ReportNewzoo
Gamer Generations Report: How Different Generations Engage with Games 2021
1 Jan 202121 pages~18 min full read
Gaming has become a primary entertainment medium, with Gen Z and Millennials dedicating approximately 25% of their total leisure time to it.
See it on page 5Engagement depth is age-dependent: 81% of Gen Z identify as gamers, compared to 42% of Baby Boomers, with younger cohorts treating games as social hubs rather than just casual pastimes.
See it on page 10The metaverse is gaining traction, as 70% of Gen Z gamers report an intent to use game worlds for non-gaming activities like socializing and attending events.
See it on page 19Over two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials both play games and consume gaming video content, positioning streamers and creators as primary cultural influencers for these demographics.
See it on page 11While younger players prioritize creative sandbox and battle royale genres, older generations primarily utilize mobile platforms for casual, functional engagement like seeking tips or unwinding.
See it on page 16Across all generations, there is a unified interest in metaverse-adjacent features, specifically regarding avatar customization and free advertiser-sponsored content.
See it on page 20The findings are based on a comprehensive sample of over 72,000 respondents across 33 global markets, confirming gaming as a foundational element of modern social identity.
See it on page 2Gaming has evolved into a primary form of entertainment that transcends age groups, though engagement patterns vary significantly by generation. Younger cohorts, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, now prioritize gaming over traditional media like television or social media, spending approximately 25% of their leisure time on the medium. While 81% of Gen Z identifies as gamers, the hobby maintains a strong foothold among older populations, with 42% of Baby Boomers participating. This data suggests that gaming has become a focal point for global leisure, offering brands extensive opportunities to reach diverse audiences across 33 surveyed markets.
The depth of engagement is highly correlated with age. Younger generations exhibit multi-dimensional behaviors, including viewing game-related content, participating in online communities, and utilizing games as social hubs. For Gen Z and Millennials, streamers and content creators serve as major cultural influences, with over two-thirds of these groups both playing and watching gaming video content. In contrast, older generations like Gen X and Baby Boomers engage more casually, primarily using mobile platforms to fill time or unwind. Their motivations are largely practical, often seeking out reviews or "tips and tricks" rather than social or competitive experiences.
The industry is currently shifting toward the metaverse, characterized by virtual spaces that host non-gaming activities such as concerts and social gatherings. Approximately 70% of Gen Z gamers expect to spend time in game worlds without actively playing the main game, signaling a move toward digital persistence and self-expression. While younger players favor sandbox and battle royale genres that empower creativity, all generations express interest in metaverse features like free advertiser-sponsored content and avatar customization. This research, based on a sample of over 72,000 respondents, concludes that gaming is no longer just a pastime but a foundational component of modern social identity and digital interaction.
