ReportNewzoo
Newzoo's Generations Report: How Different Generations Engage with Games
1 Jan 202521 pages~18 min full read
Gen Z and Millennials spend significantly more time gaming weekly, averaging 7 hours 20 minutes and 6 hours 30 minutes respectively, compared to just over 2 hours for Baby Boomers.
See it on page 6Platform spending habits are polarized by generation, with Gen Z allocating 77% of their gaming budget to mobile while Baby Boomers direct 73% of their spend toward PC.
See it on page 7Engagement with game-related content is higher among younger cohorts, as 67–71% of Gen Z and Millennials both play and watch games, compared to 44–51% for older generations.
See it on page 13Motivations for gaming diverge by age, with younger players prioritizing competition, socializing, and achievement, while older players primarily seek relaxation.
See it on page 15The metaverse is a significant growth area, with 70% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials anticipating increased time spent in virtual worlds.
See it on page 19Persona segmentation shows Gen Z is dominated by 'Ultimate' and 'Community' gamers, whereas older cohorts are characterized as 'Time-Fillers' or 'Bargain Buyers'.
See it on page 10The report examines how gaming engagement varies across generational cohorts, drawing on a representative online sample of 72,068 respondents from 33 global markets (North America, EMEA, APAC). Data were collected via Computer Assisted Web Interviewing between January and April 2021. Findings show that younger generations devote a larger share of leisure time to gaming, with Gen Z and Millennials spending 11–12% of their free time on games versus 18% for Baby Boomers. Weekly playtime averages 7 hours and 20 minutes for Gen Z, 6 hours and 30 minutes for Millennials, dropping to just over 2 hours for Baby Boomers. Gaming remains the dominant entertainment medium across all ages, though motivations shift: younger players cite competition, socializing and achievement, while older players prioritize relaxation.
Platform preferences differ markedly; Gen Z spends 77% of gaming spend on mobile, whereas Baby Boomers allocate 73% to PC. Younger gamers also engage more with game‑related content, with 71–67% of Gen Z and Millennials both playing and watching games, compared to 44–51% for older cohorts. Persona segmentation reveals that “Ultimate Gamers” and “Community Gamers” dominate among Gen Z, whereas older groups are more likely to be “Time‑Fillers” or “Bargain Buyers.”
The report highlights the metaverse as a growing trend, with 70% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials expecting to spend more time in virtual worlds. Overall, the study underscores a generational shift toward immersive, social gaming experiences and signals expanding opportunities for brands to reach diverse gamer audiences.
