8 Statistics That Explain Why Generation Z Prefers Video Games Over Movies

Key insights

• A 2024 ESA study shows that 64% of Generation Z prefer gaming to movies, with value perceptions and social aspects driving the change.
• As Millennials become parents, their love of gaming has helped normalize the medium and highlight its potential for bonding with the next generation.
• Mobile gaming is another segment that is growing rapidly, reflecting the emergence of Generation Z as the first truly online generation.

Imagine a world where movies take a back seat to video games. For Generation Z, this is not an illusion, but a reality. A recent study found that a whopping 63% of Generation Z would rather play a game than watch a movie. But why? A recent report gives us an interesting picture of the reasons.

A new era of entertainment

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Essential Facts 2024 report shows a significant generational gap in entertainment preferences. While 55% of Millennials prefer games over movies, only 33% of Generation X and 14% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation share this preference.

This stark contrast raises questions about the future of entertainment and the factors driving Generation Z’s passion for gaming. With so many gamers having an overflowing game library, this seems like a great way to get help completing our outstanding titles.

These eight key statistics from the ESA report help us get a better idea of ​​what is happening with Generation Z and how their tastes differ from those of other generations.

The social gaming revolution

The ESA report highlights that 74% of gamers play with others online or in person, highlighting the evolution of gaming from a solitary activity to a social experience.

Even more telling, 71% of Gen Z gamers view video games as a great way to socialize and maintain relationships. In the age of digital connectivity, games offer a unique platform for interaction and shared experiences. Multiplayer games, in particular, have become virtual meeting places where friends can chat, strategize, and create memories together, mimicking the social aspects of traditional group activities.

You can also play many games cooperatively with friends, making it a worthwhile way to spend time together.

The value proposition of gaming

When it comes to entertainment value, video games are considered a clear winner. An older study suggests that Generation Z sees movies as the fifth most entertaining thing they can do. The 2024 ESA report shows that 63% of gamers believe video games offer the best value for money compared to other forms of entertainment.

Because Generation Z is so budget-conscious, this insight is crucial. The purchase or subscription of a single game can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment, often at a lower cost per hour than traditional media such as films or concerts. Despite the ongoing debate between physical and digital titles, Generation Z believes that games offer a lot more bang for their buck.

The changing perception of gaming

When I was a kid, adults viewed video games as something kids did, not adults. In 2004, the average age of a player was 29 years old. By 2024, that average had risen to 36 years old, suggesting that many who grew up playing video games continue to play well into adulthood.

Perhaps even more surprising is that 72% of parents now play video games themselves, suggesting a normalization of video games across generations. The more familiar parents become with games, the more likely they are to understand and support their children’s interest in the medium. However, this is not new information. A decade ago, some researchers said that parents and children should use video games to strengthen their bond.

The multifaceted appeal of gaming

Why do we play video games? The ESA report outlines different motivations for gaming:

1. 68% play to pass the time or relax
2. 67% play for fun
3. 37% use gaming to keep their minds sharp

Additionally, 73% of respondents agree that games can teach problem-solving skills. There are a number of brain training games and apps that can help improve cognitive skills. These statistics highlight the appeal of gaming beyond mere entertainment, positioning it as a tool for relaxation, mental stimulation, and even skill development.

The mobile gaming explosion

Mobile gaming has always been a huge market, but with the increasing availability of smartphones it has exploded in recent years. In 2012, only 33% of gamers engaged in mobile gaming. By 2024, this figure will have increased to 78%.

This dramatic increase fits perfectly with Generation Z’s digital-native lifestyle, offering instant access to an extensive gaming library anytime, anywhere. Mobile games range from simple puzzle games to complex multiplayer experiences, covering a variety of preferences and play styles.

The educational potential of gaming

I remember when my parents told me that video games were ruining my brain. Turns out that’s not true (who knew?). The ESA report shows that 73% of adults believe that video games can actually teach problem-solving skills. This perception of games as an educational tool resonates strongly with Generation Z, who often seek experiences that provide entertainment and personal growth.

Additionally, 64% of adults agree that video games can teach teamwork and collaboration skills, highlighting the medium’s potential for developing essential soft skills. Many games require players to work together, communicate effectively, and strategize as a team, resulting in valuable experiences that can be transferred to real-world scenarios.

The rise of competitive gaming

The report doesn’t mention competitive gaming directly, but reading between the lines offers some insight. It is noted that 16% of gamers cite competition as a motivation for playing.

This statistic, combined with the social aspects of gaming, points to the increasing popularity of competitive multiplayer gaming among Generation Z, offering experiences that movies simply can’t replicate. The streaming platform Twitch also contributes to the popularity of these competitive games. And it doesn’t cost much to start as a Twitch streamer.

Gaming has an emotional impact

The ESA report finds that 76% of gamers agree that gaming relieves stress. This emotional benefit is particularly important for Generation Z, who are often exposed to high levels of stress on a daily basis.

The ability of games to provide not only entertainment but also emotional regulation and stress relief contributes significantly to their appeal over more passive forms of media such as films. No wonder chill games that help you unwind from a stressful life have become an entertainment phenomenon in their own right.

The future of entertainment

As Generation Z’s gaming preferences change the entertainment landscape, we are witnessing a convergence of media forms. Games inspire movies and TV shows as streaming services move into gaming territory. This change does not mean the end of traditional media, but rather signals the need for adaptation.

The gaming industry’s ability to deliver immersive, social and value-driven experiences has set a new standard for entertainment. As we look forward, it’s clear that Gen Z’s gaming preferences are not just a passing trend, but a harbinger of a new era in the way we consume and interact with media. The game has changed and the entertainment industry needs to get on board or risk losing its audience.