The ZBD Gen Z Gamer Study, released today, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of 18-25-year-olds and their relationship with gaming, brands, and Bitcoin. Conducted with over 2,000 Gen Z gamers in the US, this comprehensive survey unveils crucial insights for brands, advertisers, game developers, and publishers eager to tap into this dynamic demographic.
Gaming: More Than Just a Hobby
The study underscores the pivotal role gaming plays in the lives of Gen Z, revealing that 65% of respondents spend over three hours a day playing video games. For many, gaming is more than just entertainment; it’s a space where they can be their true selves, with 72% affirming they feel authentic while playing online. However, the online gaming world isn’t without its challenges, as 34% of respondents cite toxicity as a significant issue.
Monetization and Advertising: A Delicate Balance
While casual mobile games are the most popular among Gen Z gamers, with 57% favoring them, the study highlights a critical tension: 43% of gamers feel that ads ruin the gaming experience. This presents a challenge for game developers and advertisers to find a balance between monetization and user satisfaction.
ZBD Gen Z Gamer Study Key Findings
Brand Engagement: The Power of Influencers and Fair Rewards
The study reveals a strong connection between Gen Z gamers and influencers, with 67% stating they would trust a brand more if it engaged with influencers they know. Furthermore, 80% of gamers want fair rewards for content creators and influencers, indicating a demand for equity and authenticity in brand partnerships.
A notable finding is that 81% of respondents have played or are willing to play games based entirely on non-gaming brands, like Nikeland in Roblox. This openness presents a unique opportunity for brands to create immersive experiences that resonate with this audience.
Economic Perspectives: Side Hustles and Bitcoin
Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through, with 70% of gamers making money through side hustles. Moreover, 47% of respondents agree that “Bitcoin is real money,” and a substantial 74% would be more receptive to in-game ads if they were rewarded with Bitcoin. This highlights a shift towards digital and decentralized currencies among young gamers.
Platform Preferences and Influencer Dynamics
Gender differences in platform preferences are pronounced: males predominantly follow influencers on YouTube (79%), while females prefer TikTok (75%). The study also touches on polarizing figures within the influencer landscape, noting that Andrew Tate is the most liked by male gamers but simultaneously the most disliked by females.
Expert Insight
Ben Cousens, Chief Strategy Officer at ZBD, emphasized the importance of understanding this digitally-native generation. “Gen Z is the first to grow up as digital-natives, meaning there are stark differences with any that came before. Things like subscriptions for digital entertainment services, which seem so new to over-30s, are already on their way to being as obsolete as the Sears catalog to Gen Z. It’s imperative for games industry companies, consumer brands, and advertisers to understand how to communicate and engage with the most technologically plugged-in generation in history, which demands authenticity and fairness above all.”
Discover More
For those keen to delve deeper into the minds of Gen Z gamers, including their thoughts on personalities like James Charles and Taylor Swift, the full findings of The ZBD Gen Z Gamer Study can be downloaded here.
This study is a must-read for anyone looking to connect with the next generation of consumers, offering invaluable insights into their behaviors, preferences, and expectations.
