Video games have become a global cultural force, according to a new report by Newzoo. The 2024 “How Consumers Engage with Games Today” reveals that 85% of consumers worldwide engage with gaming through playing, viewing, or participating in communities.

Based on surveys of over 73,000 people across 36 markets, the report highlights the central role Gen Alpha and Gen Z play in gaming. With 96% of Gen Alpha and 92% of Gen Z having played games in the past year, younger generations are gaming’s most engaged demographics.

Gaming is far more than a hobby for these generations—it’s a lifestyle. Over 80% of Gen Z consumers regularly watch gaming content, underscoring how deeply gaming is integrated into their media habits.

Spending on games is also surging, with 22% of console players and 15% of PC players spending over $25 monthly. These figures highlight the higher financial investment among PC and console gamers compared to mobile players, who tend to spend less.

A key trend is that 31% of PC and console players, mainly Gen Z and Millennials, actively seek out new and trending games. This cohort, described as “new game seekers,” spends 50% more time gaming than the global average, and 80% have purchased games recently.

Adventure games continue to top the charts, especially among younger players. Franchises like Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Fortnite are the most popular, with players increasingly drawn to social and multiplayer gaming experiences.

Younger female gamers and non-binary players are significantly investing in games, reshaping the gaming demographic. These trends highlight how each new generation’s gaming audience is becoming more diverse.

Regarding global hotspots, regions like China, India, and Saudi Arabia lead the charge, with over 35% of gamers seeking out new games in these markets. Countries like Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands show lower engagement in new gaming trends.

Newzoo’s report demonstrates that the modern gaming audience is more varied and engaged. As gaming becomes more intertwined with daily life, the industry must cater to this growing and diverse audience.

The future of entertainment is here, and its gamers drive it. Those who adapt to the evolving gaming landscape will be best positioned to capture this massive global audience’s attention—and spending power.