22 Gen Z Gaming Statistics To Get In The Know 2024


Gen Z Gaming Statistics

Gaming is more popular than ever, and the newest generation of gamers is no exception. Gen Z gamers are active and engaged in the gaming community, and they love spending time playing their favorite games. Check out the latest gaming stats below to see just how popular gaming is among this age group!

If you’re curious about how much gaming your kid is doing, or if you just want to know more about how this generation spends its time and money on games, we’ve got some interesting data for you!

We’ve been scouring the internet for the most up-to-date and relevant information about Gen Z gaming, and we think you’ll find some surprising stats here.

So let’s get started!

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Exciting Gen Z Gaming Statistics [Editor’s Picks]

  • 81% of Gen Z’ers have been reported to play video games in the past six months.
  • 77% of Gen Z gamers prefer to use mobile devices for gaming.
  • Gen Z’ers turn to video games to relax or escape their daily stressors.
  • 69% of Gen Z gamers have invested in video games on mobile devices, consoles, and PC in the last 6 months.
  • The monthly average spending amount of Gen Z’ers on video games is between $14.99 to $29.99.
  • Shooting (60%) and Action-Adventure (56%) were the top 2 video game genres preferred by Gen Z gamers.

 

Gen Z Gaming Profile Statistics

1. 81% of Gen Z’ers aged between 10 and 24 have been reported to play video games in the past six months.

(Newzoo)

Gaming remains to be an increasingly popular form of entertainment for many of the Generation Z population. They spend more of their leisure time playing video games than other forms of recreational activities, including watching their favorite television series and movies and listening to music.

Gen Zs are most likely to engage in video games for as long as 7 hours and 20 minutes every week.

 

2. In addition to playing video games, 75% are fond of watching game-related videos and streams

(Newzoo)

For Gen Z gamers, there is more to gaming than just playing. Socializing, watching, and community engagement are also significant parts of a Gen Z gamer’s pastime. They love to watch gaming content, such as gameplay (53%), comedic gaming videos (44%), and their favorite streamers or content creators (43%).

Playing competitive online games and watching their favorite gaming content creators at the same time can lead to the overlapping of activities in many younger Gen Z gamers.

Also, platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube, help establish a stronger connection between viewers and streamers by enabling more interaction between the two.

 

3. 70% of Gen Z gamers are more likely expect to spend time in an online game without playing the game itself.

(Newzoo)

That’s right—70%. And we’re not talking about just “hanging out.” These are people who want to make friends and form relationships, and they want to do it without ever having to play the actual game.

What does this mean for you, as a game developer? It means that if you’re not thinking about how to create a social space for players where they can interact with one another, you might be missing a huge opportunity.

Gaming plays a crucial factor in a Gen Z’er’s day-to-day social life and identity:

  • 66% of them even talk about their interest and the latest in video games to their family and friends;
    51% visit websites and blogs to keep themselves updated with the latest gaming news;
  • 50% hang out in different social media groups and community websites that share their interest in online gaming.

 

4. The top reason why Gen Z’ers play video games is to relax or escape daily stress.

(Amber Studio)

Games have always been a popular form of recreational activity for many Gen Z’ers while socializing is the second top reason for playing video games.

This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. With people staying inside their homes, playing video games is one way to keep people entertained and stay connected to their friends and families.

 

5. 87% of the total Gen Z population use mobile phones, gaming consoles, and personal computers at least weekly, if not daily.

(Fortune)

The majority of Gen Zers are digital natives—they’re used to being online and interacting with technology since they were young. They have grown up with the internet and social media, so it’s no surprise that they’re quick adopters of new technologies.

If you want to reach Gen Z, you have to be on mobile.  This isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for this generation. They expect that everything they need will be available at their fingertips whenever they need it. And they’re right!

If this trend continues, gaming can attract more Gen Z audiences away from watching television and movies. With an estimated value of $162 billion and an annual growth rate of 10%, the global video gaming industry will become more massive than ever.

 

6. For male Generation Z gamers, 68% of them claimed that gaming has a significant impact on their personal identity.

(Whistle)

For the majority of the Gen Z male gamers, gaming is more than just a simple hobby or pastime. It is a fundamental means of identifying themselves. Gaming also plays a crucial component in their social lifestyle, an element of media behavior, and an influential factor in their brand choices.

Additionally, Gen Z males claimed that game innovations coincide with their birth. Gen Zs are born in an era of high-speed Internet, giving them the privilege to easily download and play their favorite video games on their mobile phones, PCs, and game consoles with their circle of game-loving friends.

 

7. 52% of Gen Z gamers want opportunities to make money in virtual game worlds.

(Business Wire)

It’s no secret that Gen Z loves to play video games. And it’s not just because they’re fun—it’s also because they can help you make money!

According to a recent study, 52% of Gen Z gamers reported that they would like to make money in the metaverse. In fact, they would be willing to spend more time playing if it meant making more money.

So what does this mean for your business? Well, first off, it means that if you’re looking for new customers and new ways to reach them, then maybe you should consider getting into the gaming world. There are tons of different ways that you can do this: from developing a game yourself or sponsoring someone else’s game (or even just sponsoring your own brand), there are lots of options out there for companies who want to capitalize on this trend.

 

8. More Gen Z males who play games consider themselves to be gamers than women.

(New Digital Age)

According to recent statistics, 73% of Generation Z males who play games identify as gamers compared to only 27% of Generation Z females.

Across all ages, there is a larger percentage of male gamers than females (55% versus 45%). Only a quarter of men play video games casually.

 

9. 51% of Gen Z who play games are core gamers.

(New Digital Age)

Researchers split the gaming behaviors of Gen Z’ers into three categories. The first category includes casual gamers who play games less than 5 hours per week; the second one is core gamers that play games for an estimated 12 hours per week; lastly, there are hardcore gamers who play for more than 20 hours per week.

 

10. 82% of the Gen Z population play mobile games often.

(Tapjoy)

Born and raised in a technological era, 83% of the post-1997 Generation Z started using mobile phones before they turned the age of 18. 43% play mobile games twice a day during the holidays, while 55% are always searching for new mobile games to play.

 

Gen Z Gaming Platform of Choice Statistics

11. Mobile devices are the top gaming platform that Gen Z’ers prefer.

(Newzoo)

77% of Gen Z’ers use mobile devices as a gaming platform compared to PC (68%) and game consoles (58%). While PC and game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox) are popular, many Gen Z gamers are more likely to play games using their mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

While their preferred platform may have to do with the cross-platform and cross-progression play, services and subscriptions for cloud gaming, such as Xbox Game Pass, can also have a significant impact on the platform-agnostic next generation of gamers.

 

12. 62% of Gen Z gamers are engaging on YouTube to be entertained.

(Think With Google)

YouTube is a place where you can watch videos of cats doing the most ridiculous things, and it’s also a place where you can watch people play video games.

The latter is more popular with Generation Z gamers, according to new research from Google. In fact, 62% of Gen Z gamers are engaging on YouTube to be entertained by content related to gaming.

 

13. 21% of Gen Z’ers have downloaded more than 10 games on their smartphones.

(AdColony)

It’s a fact: Gen Z’ers love their smartphones. And what do they love on their smartphones? Games, of course! That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 21% of them have downloaded more than 10 games on their phones.

Compared to other generations, Gen Z’ers are the top mobile game consumers. Not only do they have a myriad of games on their mobile phones, but they are also constantly searching for and downloading new mobile games to play to pass time.

 

14. 78% of Gen Z’ers own a tablet in their homes.

(HeadStuff)

While this tech habit may potentially change in the future, it enables brands to tap into their preference to decide where to feature their advertisements. For example, Gen Z’ers prefer watching gaming-related YouTube channels over Netflix.

 

Gen Z Gaming Spending Habits

15. Games are the second top content that Gen Z consumers are willing to pay for.

(Digital Content Next)

While video and music streaming are the top paid services, it is followed by mobile games, console games, and PC games.

When it comes to their willingness to pay for content, 61% of Gen Z will settle for better quality, 56% for a better experience, and 50% will invest in content that offers convenience. On the other hand, 40% emphasized the need for an ad-free environment.

Gen Z’ers prefer subscriptions that offer a smooth and personalized experience and platforms that curate high-quality content for them.

 

16. The monthly average spending amount of Gen Z’ers on video games is between $14.99 to $29.99.

(Amber Studio)

81% of Gen Z participants in a survey claimed to make video game-related purchases 2 to 4 times a year, validating the hypothesis—Gen Z’ers don’t have plenty of available disposable income.

While the most defining feature of the Gen Z population is their interest in gaming, researchers believe that the amount they invest in gaming will steadily increase as they enter the workforce.

This only shows that the key to monetization is by focusing on offering “perceived value.”

 

17. The top reason for Gen Z’ers in making in-game purchases is that they see a great deal.

(Amber Studio)

65% of Gen Z gamers have splurged on virtual items within a game, according to the US Youth Trends Report.

Players are most likely to make in-game purchases when they find a good discount or any opportunity to exchange high value for a low cost. Seeing a great deal has a significant impact on the purchasing decision of Gen Z’ers

That’s why it’s important for you as a game developer to offer discounts and promotions. You can do this by creating limited-time offers, or by running periodic sales where you offer some of your most popular items at a discount.

Another way you can encourage players to buy from your store is by offering them exclusive items that can only be purchased from your store through an online promo code / coupon / discount code. This makes it easy for them to get what they want without having to go out of their way or spend time searching for it elsewhere.

 

18. Mobile gaming has crossed $120 billion in value in 2021 as Gen Z consumers spent more money as they move their gaming toward mobile platforms.

(All Response Media)

Since the start of the pandemic, the increasing demand for mobile games has not shown any sign of slowing down. In March 2020, the weekly downloads of mobile games have surpassed the one billion mark and have steadily remained at that level.

Additionally, mobile game consumers have made more purchases in the first half of 2021—$1.7 billion per week, showing a 40% increase from the pre-pandemic period.

 

19. 69% of Gen Z gamers have invested in video games on mobile devices, consoles, and PC in the last 6 months.

(Newzoo)

Gen Z’s are willing to spend money on games because they provide new experiences on various platforms. For instance, new opportunities are created in the Metaverse to engage with the new generation of gamers.

 

Most Popular Video Games Played by Gen Z

20. 38% of Gen Z’ers enjoy playing board games.

(Statista)

Surprisingly, a 2020 survey reported that the younger generations in the United States take pleasure in playing various types of board games more than the older generations. In fact, in May 2020, 38% of Gen Z respondents said they enjoy playing board games in their free time. On the other hand, only 26% of Silent Generation members enjoy playing board games.

Who knew that board games were so popular among Gen Z’ers? Perhaps this is because they are so much easier to play than video games—no need for expensive consoles or controllers. Plus, playing with friends and family can be just as much fun as playing by yourself!

 

21. Shooting (60%) and Action-Adventure (56%) were the top 2 video game genres preferred by gamers aged 16 to 24 across the globe in 2021.

(Statista)

While Minecraft, Roblox, and Genshin are among the most popular game craze with the younger generations, shooting games are the most preferred gaming genre for virtually all age groups except for older online gamers aged 55 to 64 years, where it ranked third. Action-adventure gaming genre ranked second across all age groups.

On the other hand, battle royale games are the top gaming genre for online users aged 16 to 24 years, while the older age groups claimed to engage in MMO or online board games.

 

22. Grand Theft Auto V ranked as the most popular video game in 2020 for Gen Z’ers.

(Koalition)

GTA Online has captivated the interest of many Gen Z gamers. It offers an ongoing social experience that is most likely to prosper into the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X life cycle. This is incredible, especially since the game was launched on both PS3 and Xbox 360.

 

Related Questions (FAQ)

What games does Gen Z play?

The most popular games played by the Gen Z population are:

  1. Grand Theft Auto V
  2. Minecraft
  3. Red Dead Redemption 2
  4. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
  5. Rocket League
  6. Fortnite Battle Royal
  7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
  8. FIFA 20
  9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
  10. Grand Theft Auto IV

 

What percentage of the Gen Z population are gamers?

Eighty-one percent of the total Generation Z populace consider themselves gamers. In addition to mobile phones, Gen Z’ers are the most likely to use various gaming platforms, including consoles and PC, than other generations. This only shows their high interest in games.

 

Why does Gen Z play video games?

For Gen Z’ers, gaming entails more than just playing their favorite video games. It is a form of socialization, viewing, and community engagement. It also helped them stay connected with friends and family while helping them get through the difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

What generation plays the most video games?

Members of Generation Z love video games the most, with 81% of its total populace identifying themselves as gamers. On the other hand, only 71% of Millenials, 60% of Generation X, and 42% of Baby Boomers play video games. Furthermore, Furthermore, 7 hours and 20 minutes is the average time Gen Z gamers spent playing video games each week.

 

How is gaming influencing the new generation?

While gaming has a negative influence on this generation, playing games like puzzles helps exercise the brain. It improves your problem-solving ability, a skill that is crucial in engineering, computer science, and digital technology.

 

Conclusion

And that’s it, folks!

As you can see, Gen Zers are a huge audience for game developers and publishers. They love their games and are willing to spend money on them—if you can get them in the door.

We hope this list has been helpful for you as you think about how to market your games to this new generation of gamers and better understand the Gen Z gaming audience.

If you have any questions about any of the data in this article, feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries. We’d love to chat and see how we can help!

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Sources

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