Millennials Spend More Time Gaming Than Other Generations, Says Study

Millennials play video games predominantly in the day and age we live in today, spending more time than any other generation, according to a study from Fandom. Fandom released an annual gaming industry report which revealed new statistics on the habits of gamers. Approximately 52% of millennials surveyed by Fandom reported gaming as their top interest, with 40% of millennial participants spending more than 22 hours a week gaming.

In comparison, 29% of tweens reported playing more than 22 hours a week. Millennials are also more likely to spend on games than other generations. According to the report, millennials are 24% more likely to be influenced to purchase a game. This makes sense, as millennials are much older. They are individuals in their late 20s to early 40s. These respondents generally have higher incomes than the younger generations.

The report also noted different gaming habits between generations. Millennials were more likely to play games such as MMOs which 41% of millennial respondents played, strategy games at, 27%, and RPGs at 26%. These games such as Elden Ring, Skyrim, World of Warcraft, Fallout, etc. Teens and pre-teens preferred competitive genres such as battle royale, in which 49% of teen respondents reported playing.

Different generations also have different motives for gaming. According to the report, tweens and teens preferred games to pass time and for achievement. Gen Z likes to game to unwind, and millennials like to game for exploration and intellectual stimulation. In general, young people game to build social connections, while older generations want to relax.

There is also a difference in what platforms different generations game on. Millennials tend to prefer PC gaming over consoles, while the teen and preteen groups had a stronger preference for mobile gaming. Social mobile games like Roblox are very popular with this demographic, and may not appeal to someone who is older and may not have the time for a game like Roblox. 

The study from Fandom was collected with its own survey methods. The variations in different generations’ tastes and preferences for gaming make sense. You would think millennials would have less time to game, since they are older and have more to do. Teen’s and pre-teen’s preference for battle royale games like Fortnite is quite obvious. The full report can be viewed here.