033 - Why Men Are 15x More Likely to Be Gaming Addicts + New Podcast Announcement!

With 2.5 billion people playing video games around the globe, and 3-4% of these showing signs of gaming addiction, it's easy to see how there are 10's of millions of gaming addicts worldwide. However, did you know that 94% of them are men?

Show Notes

What do you think the average gamer looks like? A man in his early 20’s, perhaps a college student? Wrong. It’s actually a woman in her mid 30’s. 

Why is it then that the average gaming addict is a 24-year-old male?

With men making up over 90% of the population of gaming addicts, scientists have been prompted to undertake research into why this is the case.

As it turns out, there may actually be underlying neurological reasons as to why men are more likely to become addicted to gaming, read more in the study here.

Personally, I think the naturally competitive nature of men plays a bigger role in it. Video games are the perfect place for men to assert dominance in ways that would have been fulfilled through fighting or sports in the past. It's no wonder then, with so many people playing games, that men have naturally tended to dominate the competitive space.

Want to know more? Read our article: Everything you need to know about gaming disorder.

Also, if you stick to the end of the episode I make a big announcement about the launch of a new podcast!

Life After Gaming is going to feature stories and interviews from the people that make Game Quitters possible: You!

I'll post more information in the future but you can have a read of the post on our forum here if you're interested!


Thanks for listening, and as always don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Gaming the System so you're notified of future episodes!

See you next time.

What is Gaming the System: Gaming Addiction & Screen Time?

Presented by Game Quitters, Gaming the System is the essential podcast for gamers, parents, and families navigating video game addiction, excessive screen time, and phone addiction in our digital age. Whether you're struggling with gaming disorder, concerned about your child's internet safety, or seeking guidance on modern parenting, this show provides practical strategies to help you find balance and thrive in our tech-centric world.

Each week, we explore the intersection of technology and mental health, covering everything from video game addiction recovery stories to screen time management techniques. Our episodes feature expert insights on internet safety for families, digital wellness strategies, and real-world solutions for overcoming phone addiction and gaming-related challenges.

Join us as we tackle industry news, examine the psychology behind addictive game mechanics, and spotlight solutions to addressing gaming disorder. Most importantly, we share inspiring stories of people who've transformed their relationship with technology and now live lives they're proud of.

Gaming the System isn't about eliminating technology—it's about mastering it. Perfect for concerned parents seeking digital parenting advice, gamers looking to establish healthier habits, and anyone wanting to create sustainable boundaries with screens and technology.