84% of parents make agreements about purchases of in-game content

73% do not allow purchases of in-game content at all

72% know about the PEGI age rating system

76% use parental control tools

 

Brussels, August 19, 2025 – On the eve of gamescom, the biggest video game fair on earth, Video Games Federation Belgium (VGFB) releases its new Key Facts report for the year 2024. The report features the results of VGFB’s latest annual consumer survey among 700 parents and caretakers in Belgium, conducted by DVJ Insights*. The report shows an impressive awareness of video game-related issues with parents, including agreements about purchases of in-game content, the use of parental controls and a solid understanding of the PEGI age rating system. Additionally, the Key Facts report features demographic and consumer sales data for 2024, gathered in collaboration with renowned data partners.

In focus: children’s video gameplay

The results of the consumer survey highlight the gameplay habits of Belgian children aged 4 to 17. “With 61% of children playing video games for less than 7 hours per week, 36% engaging for 7 to 15 hours and only 3% exceeding 15 hours, the data suggests that most children maintain balanced habits”, details David Verbruggen, General Manager at Video Games Federation Belgium. Importantly, parental involvement plays a significant role, as 96% of parents make agreements with their children regarding where, when and how much they can play video games. 

Furthermore, 56% of parents permit their children to play video games only when a parent is present, ensuring oversight during gameplay. A significant 35% allow their children to play online games with friends, while only 2% permit online gameplay with people their children do not know, reflecting cautious engagement with online interactions. 

Purchases of in-game content and parental control

The results of the consumer survey also indicate a remarkably proactive approach that Belgian parents take towards managing their children’s purchases while playing video games. “According to our report, 84% of parents actively make agreements with their children about their purchases of in-game content. While 73% of parents indicate that their children are not allowed to spend money while playing, 27% permit some expenditure. Among those parents who do allow spending on in-game content, the monthly amounts are generally rather modest: between 10 – 20 euros or less. Only a very small percentage of parents (0,54%) allow expenditure above 50 euro per month”, explains David Verbruggen.

The report further emphasises that 72% of parents are well informed about the PEGI age rating system, ensuring age-appropriate video games for their children, while 76% use parental control tools to effectively monitor and manage their children’s video game experience.

Demographic data about Belgian gamers

The Key Facts demographic data section, in collaboration with Newzoo**, reveals that in 2024 a total of 6.2 million people played video games in Belgium with an average age of 31,2 years old. “1 out of 3 Belgian gamers is older than 35 and women represent a whopping 46% of all people playing games in Belgium. The most popular genres among Belgians are adventure games, puzzle games and shooters”, adds Verbruggen. “4.2 million Belgians enjoy video games on consoles while mobile devices attract 2.8 million Belgians and pc 2.4 million.”

Consumer sales data

Last but not least, the Key Facts consumer sales data section, in collaboration with Sparkers, AppMagic and Newzoo***, features consumer sales units, download units and hours watched for video game hardware and software in Belgium. “The numbers are impressive and testament to video games offering great entertainment value for millions of Belgian consumers”, adds Verbruggen.

  • The 5 best-selling video game devices for 2024 represent 280.428 units combined, with PlayStation 5 leading and Nintendo Switch coming in second.
  • The 10 best-selling pc and console games stand at 649.068 units combined, covering both full physical games (in packaging via physical or online retailers) as well as full digital downloads. EA SPORTS FC25 tops the console chart. The pc chart is led by Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
  • The 5 most downloaded mobile games represent 3.671.738 units combined with Block Blast! talking top spot.
  • Finally, the 10 most live streamed video games reach 21 million hours watched via live streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
  • For more details we refer to the Key Facts report itself.