Market (Overall)·Updated Apr 8, 2026 by Newzoo
Gen Z and Gen Alpha players spend an average of 5.2 hours per week gaming, surpassing their time spent on social media.
Approximately 22% of Gen Z players spend $25 or more monthly on games, showing a strong preference for upfront payments compared to the free-to-play model favored by mobile gamers.
One-third of PC/console gamers are 'new game seekers' who spend 7–8 hours weekly across multiple platforms and consistently invest over $25 monthly.
Gen Z motivations are driven by open-world environments (66–73%), deep storytelling (65–68%), competitive duels (71%), and cooperative goals (68%).
New game seekers are predominantly Gen Z (42%) and Baby Boomers who show high loyalty to major franchises like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Roblox.
Over 90% of the 'new game seeker' segment actively consumes gaming-related media, indicating a high level of engagement beyond just gameplay.
Eight in ten global consumers are currently active participants in the gaming ecosystem, either through playing or engaging in related community and content activities.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha players spend an average of 5.2 hours per week gaming, surpassing their time spent on social media.
Approximately 22% of Gen Z players spend $25 or more monthly on games, showing a strong preference for upfront payments compared to the free-to-play model favored by mobile gamers.
One-third of PC/console gamers are 'new game seekers' who spend 7–8 hours weekly across multiple platforms and consistently invest over $25 monthly.
Gen Z motivations are driven by open-world environments (66–73%), deep storytelling (65–68%), competitive duels (71%), and cooperative goals (68%).
New game seekers are predominantly Gen Z (42%) and Baby Boomers who show high loyalty to major franchises like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Roblox.
Over 90% of the 'new game seeker' segment actively consumes gaming-related media, indicating a high level of engagement beyond just gameplay.
Eight in ten global consumers are currently active participants in the gaming ecosystem, either through playing or engaging in related community and content activities.