As the year winds down and millions prepare to visit family or take a seasonal break, a travel pattern is emerging that includes gameplay as part of the holiday routine. Increasingly, people are incorporating gaming into time off and travel plans—a trend commonly described as the “gamecation.”
Survey-based research commissioned by Logitech G indicates that in 2025, more than half (55%) of UK adults who game—estimated at roughly 14.1 million people—requested time off from work specifically for gaming. Findings from Australia show a similar pattern, with one in four gamers—approximately 5.3 million people—reporting time off from work or study to game. Across both studies, Logitech G cited new product and game-title releases, as well as major in-game events, as common drivers for timing, while the UK research also found that 28% of respondents reported gaming for six or more hours during time off.
Gaming as a Way to Recharge
The holiday season often brings packed schedules, travel stress, and the pressure of preparations. Logitech G’s research suggests many gamers view play as a method of relaxation and decompression. In Australia, 65% of gamers surveyed said gaming helps them relax and de-stress, ranking alongside those who cited playing for fun. In the UK, 24% reported considering a gaming-themed break in 2025, and 43% of those respondents said adding gaming to time off is equally or more relaxing than alternatives such as spa retreats or city breaks.
Gaming Together, Wherever the Holidays Land
The research also points to gaming as a shared activity that can support connection during family gatherings and across distance. In France, 74% of adults surveyed said video games help bridge generational gaps, and 45% reported having participated in SIM racing with family members—rising to 65% among parents with children under 18. In the UK, where 71% of respondents reported concerns about the amount of quality time spent with children, 86% said they would play video games with their children to create shared moments, and 65% believed gaming could offer more bonding than traditional seasonal activities.
For those unable to be physically together, the Australia data suggested gaming may play a role in maintaining social connections at a distance. One-third (33%) of respondents said gaming is one of their key ways to catch up with friends, and 75% reported that online gaming plays an essential role in staying connected when separated by physical distance.
Gear on the Go
As gaming becomes more embedded in leisure time, devices and accessories are increasingly traveling with players. In the UK survey, 51% of respondents said they bring a console or handheld device on trips. Logitech G also cited that cloud gaming subscriptions have risen more than 500% over the last five years, contributing to more flexible play across locations. When selecting accommodations, UK respondents most commonly cited ultra-fast WiFi (48%) and a comfortable space that can function as a gaming setup (45%) as considerations.
Logitech G noted that portability and convenience are key themes as travel continues through the holidays, with many players prioritizing lightweight, travel-ready accessories and compact peripherals suited to mobile setups.
*Data cited from multiple survey-based studies commissioned by Logitech G. Each survey included 1,000+ participants aged 18–45. Conducted in coordination with Antenna (Australia), September 2025; OpinionWay (France), May 2025; and OnePoll (UK), December 2024 and May 2025. Population figures referenced from the most recent data available via Statista.