URGENT UPDATE: New data reveals that 16.8 million Australians engaged with online gaming in June 2025, marking a 3.9% increase from last year. This surge highlights a staggering shift in digital habits, with gaming rapidly becoming a mainstream activity across all age groups.
According to Ipsos iris, the digital audience measurement endorsed by IAB Australia, three in four Australians aged 14 and over are now actively participating in online games, utilizing smartphones, tablets, and computers. This dramatic growth underscores the evolving landscape of digital entertainment, where gaming has transcended its stereotype as merely a youth pastime.
In a surprising twist, Australians aged 55-64 lead the pack, spending an average of 19 hours per month gaming, surpassing younger demographics. The overall population aged 14 and above devotes an average of 9.8 hours monthly to gaming, equating to nearly 20 minutes per day. Both men and women are engaging similarly, but men, especially those aged 14 to 24, are more inclined to seek out gaming-related content, including updates and commentary.
The popularity of gaming consoles remains robust, with 36% of Australian households owning at least one device. This statistic indicates a persistent interest in dedicated gaming hardware amidst the rising trend of mobile and desktop gaming.
In addition to gaming, Australians continued to consume news at impressive rates, with 21.05 million accessing news websites or apps in June, approximately 95.1% of the online population aged 14 and over. While this figure dipped slightly from May’s election-driven surge, engagement levels remained stable, with Australians spending nearly five hours on digital news throughout the month.
Key stories capturing national attention included the disappearance and alleged murder of Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop, ongoing courtroom developments in the Erin Patterson case, and the thrilling Game II of the 2025 NRL State of Origin series. Global events, such as the escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, alongside the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, also drew significant interest.
The online space saw considerable growth in specific categories, with the biggest month-on-month gains noted in energy, sports, and gaming. Year-on-year, automotive content performed strongly with a 6.8% increase, while games and entertainment categories grew by 3.9% and 3.7% respectively.
Overall, Ipsos iris reported that 22.127 million Australians accessed the internet in June. Those aged 14 and above averaged 4.9 hours online per day, marking an 8.2% increase compared to the previous year.
As Australians continue to embrace online gaming, the implications for digital marketing, entertainment, and social engagement are vast. What happens next in this rapidly evolving digital landscape will be crucial to monitor. Stay tuned for further updates on how these trends will shape the future of Australian media and entertainment.
