Market (Overall)·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Newzoo
90% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z are game enthusiasts, significantly outpacing the 79% engagement rate found in the total online population.
Gaming is the primary entertainment source for Gen Alpha and a top-three source for Gen Z, competing directly with social networks and streaming services.
70% of Gen Z are interested in using virtual game worlds for social activities beyond gameplay, such as attending parties or watching movies, positioning them as the primary drivers of metaverse adoption.
Economic engagement is higher among younger cohorts, with 52% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z spending money on games compared to 42% of the general population.
Mobile is the dominant platform for both play and spending, though Gen Alpha demonstrates a notable preference for consoles, specifically citing franchises like Fortnite and Mario.
Spending among these generations is primarily motivated by the desire to unlock exclusive playable content and purchase virtual goods for character personalization.
90% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z are game enthusiasts, significantly outpacing the 79% engagement rate found in the total online population.
Gaming is the primary entertainment source for Gen Alpha and a top-three source for Gen Z, competing directly with social networks and streaming services.
70% of Gen Z are interested in using virtual game worlds for social activities beyond gameplay, such as attending parties or watching movies, positioning them as the primary drivers of metaverse adoption.
Economic engagement is higher among younger cohorts, with 52% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z spending money on games compared to 42% of the general population.
Mobile is the dominant platform for both play and spending, though Gen Alpha demonstrates a notable preference for consoles, specifically citing franchises like Fortnite and Mario.
Spending among these generations is primarily motivated by the desire to unlock exclusive playable content and purchase virtual goods for character personalization.