Back to Member Vault

Unlocking Gaming: The lowdown on consumer search behaviour and the future of play

Tags:

Consumer Behaviour Gaming Market Overview
Consumer Behaviour Gaming Market Overview

This content was created by an IAB UK member

Members of IAB UK can contribute to the Member Vault. Log in to submit your content.

The gaming world is evolving at lightning speed, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for brands to connect with highly engaged and passionate audiences—both within and beyond the gaming industry. So, what are the defining trends shaping the future of play?

Powered by Captify's rich onsite search data, this comprehensive report uncovers the key trends, shifting consumer behaviours, and emerging audiences redefining the UK's gaming landscape.

Whether your goal is to break into esports, harness cross-platform synergies with TV and film, or forge impactful in-game partnerships, this report turns insights into actionable strategies to help your brand not just play—but win.

Inside the Report, You'll Discover:

  • Game On: Gaming has surpassed other entertainment categories in onsite search interest, driven by cross-screen engagement.
  • Console Loyalty Fades: Multi-console ownership and subscription-based models are paving the way for a flexible, on-demand gaming era.
  • The Untethered Era: Mobile and handheld gaming are booming as PC gamers unplug from their desktops.
  • Cultural Connections: Location and connectivity are increasingly shaping gaming preferences and behaviours.
  • Big Wins for Brands: Esports and in-game partnerships are driving significant results for brands beyond the gaming space. 

Ready to unlock these insights—and more?

Download the full report here

By Alice Brampton, Global Head of Content

Captify

As the largest holder of onsite search data outside the walled gardens, Captify empowers brands to understand consumer interests, motivations and mindsets in real-time through search signals from over 3 million websites globally. Search behaviour provides a view into consumer intent, which is made actionable through machine learning technology. Captify’s Search Intelligence fuels pre-campaign strategy and audience development, flexible programmatic activation, and unique measurement and insights for the world's biggest brands. 

Posted on: Monday 16 June 2025

IAB UK Chatbot

Close Chat

Hi, I'm NORI

As the IAB’s AI-powered chatbot, I’m here to help IAB members understand everything about the world of digital advertising. You must be an IAB member to ask a question. To get started, either log into your account or create one below.

Are you sure you want to clear your chat history?

No
IAB chatbot icon