A study conducted by gaming market research firm, Gamesight, has found that Gen Z gamers, aged between nine and 24, prefer console gaming over PC gaming. The study surveyed 800 gamers in Canada and the US and found that 66% preferred console gaming, while 34% opted for PC gaming. Games that are exclusive to consoles and ease of use were cited as key reasons for this preference. The study’s findings suggest console manufacturers may need to focus on exclusive titles to attract and retain Gen Z gamers, while PC manufacturers must consider lower cost options.
Gen Z Gamers: Console Gaming Preferred over PC, Study Finds
Introduction
A new study has found that members of Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, have a strong preference for console gaming over PC gaming.
The Study
The study, conducted by gaming market research firm Gamesight, surveyed over 800 gamers in the United States and Canada. The participants were divided into three age groups: Gen Z (ages 9-24), Millenials (ages 25-40), and Gen X (ages 41-56).
The study’s findings revealed that 66 percent of Gen Z gamers prefer console gaming, while only 34 percent prefer PC gaming. In contrast, 55 percent of Millenial gamers and 41 percent of Gen X gamers prefer PC gaming.
The study also found that Gen Z gamers spend an average of 7.5 hours per week playing console games, compared to 6 hours per week for PC games. Millenials and Gen X gamers spend more time on PC gaming, with 8.1 and 8.7 hours per week, respectively.
Reasons for Preference
The study also examined the reasons behind the Gen Z preference for console gaming. Some of the factors cited by respondents included:
- Ease of Use: Many Gen Z gamers found consoles to be more user-friendly and easier to set up than PCs.
- Exclusive Titles: Games that are exclusive to consoles, such as “The Last of Us Part II” and “Spider-Man: Miles Morales,” were cited as a major draw for console gaming.
- Cost: While consoles can be expensive upfront, many Gen Z gamers cited the lower cost of console games compared to PC games as a reason for their preference.
Industry Implications
The study’s findings have several implications for the gaming industry. With Gen Z being the largest generation in history, their preference for console gaming could have a significant impact on the future of the industry. Console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft may need to focus on exclusive titles and ease of use to attract and retain Gen Z gamers.
PC manufacturers and game developers may need to reconsider their marketing strategies to appeal to younger gamers. The study’s findings suggest that cost may be a significant factor in the preference for console gaming, so offering more affordable options could help attract Gen Z gamers to PC gaming.
Conclusion
The Gamesight study has shed light on the preferences of Gen Z gamers and their strong preference for console gaming. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how console and PC gaming adapt to attract and retain this key demographic.