Market (Overall)·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Fandom
46% of gamers now prioritize creation and imagination as their primary motivation for playing, representing a 10% year-over-year increase.
Games that facilitate self-expression through customization, open worlds, and constant updates—such as Roblox, Fortnite, and The Sims—achieve 60% higher engagement than industry norms.
72% of consumers report they would view brands more favorably if those companies helped them translate their gaming-inspired self-expression into real-world products, skills, or lifestyle alignments.
64% of gamers find it easier to be themselves while gaming than in person, and 80% report that their gaming personality differs from their real-life persona.
Players who view gaming as a platform for authenticity are 30% more likely to increase their total playtime compared to previous years.
76% of players utilize character personalization and 48% focus on unique gamertags to express their identities within digital environments.
46% of gamers now prioritize creation and imagination as their primary motivation for playing, representing a 10% year-over-year increase.
Games that facilitate self-expression through customization, open worlds, and constant updates—such as Roblox, Fortnite, and The Sims—achieve 60% higher engagement than industry norms.
72% of consumers report they would view brands more favorably if those companies helped them translate their gaming-inspired self-expression into real-world products, skills, or lifestyle alignments.
64% of gamers find it easier to be themselves while gaming than in person, and 80% report that their gaming personality differs from their real-life persona.
Players who view gaming as a platform for authenticity are 30% more likely to increase their total playtime compared to previous years.
76% of players utilize character personalization and 48% focus on unique gamertags to express their identities within digital environments.