The battle for our free time has never been more competitive. Across the UK, leisure hours are now split between scrolling through streaming platforms and diving into immersive gaming experiences. As daily routines become increasingly digital, the lines between entertainment formats are blurring, yet the question remains: Are Brits spending more time glued to games or to OTT platforms in 2026?
Streaming has long been the go-to for relaxed evenings. But with gaming now spanning everything from casual mobile titles to deep, multiplayer adventures, there’s a real shift happening in how people spend their off-hours. So, who’s really winning in the race for attention?
The UK’s Growing Appetite for Gaming
Gaming has firmly moved into the mainstream in the UK, with more people than ever buying and playing online. Digital platforms like Epic Games Store, Steam, and G2A have made it easier for users to access massive libraries of titles from home, no physical discs or midnight store queues needed. Whether it’s downloading Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, or Football Manager 2026, UK players are increasingly turning to online storefronts to get their fix.
Alongside this, mobile gaming has continued to explode. Games like Clash Royale, Among Us, Subway Surfers, and Monopoly Go! top the charts across both Android and iOS. Their short, engaging format makes them ideal for moments in between, whether during a morning train ride or a break at work. With push notifications, daily rewards, and multiplayer hooks, mobile games are keeping users returning daily.
Online casino gaming has also seen a rise in popularity. A clear example of this is the growing presence of casino sites UK, which offer a wide variety of games like slots, roulette, and poker, all easily accessible online at any time. While these games differ from traditional video titles, they still play a role in the wider digital entertainment landscape that many people in the UK now turn to during their free time.
What ties all this together is interactivity. Unlike TV, where you sit back and watch, games ask you to participate. That sense of control, choice, and involvement is drawing in players of all ages, making gaming one of the UK’s top ways to unwind and connect.
Streaming Still Holds Its Ground
That said, OTT platforms haven’t exactly lost their grip. If anything, they’re more popular than ever; just in a different way. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ continue to churn out content designed to keep people watching.
From gritty dramas like Top Boy to wildly successful franchises like Bridgerton and The Crown, the UK audience is still showing up. Documentaries, true crime series, and reality formats like Love Island also hold strong appeal, particularly when released as binge-worthy box sets.
And let’s not forget live sports. Sky Sports and NOW TV still attract large evening audiences, especially during Premier League weekends or F1 race days. OTT doesn’t just mean drama series; it now spans live events, film premieres, and exclusive specials.
Social and Community Engagement
Gaming has evolved into something that’s more than just playing. It’s now a social layer.
Whether it’s teaming up on Apex Legends, chatting on Discord, or attending a live event inside Fortnite, games have created digital spaces that feel personal. The sense of community is powerful. Once someone finds their group or rhythm, they’re likely to return day after day.
Streaming, on the other hand, tends to be a more solitary experience. While “Netflix Parties” and TikTok reactions exist, the connection to others is less immediate. This makes games more likely to take over large chunks of time and build daily habits.
Value for Money Is Also a Factor
In a year where UK households are still keeping an eye on rising costs, entertainment value matters.
Subscription fatigue has set in for some OTT users. Paying separately for Netflix, Disney+, Prime, and Apple TV+ adds up. Some viewers are trimming down to one or two services, especially if shows they enjoy are on hiatus.
Gaming offers a different kind of value. Games like Rocket League and Call of Duty Mobile are free to play, with optional purchases. For many, this feels like a better deal, especially when the entertainment stretches for months.
Game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have also found loyal users by offering hundreds of titles for a single monthly fee.
So, Who’s Winning in 2026?
There’s no single winner, but if we’re counting time spent, gaming is edging ahead. UK consumers are choosing more immersive, interactive forms of entertainment, especially when those experiences come with a social or creative component.
Still, streaming remains a pillar of UK leisure. When the goal is to relax without effort, nothing beats a well-made show. Both formats have their place, and both will continue to evolve as technology and tastes shift.
What’s clear is that the competition for our time isn’t just about content anymore. It’s about connection, control, and flexibility. The platforms that understand this are the ones capturing the most leisure hours.
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