Millennials seemingly play games more than any other generation
Gaming is a hobby and a passion for all types of people of all ages across the globe, but time spent gaming is not split up equally amongst different age groups, with groups like millennials spending more time playing games than any other generation.
This is according to a recent survey conducted by the ExpressVPN Gaming Team, who surveyed gamers from ages 16 – 55. The survey responses also included 1,000 different people from the US and 1,000 from the UK. And based on the feedback, it seems millennials (people in the age range of late 20s to early 40s) are more likely to play games for longer periods of time on a consistent basis.
Data from the survey respondents showcases that about 68% of people in the millennial age range admit to playing games daily. Additionally, around a third of those respondents were willing to spend anywhere between $50 to $100 on one in-game purchase.
Millennials likely play more games for numerous reasons
As a millennial, I can tell you that I absolutely fit into this category and that a lot of the data makes sense. We grew up around games, and we were nearly there from the start and have been able to watch the industry grow. For many of us who have loved games during our childhood when things were still fairly new, the passion for playing games never faded away. It simply amplified as games progressed. Every shiny new title, every advancement in graphics and features.
All the deepening complexities of the stories told. And the more complex characters for you to get emotionally attached and/or relate to. They all contribute to a growing love for games as a medium of entertainment.
What was once a fun activity as kids has grown into so much more. Though I know that the reasons for sticking with games throughout the years are not going to be the same for everyone. Regardless of age group. Of course, growing up with games isn’t the only reason millennials are still playing them today. It is a factor, at least for me, and potentially a big one. But there are many more reasons.
Gaming is a great way to escape the daily stresses of life. No matter how those stresses take shape. For some, myself included, games are a great way to bond with friends who share your interests. And that’s a major factor why multiplayer games have become so popular. Because you can play them with friends.
Millennials are also more likely to have additional disposable income. Which can then be spent on games or things related to games that can enhance the experience. This in turn can lead to more time spent gaming. As it can become more enjoyable for longer periods of time.
Live service games like Destiny 2 keep you coming back
I’m only speaking from personal experience here, but another contributing factor to millennials playing more games could equate to titles in the live service category. Live service titles of many genres have become extremely popular over the last few years. And if millennials are playing more games than other generations, then it stands to reason that a decent portion of those players are playing live service games of some kind.
Let’s use Destiny 2 as an example here. Live service games are designed to continue engaging the player over and over. Day after day, week after week, month after month, and so on until the game either dies or simply fades into obscurity. Destiny 2 is a game that’s very good at getting players to come back and dump more time into it.
There’s always something to chase. A better weapon. A better piece of armor. Or a full armor set with top tier stats. Additionally there’s a large number of other accolades to acquire, or things to collect. Basically there’s no shortage of things to do in the game. Even during the slow times where story beats are over, players have things to do. And it’s this wealth of content that keeps players booting up the game to play for what can turn into hours on end.
Ultimately, it boils down to fun. Regardless of what the game is or what genre it’s in, if you’re having fun you’re likely to play for longer.
Millennial gamers spend more
While this isn’t necessarily true for every millennial gamer compared to gamers of other generations, on average, millennials will spend more money on games. A research study from Activision Blizzard in 2021 breaks down a wide variety of interesting little details about millennial gamers and gamers of other generations. One detail is that, at least at the time of this published research, millennials on average were spending around $263.34 on games over the previous 6-month period.
This research study was published on April 5 of 2021. So from October 5 of 2020 up to this date, this is how much the millennial gamer was spending on average on games. This is compared to $210.42 for Gen X gamers, $178.64 for Gen Z gamers, $112.47 for Silent Gen gamers, and just $111.55 for Baby Boomers.
We can probably equate this again to the link millennials have between themselves and games. Millennials grew up around them. From arcades to retro household systems, and things like the first portables such as the Game Boy and SEGA Game Gear just to name a couple of examples.
This more personal connection is bound to drive players in this generation to spend more. Especially since they likely have more to spend in the first place.
Millennials won’t always be the biggest demographic
Millennials play more games now, but it won’t be that way forever. It could be age that eventually changes this or the ways in which games are played. Paired with the fact that gaming is becoming more accessible thanks to the growing popularity of mobile as a platform and the availability of cloud gaming.
Either way, video games are fun and there are so many ways to enjoy them. And there’s never been a better time to try it out if you’re looking for a new hobby.
