While the global online gaming industry is booming, a young British sensation is championing a return to shared, family-friendly play. Spencer Whittenham, an eight-year-old from Derbyshire better known to his 210,000 YouTube followers as Spencer Arcade, has curated a list of his top 10 games for festive family fun, challenging the stereotype of the solitary gamer.
Bridging the Digital and Physical Worlds
The global revenue for online gaming is estimated at a staggering £22.12 billion in 2025, with the UK's gaming community expected to grow from 10.84 million to 11.56 million by 2027. Games like Fortnite dominate, but Spencer's list, released on 20 December 2025, emphasises connection over isolation. His selections cleverly mix classic retro titles with inventive offline challenges designed to get the whole household involved.
Spencer's Curated List: From Oreos to VR
Spencer's top 10 is a testament to his passion for both blockbuster hits and accessible fun. Here are his recommendations for a memorable family Christmas:
1. Oreo Roll Challenge: A messy, hilarious test of nerve. Players roll an Oreo biscuit across a kitchen table into one of five hidden cups filled with mystery ingredients like ketchup or milk. The challenge? To eat it and guess what's inside.
2. Cup Matching Game: A game of logic and observation. Using a cardboard box and cups of different sizes, players must work to match a hidden sequence, learning from each other's mistakes to win.
3. Gaming LEGO: Spencer recommends sets like Mario, Sonic, or the new Game Boy LEGO for creative, hands-on building fun.
4. Guinness World Records Gamers' Edition: Priced at just £7, this book is packed with updated global gaming records for avid readers.
5. Mini Desktop Retro Arcade: This portable device, costing around £15, houses 100 classic games perfect for holidays or home play.
6. A Realtime Subscriber Counter: An incentive for budding content creators, this £40 gadget shows your follower count live.
7. Glow in the Dark Gaming Bed Cover: For £18, this bedding features gaming imagery that lights up the night.
8. Gaming Headphones: Spencer's pick for keeping the peace at home, allowing for immersive play without disturbing parents.
9. Roblox Robux Voucher: The in-game currency for the massively popular Roblox platform, enabling app purchases across its many games.
10. VR Headset: Spencer's favourite, with a wide range of options and prices now available for immersive virtual reality experiences.
A New Voice for Family Gaming
Spencer Arcade represents a fresh, enthusiastic voice in the UK gaming scene. By balancing online excitement with inventive offline activities, his list provides a blueprint for inclusive entertainment that counters concerns about social isolation. His emphasis on retro games and simple, creative challenges proves that family fun doesn't require the latest, most expensive technology. For more ideas and insights, fans can visit his popular Spencer Arcade channel.
