Discover the latest numbers on Gaming addiction worldwide
Video games are a blast for millions of people, but sometimes they become a big problem called gaming addiction. This happens when someone can’t stop playing, even if it messes up their life, like missing school or feeling lonely. I’m an addiction medicine specialist, and I’ve seen how gaming addiction hurts people’s health. Let’s look at the latest numbers from 2025 to see who’s affected, where, and what devices they use.
Gaming addiction, or Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is when someone plays video games too much and it takes over their life. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it’s a real health issue if it lasts at least a year and causes trouble with family, school, or work. A 2022 study found that 3.3% of gamers worldwide, over 105 million people, might be addicted
With over 3.4 billion gamers around the world (Newzoo, 2024), even a small percentage means millions need help. These stats help doctors and families figure out how to support them. Let’s break it down by continents, countries, devices, ages, and more.
Gaming addiction isn’t the same everywhere. Here’s what the numbers show for 2025.
| Continent | Total Gamers (Millions) | Estimated Addicted (%) | Estimated Addicted (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | 1,800 | 3.50% | 63 |
| Europe | 700 | 2.50% | 17.5 |
| North America | 400 | 2.80% | 11.2 |
| South America | 300 | 2.00% | 6 |
| Africa | 488 | 1.50% | 7.3 |
| Australia/Oceania | 50 | 2.50% | 1.3 |
People play games on all kinds of devices, and some make addiction more likely. Here’s the latest data for 2025
| Platform | Estimated Users (Millions) | % of Total Gamers (3.4B) | Addiction Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | 2,500 | 73% | High—easy to grab anytime | Newzoo, 2024 |
| Consoles (PS5, Xbox) | 1,200 | 35% | Medium—long play sessions | Statista, 2024 |
| Computers (PCs) | 1,000 | 29% | Medium—online games hook | Newzoo, 2024 |
| Handheld Devices (Switch) | 200 | 6% | Low—less intense games | Statista, 2024 |
| Group | Total Gamers (Millions) | Estimated Addicted (%) | Estimated Addicted (Millions) | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids (Under 18) | 850 | 8.50% | 72 | Brain still growing | AAP, 2024 |
| Young Adults (18-34) | 1,400 | 4% | 56 | Most gamers here | Statista, 2024 |
| Adults (35+) | 1,150 | 1% | 11.5 | Less time to play | Newzoo, 2024 |
| Boys/Men | 1,870 | 4-5% | 75-93 | 75-90% of addicted | Surfpoint, 2023 |
Games can trick your brain. Winning releases dopamine, a happy chemical, making you want to play more. Boys and young people feel this stronger. In places like South Korea, gaming is a big part of life, so addiction rates soar, up to 10%.
Too much gaming can hurt you:
Savera Wellness in Morgan Hill, CA, helps people beat gaming addiction. Dr. Meenu Vaid, MD, our expert, says, “Therapy and support can stop the gaming cycle” (Savera, 2025). visit Savera to get started.
Gaming addiction hits over 105 million people, with Asia (63 million) and kids (72 million) most affected. Mobile phones (2.5 billion users) lead the way, followed by consoles and PCs. These stats show who needs help, and Savera Wellness is here to make gaming safe again.