Video Games Now Embraced by All Post-War Generations, Reveals New Study

The notion of the solitary, young male gamer is a relic of the past, as a recent study by Newzoo indicates that engagement with video games has become a widespread phenomenon, transcending age boundaries. According to the study, a significant majority of Baby Boomers, approximately 53%, engage with video games in some capacity. This includes activities such as playing games, watching gaming content, participating in online gaming communities, and attending gaming conventions. The study categorizes individuals as 'engaged' if they have participated in one or more of these activities within the last 12 months. Unsurprisingly, the number of gamers increases with decreasing age, with 72% of Gen X, 88% of Millennials, 92% of Gen Z, and 96% of Gen Alpha engaging with video games. Among the most engaged demographic, Gen Alpha, 'game enthusiasts' dedicate an average of 5.2 hours per week to gaming, surpassing the time spent on social media. This trend underscores the mainstream appeal of gaming and its influence on media and entertainment culture. The Global Gamer Study, which surveyed over 73,000 consumers across 36 markets, found that 85% of online consumers worldwide are considered 'game enthusiasts,' with 80% of global consumers actively playing video games. The study also reveals that the 'adventure' genre is the most popular among the three youngest demographics, with titles like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto being particularly popular. Interestingly, the study notes that while there are some differences in gaming preferences between genders, these differences are not as pronounced as previously thought. For instance, while Gen Z males tend to prefer adventure and action games, females prefer puzzle games. However, both genders share a fondness for adventure games, with the gap between male and female preferences narrowing as the generations progress. Mobile gaming has played a significant role in popularizing games, but PC and console gamers tend to be more dedicated, spending an average of 2.1 hours per day playing games. These platforms also attract the biggest spenders, with over half of console players and a significant portion of PC players spending between $5 and $25 or more per month on gaming-related purchases. The study also highlights the diversity of paying audiences, with younger generations showing a greater willingness to spend money on gaming experiences. This trend is likely to continue, with the report noting that 'paying audiences are growing more diverse with every passing gamer generation.' In terms of new game releases, the study finds that despite the sheer volume of games available, a relatively small number of titles dominate the market. For example, just 66 games accounted for 80% of all playtime in 2023. However, there is still a strong appetite for new experiences, with 31% of PC and console players actively seeking out and trying new games. These 'new game seekers' are a lucrative demographic, with 82% having spent money on gaming within the last six months. They tend to be male, predominantly Gen Z and Millennial, and have an average age of 27.4 years old. The most attractive feature to this group is good graphics, with 38% citing visuals as the most exciting aspect of a game. Interestingly, the regions with the highest proportion of 'new game seekers' are not the traditional core markets of the US, Japan, and the UK, but rather countries like China, India, and Vietnam. This shift in the global gaming landscape is likely to have significant implications for game developers and publishers in the years to come.