Overview

• An online survey by the Bertelsmann Stiftung of 6,435 people in March, including 1,203 frequent players, was released ahead of Gamescom in Cologne.
• Among self-identified gaming-enthusiasts, 38% reported frequent insults while playing, with some encountering threats of violence and women disguising their gender to avoid abuse.
• Problematic attitudes were more common in this subgroup, with 43% agreeing that Jews have too much influence and higher levels of sexism and queerphobia reported.
• Intensive players showed heightened civic activity and political discussion in gaming spaces, with 27% attending demonstrations in the past year compared with 14% in the general population.
• The cohort skewed young and male (55% aged 16–34; 75% male) and showed mixed social outcomes, with 58% reporting loneliness even as many formed friendships that extend offline.