Gen Z Gaming Platform Preferences Statistics 2025: Where They Play, How They Spend

Gen Z is reshaping the gaming landscape with bold preferences and habits. They flock to mobile for convenience, lean into PCs and consoles for depth, and thrive in cross-platform worlds that offer choice and social sync. Real-world use cases span everything from mobile esports viewership rising 340% since 2022 to platforms like Roblox blending gaming with commerce, like Shopify integrations and virtual avatars, encouraging brands to meet Gen Z where they are. Dive into the full article to discover how these trends are shaping the gaming ecosystem.

Editor’s Choice

• 87% of Gen Z (ages 13–24) play games regularly.
• Gen Z gamers play on mobile at 69%, PCs at 42%, and consoles at 38%.
• Mobile remains dominant: 92% of Gen Z engage through mobile devices.
• Digital gaming engagement among Gen Z in the U.S. is projected to reach approximately 73–75% by 2027.
• Weekly gaming hours for Millennials and Gen Z average 10.3 hours, up from 8.2 overall in 2024.
• Console revenue is projected to grow 7.0% from 2024 to 2027, compared with 2.6% for PC.
• Gen Z gamers identify predominantly as “mobile gamers first” at 86% vs. just 29% for Gen X.

Recent Developments

• Global gaming population will hit 3.5 billion by the end of 2025, up from 3.32 billion in 2024.
• Console revenue growth outpaces PC, +7% vs +2.6% projected through 2027.
• Subscribers: 52% of gamers in the U.S. subscribe to at least one gaming service. Console gamers, 74% likely subscribers, and PC gamers, 66%.
• Cross-platform functionality has been shown to improve player retention, with some studies indicating players return up to 31% more often compared to single-platform users.
• The average gamer now spends 8.6 hours per week gaming in 2025, up from 8.2 hours in 2024.
• Mobile esports viewership has surged 340% since 2022, while console esports viewership fell 10-12%.
• Roblox added Rewarded Video ads and signed a Google partnership, reaching 85.3 million daily active users at the end of 2024. Teen usage jumped from 34% to 46% year-over-year.

Gen Z Gaming Platform Overview

• 69% of Gen Z game on mobile, 42% on PC, and 38% on console.

• 92% access games via mobile.
• Cross-platform users, consoles at 58%, PC at 54% for Gen Z.
• Mobile gaming constitutes 79% of the total gamer base, 42% of mobile gamers also play on PC, 55% on console.
• 52% of Gen Z gamers make at least one in-game purchase, while only 42% of the overall gamer population do.
• Average Gen Z gamer plays 6 hours and 10 minutes per day.
• Mobile is “first” for 86% of Gen Z, far above Gen X’s 29%.

Most Popular Gaming Platforms Among Gen Z

• Mobile leads with 69% engagement among Gen Z.
• Cross-platform use is high, consoles (58%) and PCs (54%) appeal to Gen Z.
• Tablet gaming isn’t directly quantified here, but mobile and PC overlap suggests tablet use shares similar trends.
• Mobile is still the hub; 79% of gamers are mobile users, many of whom also game on PC or console.
• Console revenue growing faster, +7% vs PC’s +2.6% through 2027.
• 52% of Gen Z make purchases in mobile games, driven by exclusive content and personalization.
• Mobile esports viewership is booming, 340% growth since 2022.
• Mobile-first identity is strong; 86% of Gen Z prefer mobile gaming.

Gen Z Mobile, Console, and PC Gaming Preferences

• 86% brand themselves “mobile gamers first,” compared with 29% for Gen X.
• Cross-platform engagement, console (58%), PC (54%).
• Gaming subscriptions, console-heavy with 74%, vs PC at 66%.
• Mobile esports viewership rose 340%, console declined 12%.
• Average Gen Z session, about 6 h 10 m of play time daily.
• Cross-play use bolsters retention, a 31% increase in daily return rate.
• In-game spending, 52% of Gen Z gamers spend mostly on in-game currency, gear, and personalization.

How Gen Alpha’s Gamers Spend Their Time

• Video games (playing, viewing, etc.): 5.2 hours/week for Gen Alpha game enthusiasts vs 4.1 hours/week for other generations.
• Social media: 5.1 hours/week for Gen Alpha vs 6.1 hours/week for other generations.
• Watching videos online (excluding gaming content): 4.7 hours/week for Gen Alpha vs 4.3 hours/week for other generations.
• Watching TV/movies on demand: 4.4 hours/week for Gen Alpha vs 4.9 hours/week for other generations.
• Watching broadcast TV: 4.0 hours/week for Gen Alpha vs 4.4 hours/week for other generations.
• Listening to music: 4.0 hours/week for Gen Alpha vs 4.4 hours/week for other generations.
• Reading: 2.8 hours/week for both Gen Alpha and other generations.

Tablet Gaming Usage Among Gen Z

• Mobile and PC are core platforms, tablets likely fall between those footprints.
• Overlap, many mobile gamers also play on PC or console, suggesting tablet inclusion in cross-platform trends.
• No direct stat for tablets, but with mobile at 92% and PC at 42%, tablet likely holds a lower but meaningful share.
• We can infer that as smartphone usage continues to rise, tablets may serve as an alternative for shared home device gaming.

Cross-Platform and Multi-Device Trends

• 58% of Gen Z gamers use consoles and 54% use PCs for cross-platform gaming, showing high platform fluidity.
• Nearly 50% of all gamers play on more than one platform.
• Approximately 13–15% of gamers engage across all three major platforms (mobile, PC, and console), demonstrating high device fluidity.
• Mobile gaming still dominates, with 79% of gamers playing on mobile. Of these, 42% also game on PC and 55% on console.
• In Q2 2024, tablet gaming usage rose from 17% (2020) to 22% among Gen Z.
• Cross-platform players return 31% more often than single-platform users.
• Gen Z picks games first, then device, preferring titles that work across mobile, PC, and console seamlessly.
• Cloud gaming now supports streaming to phones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs, reducing the need for specific hardware.

Top Game Genres Preferred by Gen Z

• Gen Z gamers favor shooting and action/adventure games, especially those with online multiplayer features.
• Social connection ranks among the top three reasons Gen Z plays games.
• A 2024 ESA report found 63% of Gen Z prefer playing video games to watching films, 71% say gaming is a great way to socialize.
• Gaming leads Gen Z’s leisure time, taking up 25%, more than social media (18%) or streaming video (17%).
• Cozy games, like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, have fueled a 7.58% increase in new gamers since 2022.
• A Roblox survey indicated that 84% of Gen Z users who engage in avatar customization report drawing fashion inspiration from their digital looks.
• Title-based content often inspires discovery; 39% of Gen Z say they discovered new songs through the games they played.

Motivations Driving Gen Z and Gen Alpha Gamers

• Gen Z players are most motivated by a vast open world or universe to explore (68%), followed by a deep or interesting story (67%).
• Open storytelling is appealing to 62% of Gen Z gamers, while high-speed gameplay attracts 59%.
• Facing off against other players in duels or matches is important for 59% of Gen Z gamers.
• Gen Alpha players rank a vast open world or universe to explore the highest at 73%.
• Facing off against other players in duels or matches motivates 71% of Gen Alpha gamers.
• Shared objectives that allow players to cooperate appeal to 68% of Gen Alpha.
• Lots of optional tasks engage 67% of Gen Alpha gamers.
• A deep or interesting story is a motivator for 65% of Gen Alpha players.

Favorite Multiplayer and Social Gaming Experiences

• 58% of Gen Z consider gaming their main social space, outranking messaging apps and social media.
• 67% of multiplayer gamers use voice chat regularly to coordinate or socialize.
• 45% have made at least one real‑life friend through gaming.
• Guilds and clans now include approximately 1.8 billion users globally, many active daily.
• Social features like co‑op missions boost engagement time by 35%.
• Gen Z enjoys low‑pressure “cozy” spaces for social connection.
• Gen Z and millennials both report 70% met new people through gaming, and 63% of Gen Z say they met a good friend or partner this way.
• They often discover music or shows via games; 28% say gaming led them to new TV shows or movies.

User-Generated Content (UGC) Platforms Popular With Gen Z

• User-generated content has transformed gaming into a collaborative ecosystem, shifting culture toward creativity and participation.
• Platforms like Roblox drive UGC, with daily active users hitting 85.3 million at the end of 2024. Teen usage rose from 34% to 46% over the year.
• Games like Dress to Impress emphasize community‑driven fashion, with 84% of Gen Z deriving inspiration from their avatars.
• UGC fosters self‑expression, and Gen Z values personalized environments, sharing their creative identities.
• UGC strengthens brand interest, and immersive ad experiences tied to creative platforms help marketers tap Gen Z directly.
• Analysis notes growing complexity in UGC types and tools, reflecting how players contribute to and reshape game worlds.

Social Features in Gaming

• Gen Z uses games for social connection; 58% see gaming as their main social space.
• Voice chat is crucial; 67% of multiplayer gamers use it to coordinate or socialize.
• Social gameplay styles boost engagement by 35%.
• 70% of Gen Z met people through gaming, 63% formed close bonds.
• UGC and creative spaces enhance social identity.
• Multiplatform social sync encourages play across devices.
• Multiplayer modes in cozy, low-pressure games nurture social bonds without competitive stress.

Parental Limits on Digital Device Usage

• 59% of respondents say their parents or guardians limit the number of hours they can use digital devices.
• 37% report having no restrictions on their device usage.
• 4% are unsure whether any limits are in place.

Time Spent on Gaming Platforms by Gen Z

• Gen Z spends an average of 6 hours and 10 minutes gaming per day.
• That totals roughly 43 hours and 10 minutes per week.
• Newzoo reports 81% of Gen Z respondents play games, averaging 7 hours and 20 minutes per week.
• Mobile players average 2.5 sessions per day, each around 22 minutes.
• U.S. gamers overall play 12.8 hours per week across platforms, 75% of them play at least 4 hours weekly.
• Gen Z leisure behavior: 25% of their free time goes to gaming.
• Among Millennials and Gen Z, weekly engagement hits 10.3 hours, versus 8.2 for prior years.
• Cloud streaming growth allows play on mobile, tablet, PC, or TV. More access means more total play time.

Gen Z Gaming and Online Communities

• 58% of Gen Z gamers now view gaming as their primary social space, surpassing messaging apps or social media.
• Guilds, clans, and online groups include approximately 1.8 billion users, with many participating daily.
• 67% of multiplayer gamers use voice chat regularly.
• 45% have made at least one real-life friend through gaming.
• The global online gaming population is around 3.43 billion in 2025.
• Esports engagement grows fast, and Gen Z makes up 43% of the global esports audience in 2025.
• Esports fans tend to be highly active, 58% tune in weekly, 30% watch documentaries, 29% engage with fan-created content, and 21% listen to podcasts.

Gen Z Spending Patterns and Monetization Preferences

• Gen Z spending on video games dropped ~25% in 2025 relative to 2024.
• Between January and April 2025, both online and retail game purchases fell 13% year-over-year.
• Although overall spending declined, in‑game purchases still drive 76% of online gaming revenue globally in 2025.
• 52% of gamers make monthly in-game purchases, and mobile gamers contribute 57% of all microtransaction revenue.
• The average gamer spends $147 annually on microtransactions, up from $132 last year.
• Mobile gaming revenue in the U.S. reached $34.7 billion, up 7.6% year-over-year.
• Free-to-play models generate $92 billion, more than 40% of total online gaming revenue.

Impact of Ads and In‑Game Purchases on Gen Z Gamers

• In-game purchases now represent 76% of global online gaming revenue.
• Cosmetics (non-functional items) account for 41% of microtransactions.
• Gacha-style games, especially popular in Asia, contribute $12.4 billion to annual in-game revenue.
• An estimated 60–65% of players in leading games like Fortnite and Call of Duty regularly engage with battle pass systems, reflecting a preference for structured progression and rewards.
• In the U.S., mobile microtransactions led overall gaming spending with $34.7 billion, reflecting strong engagement with ad-driven and freemium models.
• Despite lower spending, Gen Z continues gaming by shifting to free or affordable “friendslop” titles, priced under $10.
• Among Japanese players aged 20–29, ~19% admitted that in-game purchases impacted their ability to pay for essentials, and microtransaction uptake rose ~6% year-over-year.

Gen Z Participation in Esports and Streaming

• Gen Z makes up 43% of the global esports audience in 2025.
• Esports viewership continues to grow, projected to reach over 640 million globally, including 318 million dedicated fans and 322 million casual viewers.
• Mobile devices are now used for 56% of live tournament streams.
• The 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh features a $71.5 million prize pool, the largest combined esports payout ever.
• The 2025 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational, held in Vancouver, featured the most “game-fives” in history, nine of nineteen series reaching the fifth match.
• Roughly 52% of U.S. esports fans are aged 18–34, with an average viewer age of 26.
• Esports betting trends show $2.5 billion in revenue with over 74 million participants, and Gen Z making up nearly half of all bettors.

Brand and Social Media Integrations in Gaming

• Fashion and luxury brands increasingly use gaming to reach Gen Z. Roblox and Fortnite have become key marketing channels.
• Digital fashion and in-game customization, particularly from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci, accounted for three‑quarters of gaming revenue in 2021.
• AI-powered virtual stores on platforms like Roblox and Google’s Gemini help brands sell merchandise in immersive, gamified spaces.
• Gen Z responds when brands blend interactivity, authenticity, and identity, using gaming spaces to shape and express personas.

Reasons Gen Z Chooses Specific Gaming Platforms

• Social connection ranks among the top three reasons Gen Z plays games; platforms that enable interaction win out.
• Titles must work across mobile, PC, and console to attract Gen Z, who expect seamless cross-platform play.
• Value and affordability matter; Gen Z gravitates toward free-to-play or inexpensive games, especially amid financial pressures.
• Convenience of mobile access continues to be key; 82% of Gen Z play on phones.
• Personalization and creative control, like avatar customization and UGC, strongly influence platform preference.
• Brand integration, like fashion drops or digital goods, makes some platforms feel more relevant and engaging.

Changes in Gen Z Gaming Trends Over Time

• Gen Z has become the most digitally penetrated gaming generation and is projected to reach 75% engagement by 2027.
• Mobile gaming among Gen Z has grown 9% since 2020, cementing mobile-first habits.
• In-game spending rose from $132 to $147 annually per gamer.
• Esports viewership continues to skyrocket, from 435 million in 2020 to a projected 640+ million by 2025.
• Despite economic pressure, platforms offering free or low-cost social gameplay, like “friendslop” titles, helped Gen Z maintain engagement.
• The balance between gaming and offline connection grows, and some Gen Zers seek more IRL interaction and screen-time breaks.

Conclusion

Gen Z gaming is defined by social immersion, platform fluidity, and creative expression. They lead cross-platform play, dominate esports audiences, and value personalization, yet face real economic constraints that shape smarter spending. Microtransactions and virtual goods drive much of the industry’s revenue, but lower-cost, social-first games keep Gen Z engaged. As they intersect with fashion, AI, and virtual commerce, gaming becomes far more than play; it’s a lifestyle. Ultimately, understanding Gen Z’s evolving landscape is key for any brand, developer, or strategist aiming to stay relevant.