Gaming across Generations: How Millennial and Gen-Z Play Online

Online games have gained huge popularity across all ages throughout the last few years. Currently, the market is projected to reach a value of US$522.50 Billion in 2025 and this growth is expected to bring many more changes in the industry. Well, this growth is also having a huge impact on the two generations who are at the forefront of this global phenomenon, Millennial and Gen-Z.

Belonging to two slightly different times, these generations are the dominant gaming demographics of today that play games like online Rummy, shootout games, and others. They have their own approach to online gaming. Here, we will break down how millennials and Gen-Z play online games, their preference, and many more.

Gaming Preferences and Habits across Generations 

The gaming preferences widely differ among different generations. On top of that, the habits of these generations regarding gaming are also quite different. So, let us break down the ways these generations play.

Millennial

The millennial have lived through the storm brought in by online games born between the years of 1981 to 1996. Although online games first came into existence in the 1970s with Multi-user Dungeon (MUD), their popularity started growing in the 1990s.

They were exposed to a wide variety of online games that were more story-based than the ones that we see today. Games like Counter-Strike, World of Warcraft, Project IGI, and others were all about creating gripping gameplay but with a little help of some story. On top of that, games like Counter-Strike even follow a traditional format where you can compete with strangers from opposite parts of the world in an attempt to win in the end.

However, apart from these, there was also a sudden rise in the popularity of games like fantasy leagues. Individuals used to be hooked to their computer screens for hours to enjoy the gameplay of these games. These online games brought a sudden change in this generation that used to majorly play board or real world games. It is the idea of engaging with a virtual world or even online strangers that made online games an instant hit for everyone

GenZ

If you look at today’s demographic then all that you will see is gamers live streaming their games and creating a social and interactive chain through games. Well, most of these gamers are Gen-Z. Born between the years of 1997 to 2012, this generation came into existence when online games had already gained popularity among the masses.

As kids from this generation continue to grow up, their lives increasingly become surrounded by online games. They are the ones who have made streaming a norm today, where gamers interact with fellow game lovers and fans all while playing games and everything is live-streamed for us to get a real-time experience.

Gen-Z enjoys multiplayer games that are comparatively more fast-paced than the ones that were famous in the times of millennial. This has given rise to games like Among Us, Valorant, PUBG, and others. These games have quick gameplay which fits perfectly with today’s busy lifestyle. Plus, online card games have successfully maintained their popularity. All these games give Gen-Z the perfect chance to interact with players and engage in competitive yet fun gameplay.

How Technology Shapes Gaming Experiences 

The effects of technology in shaping the gaming experience of millennial and Gen-Z are huge. Some of the ways that technology has affected the gameplay of these two generations are:

Millennial

Gaming for the millennial was all about trying to get an experience of fast-paced gaming on standard internet and a PC or gaming console. Back then, mobile games weren’t introduced in the industry. On top of that, the idea of playing a shootout game on a phone was far from everyone’s mind. People took great privilege in sitting in front of their PCs or a TV with a gaming console in hand to transport themselves in the gaming world. However, in the later years, there was a growing interest in mobile games.

GenZ

Born into the digital era, Gen-Z is surrounded by technology from all ends. This generation has been the one that has had the luck of experiencing VRs and ARs right when it came into existence. There are multiple games today that take the multi-player and real-world approach with the help of virtual and augmented reality.

This technological advancement breaks the walls of the real and gaming world and creates a seamless experience. Back in 2016, one such AR game that gained huge popularity was Pokémon Go. The love and fame of this game weren’t just restricted to Gen-Z, rather it captivated people coming from different generations.

The Impact of Mobile Gaming on Both Generations

Mobile gaming has impacted the lives of millennials and Gen-Z in more ways than one can imagine. Some of the changes that are quite evident are:

Millennial:

Millennial gamers did not start their journey with mobile games. When this generation first entered the world of online games, they were surrounded by PCs and gaming consoles. Gamers used to spend their days learning the different gaming controls and command shortcuts from their keyboard.

However, with time, they have slowly adapted to the convenience of mobile games. Now, the very same millennials who used to once enjoy playing games on their PC are shaping their ways for mobiles. From poker to shootout games, millennials of today are enjoying the seamless and easy gameplay of mobile games.

GenZ:  

Gen-Z is often called the mobile-first generation as their lives completely revolve around palm-sized devices. Mobile phones are the primary source of entertainment for most individuals of today and more importantly for Gen-Z.

On top of that, mobile games are more than just a medium to enjoy fun times. Rather, this also gives them a chance to interact with multiple people who live miles away. This is exactly why, around 73% of Gen-Z love to play mobile games.

Future Trends in Online Gaming and i-Gaming across Generations 

The future of online gaming seems quite promising with an expected growth of USD$821.31 Billion by the year 2037. This growth is expected to bring many new changes in the industry, all of which are directed at improving one’s gameplay.

Cross-Generational Collaboration 

The Millennials and Gen-Z are working together to bring an overall industry improvement. Both generations show an interest in social and immersive online games that are increasing the demand for multiplayer games. Moreover, online mobile games are also expected to completely take over the industry with little to no one using other devices for playing games.

On top of that, millennials and Gen-Z also take part in different online and offline tournaments and events. This has given rise to an influencer culture in the industry. Now there are thousands of gamers who have earned the title of gaming influencers and they are motivating more people to join them in gaming. These influencers stream their gaming sessions to give viewers an experience of how the works.

Moreover, watching gaming streams of any shootout games also helps viewers understand the tactics and strategies that work for achieving success. This is a simple way how both millennials and Gen-Z are introducing more people into the gaming scene.

Conclusion 

Millennials and Gen-Z are working in their individual ways and sometimes together to improve the online gaming industry. Though the generations prefer different kinds of games and like different gameplay formats, they are still collaborating to paint a much better future for online games. Through this blog, we attempted to break down the preferred gameplay of both generations, discussing how their likes and dislikes differ in games. Ultimately, showing you how gaming has transformed across the ages. We are sure that this will be effective for your understanding.