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Top image: Ron Lach – Pexels
Gaming is one of the world’s most popular pastimes, especially for the younger generation. Gen Alpha and Gen Z make up around one third of the global population, and for them gaming is a key part of their lives.
According to Newzoo’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z Report, aptly called The Future of Gaming, the younger generations show notable differences to older generations when it comes to engagement with gaming. They invest more leisure time and are more likely to spend money on games. They also engage with gaming in many diverse ways outside of playing. Gaming is an important part of their everyday lives as they also look to games for many other reasons.
Spend money
Just to be clear, Gen Alpha are people born after 2010 (so 10-12 year olds) and Gen Z is the group born between 1995 and 2009 (13-27 years old). According to the research 90% of both groups identify as ‘Game enthusiasts’, compared to 79% of the total online population. Platform of choice is mobile, followed by PC and console.
Gen Alpha and Z are also more likely to spend money on games. Half of this demographic already does, whereas for the rest of the online population only 42% are willing to put money where their avatar is. The younger generation players are happy to spend money on in-game purchases. Gear and in-game currencies are the most popular items to purchase for both groups, closely followed by playable characters.
In-game socialising
Gaming also goes beyond just entertainment for Gen Alpha and Gen Z. The social elements of video games, like communication, competition, and cooperation are particularly appealing to these younger generations. Connecting in virtual worlds is already part of everyday social interaction and 70% of both groups are interested in socialising in in-game worlds beyond gaming in the future. This will likely play an important role in driving demand for the metaverse.