Ever more people 60 years and older are gaming

• More than 34 million Germans play computer and video games
• Over 5 million seniors are gamers
• Average age of gamers increases to 37.5 years

Ever more seniors are discovering an affinity for games. Over 5 million people 60 years or older in Germany currently play computer and video games – an increase of around 700,000 players compared to the figure of about 4.4 million in 2019. A total of more than 34 million people play computer and video games in Germany. These are the numbers released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by the market research company GfK. As in all other age groups, players over 60 are equally divided between women and men. Seniors most often reach for their smartphone or tablet to play; around 50 per cent of players in this age group make use of these devices for gaming.

‘For many people 60 years and older, a virtual round of skat, a construction simulation or a crossword puzzle is just as much a part of everyday life as reading the newspaper or watching the news,’ says game Managing Director Felix Falk. ‘Games often open the door to the digital world for older people. They don’t merely entertain; they make possible digital participation. The ongoing corona crisis brings into even sharper focus just how important access to the digital world is for older people too.’

The average age of gamers in Germany continues to increase

Currently, around 34 million people play computer and video games in Germany. Half of these players are women (about 48 per cent). The average age of gamers in Germany has increased compared to last year, from 36.4 years in 2019 to 37.5 years currently. This is in part a result of the continual increase in the numbers of gamers in the 50–59 and 60-plus age groups in Germany. In part, it is due to the fact that many long-time players have remained true to the medium and are now in these age categories.

About the market data

Please note: for the first time, the current market data includes analyses for the 60-plus age group. This data is visualised in the corresponding market data graphic.

The market data is based on statistics compiled by the GfK Consumer Panel and App Annie. The methods used by GfK to collect data on Germany’s digital games market are unique in terms of both their quality and their global use. They include an ongoing survey of 25,000 consumers who are representative of the German population as a whole regarding their digital game purchasing and usage habits, as well as a retail panel. The data collection methods provide a unique insight into the German market for computer and video games.

game – the German Games Industry Association:

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the best games location.