Reports in the Market (Overall) category.
Meet the Moment: How Gamers Are Changing the Game The authors wish to thank Katie Chung, Nyla Brewster, and Brandon Rogers for their contributions This work is based on secondary market research, analysis of financial information available or provided to Bain & Company and a range of interviews with industry participants.
Newzoo’s Global Gamer Study 2024 Copyright & Redistribution Notice The content of this report is created with due care by Newzoo and protected by copyrights. This report, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, or used in any manner whatsoever, without the express written permission of Newzoo.
The 2024 Inside Gaming analysis reveals that video games have evolved into a primary medium for identity formation and self-expression, surpassing traditional motivations like competition or time-killing. Based on a global survey of 5,000 entertainment and gaming consumers alongside proprietary first-party data, the findings indicate that 46% of players now prioritize creation and imagination as their primary reason for gaming, marking a 10% year-over-year increase. This shift is driving significant engagement, as players who view gaming as a platform for authenticity are 30% more likely to increase their playtime compared to previous years. The data highlights a profound psychological disconnect between players' digital and physical lives, with 80% of respondents stating their gaming personality differs from their real-life persona. Furthermore, 64% of gamers find it easier to be themselves with a controller in hand than in person. This desire for authenticity is reflected in gameplay preferences, where 76% of players utilize character personalization and 48% focus on unique gamertags to express themselves. Games that facilitate this expression through in-game customization, vast open worlds, and constant updates see 60% higher engagement than industry norms, a trend exemplified by titles such as Roblox, Fortnite, and The Sims. There is a significant commercial opportunity for brands to bridge the gap between virtual and physical identities. Nearly half of all players express a desire for their real-life presence to mirror their gaming presence, particularly regarding physical appearance and skill sets. This sentiment is especially strong among marginalized and younger demographics, including women, non-binary individuals, and multicultural players. Consequently, 72% of consumers report they would view brands more favorably if those companies helped them translate their gaming-inspired self-expression into the real world through products, skills, or lifestyle alignments.