agreed with the statement “Influenced my career and/or educational path in a positive way.” Globally, the figure is 43%. The statement “Allows me to continue or pursue a hobby or interest that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do” was agreed with by 55% of the British gamer surveyed, but by 64% of gamers surveyed worldwide.

When asked to what extent gaming brings people together, the British respond similarly to respondents from other countries. 64% say that they play online with others at least once a month. 55% even play in-person with others at least once during the same period. And 47% use in-game communications. Very interesting: 54%  of parents say that playing video games has positively impacted their relationship with their kids. This means that the proportion is exactly twice as high as in the report for Germany.

When asked whether gaming helps improve certain skills, the British responded very differently to the Germans. While Germans agree with the statements far less than the global average, British gamers agree significantly more.

Players agree that video games can improve…- Creativity: 86% of UK gamers vs. 77% globally - Critical thinking: 81% of UK gamers vs. 71% globally - Cognitive: 80% of UK gamers vs. 74% globally