To say the UK’s gaming market is booming is an understatement.
In 2024, it was worth around £8 billion. Gaming now out-sells music and video combined.
From the vast array of online casinos licensed in the UK to the massive range of gaming titles available, it’s now simply the UK’s biggest entertainment sector.
The digital explosion means that more people are playing games than ever before. The latest figures show that in 2023, 39% of UK adults and 89% of children played video games.
Mobile gaming is driving the latest spurt of growth. Close behind are live-service games and free-to-play models.
Titles like Fortnite, Roblox and Call of Duty are dominating online traffic.
Better broadband speeds across the UK means faster downloads and Cloud gaming has cut out consoles.
At the same time, subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have added value while TikTok and Twitch are fuelling the gaming hype.
Gamers now stream, watch and share.
The UK has become a major component in the global industry.
Studios like Rockstar North, Codemasters and Creative Assembly are behind massive hits. British-made games sell worldwide.
Gaming isn’t niche anymore. It’s mainstream.
It’s fast-moving and it’s everywhere – from smartphones to YouTube feeds.
The top ten popular video game genres in the UK
- Action-Adventure
These fast-paced and story-driven games mix exploration, combat, and puzzles. British players love their cinematic thrill.
Grand Theft Auto V is a chart-topper in this genre.
- First-Person Shooter
Gunplay and quick reflexes define this gaming genre. Online multiplayer versions keep players engaged.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III dominates the UK market and esports leaderboards.
- Sports
Football is king. EA Sports FC 24 became the soccer leader, replacing FIFA. It sells in its millions.
Realism and online seasons keep fans playing all-year-round.
- Role-Playing Games
Custom characters, big worlds and deep stories attract loyal fans to the RPG market.
The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring continue to pull in UK players to their huge fantasy adventures.
- Racing
Fast, competitive, and accessible, the UK loves these car races. F1 23 and Gran Turismo 7 remain solid favourites for petrolheads and online racers.
- Simulation
From farming to flying, sim games offer total control over a defined world. The Sims 4 lets players shape entire lives, homes, and dramas – and it’s still a UK bestseller.
- Platformers
Classic gameplay never dies: jump, run, repeat. Families and retro fans still adore it.
Super Mario Bros Wonder is a favourite, mixing nostalgia with fresh mechanics.
- Puzzle/Strategy
Smart games entertain sharp minds. Games like Tetris Effect: Connected and Civilization VI remain top choices.
They’re often used to unwind or think.
- Battle Royale
Drop in, survive and win. In this genre, Fortnite leads the charge.
Regular updates and crossovers with pop culture keep the UK’s young players constantly returning to this zone.
- Casino Games
Slots, blackjack, poker and roulette have gone digital. And they’ve never been as popular.
Even bingo is cool.
The mobile platforms have evolved to boost the popularity. Brits are loving the thrills, simple gameplay and chances to win big.
The top ten popular individual video game titles in the UK at the time of writing
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- EA Sports FC 24
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- F1 23
- The Sims 4
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- Fortnite
- Star Spins
The UK gaming landscape shows no signs of slowing down. With increasing new technologies and innovative gameplay, the future of gaming is bright.
Games are becoming better and better – more immersive, accessible and diverse. Virtual reality, cloud gaming and AI-driven content will only elevate the experience even further.
The continued growth of live-service games and cross-platform play is keeping players engaged longer. Plus, the constant updates and in-game events are keeping the gaming excitement fresh.
As gaming expands, so does its reach across UK society.
More players from all walks of life are joining in. Titles are increasingly offering more customization.
The wide range of diverse characters and inclusive narratives is sure to bring in even wider audiences.
With major gaming studios pushing the envelope and indie developers innovating at every turn, there’s always going to be something new.
Mobile gaming is pushing boundaries and casual players are shaping new trends. Games are becoming more social, more interactive – and much more exciting.
This could be just the beginning. Gaming has never been as good but as technologies continue to advance, we’ll see even more groundbreaking titles.
Whether it’s through hyper-realistic graphics or never-before-seen gameplay mechanics, it’s exciting to think that the best is yet to come.
The UK’s gaming market will only grow, thrive and keep surprising us.
