The gaming world has been growing at an unprecedented pace over the last decade, with more and more people flocking to play video games in their free time.
While the stereotype of gamers used to be that they were young teenage boys, this image has changed drastically in recent years. Nowadays, people of all ages and both sexes enjoy playing.
In fact, a recent study by ExpressVPN reveals that millennials spend more time gaming than Gen Z, despite the fact that the latter is often thought of as the generation most obsessed with technology.
Why millenials play video games more than Gen Z?
According to the study, millennials between the ages of 25 and 40 spend an average of 7.81 hours per week playing video games. In contrast, Gen Z, which includes those between the ages of 10 and 24, only spends an average of 6.71 hours per week gaming.
This is a surprising result, as many people assume that Gen Z spends all their time on their phones and playing video games. However, it appears that millennials are the ones who are more likely to indulge in the hobby.
There are several possible explanations for this trend. One is that millennials grew up during a time when gaming was just starting to become popular, so they have more nostalgia and emotional attachment to it.
Many millennials may have fond memories of playing games like Super Mario Bros. or Zelda on their Nintendo consoles as kids, and they continue to enjoy gaming as a way to relax and unwind.
Another possibility is that millennials have more disposable income and can spend more money on gaming. Many of them are now in their 30s and have established careers, so they may be more likely to purchase high-end gaming consoles or expensive gaming laptops.
Finally, it could simply be that they are more likely to be open about their love of gaming. While there used to be a stigma attached to playing video games, that has largely disappeared in recent years.
Many millennials may be proud to identify as gamers, whereas younger generations may not be as vocal about their hobby.
Playing will not go out of fashion
Whatever the reason for this trend, it is clear that while gaming may have started out as a pastime for teenage boys, it has evolved to become a mainstream hobby that is enjoyed by almost everyone.
In fact, the gaming industry has become so popular that it now generates more revenue than the music and film industries combined. According to a report by Newzoo, the global gaming market is expected to reach $217.9 billion in revenue in 2023, up from $152.1 billion in 2019.
This growth is mainly due to the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, which has made it easier for people to play games on the go. However, traditional console and PC gaming are still popular as well, with games like Call of Duty and Fortnite drawing in millions of players each year.
With the rise of gaming, it is no surprise that esports has become a major industry as well. Professional gamers now compete in tournaments with million-dollar prize pools, and esports leagues are starting to attract major sponsors and investors.
Overall, gaming is now a diverse and inclusive hobby, and whether you are a millennial or a Gen Z-er, it is a great way to relax, socialize, and challenge your skills.
Playing is for everyone and everywhere
While the ExpressVPN study found that millennials spend more time gaming than Gen Z, it is important to note that both generations still spend a significant amount of time playing video games. In fact, the average person in the US spends around 7 hours per week playing games.
But, this is not just a US trend. Gaming is a global phenomenon, with people from all over the world playing games regularly.
In countries like South Korea and China, it is a major part of the culture, with professional esports players and gaming cafes attracting large audiences.
Its popularity has also led to the rise of gaming influencers, who use platforms like Twitch and YouTube to share their gameplay and connect with fans. These influencers can have millions of followers and can even make a living from their gaming content.
In addition, the gaming industry has become more inclusive in recent years, with more games featuring diverse characters and storylines. This has led to a wider audience, with people from all backgrounds feeling represented and welcome in the gaming community.
Truth be told, the fact that both millennials and Gen Z are spending so much time gaming is a testament to the staying power of this hobby.
As technology advances and new games are developed, gaming will likely remain a popular pastime for many years.
