ESA Survey : Gaming More Popular Among Gen Z Compared to Movies

A recent Entertainment Software Association (ESA) survey underscores a significant shift in entertainment preferences, especially among Generation Z, as video games increasingly surpass movies in popularity. The “2024 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry” report highlights how gaming has evolved into a dominant form of entertainment across generations, with Gen Z leading the charge. This is also evident with Unilever investing in gaming for growth.

According to the ESA survey, 63% of Gen Z respondents preferred playing video games over watching movies. This preference reflects the immersive, interactive nature of gaming, which resonates more with younger audiences than traditional passive entertainment formats like films. The findings point to gaming as not only a leisure activity but also a medium for storytelling and social engagement, elements that are crucial for the digital-native Gen Z.

The report also provides a detailed overview of the demographics and habits of American gamers. Currently, there are approximately 190 million gamers in the U.S., spanning ages 5 to 90. Interestingly, gaming is no longer just for the young, as the percentage of gamers over 50 has nearly doubled over the past two decades, growing from 17% in 2004 to 29% in 2024. The average gamer’s age has also risen, from 29 years old in 2004 to 36 in 2024, demonstrating that gaming has become a lifelong activity for many.

The survey reveals that the gaming community is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with 53% of gamers identifying as male and 46% as female, while 1% identify as non-binary. Additionally, the report highlights the diversity within the gaming community, with 11% of respondents identifying as LGBT.

The survey highlights why people enjoy gaming, with 68% of respondents citing “killing time and relaxing” as the top reason. This was closely followed by “having fun” (67%), “using your brain and sharpening your mind” (37%), and “immersing yourself or escaping” (30%). These motivations showcase the multifaceted appeal of video games, which can provide both entertainment and mental engagement.

Mobile phones have emerged as the top gaming platform, with 67% of gamers using them, followed by PCs (53%), game consoles (36%), and virtual reality (VR) platforms (12%). This growing preference for mobile gaming reflects the increasing accessibility and portability of games, allowing players to enjoy them anytime, anywhere.

As Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of the ESA, noted, “Generation Alpha is poised to become the largest generation of players ever.” With the gaming industry’s ever-expanding influence, its potential to entertain, educate, and inspire will only grow. As Gen Z and the upcoming Generation Alpha continue to embrace gaming, the entertainment landscape shifts, positioning video games as the preeminent form of interactive media.

This cultural shift suggests that the future of entertainment will increasingly blend digital and interactive elements, with video games at the forefront of this transformation.