People have been playing computer games since computers advanced enough to support the necessary technology. So, every generation after the Baby Boomers has enjoyed playing them. I am a member of Gen X, and I remember playing primitive, pixelated computer games. But Gen Zers, and especially Gen Alphaers are addicted to gaming. It’s time to discover exactly why that is.
Who is Gen Alpha
Gen Alpha members were born after 2011, so all of them were born in the digitally advanced 21st century. Being born into an era of advanced and emerging technologies, computers and computer games are as intuitive to them as board games like Candy Land and Monopoly were to Gen Xers in the 1980s.
The rise of gentle parenting means that far too many parents cater to Gen Alpha’s every demand. That’s especially the case with requests from these youngsters for the latest and most sophisticated computer games. Many parents even play these games with their Gen Alpha kids. A little over a fifth of Gen Alpha kids spend their time playing advanced computer games.
But Gen Alphaers aren’t just content with playing the next generation of computer games. They want to actively participate in these games as well. Many of them, not surprisingly, are part of dynamic and vibrant online gaming communities. About 94% of them are gaming enthusiasts. A gaming enthusiast is a person who actively participates in online games. That means joining online gaming forums and social media gaming groups. It also means watching YouTube and other social platform videos about computer games.
I will give you some statistics that will show you just how addicted Gen Alpha is to computer (and video) games. 92% of Gen Alphaers play these games and 70% of them watch videos on how to play these games. 48% of them are constantly on gaming communities. They actively follow online gaming channels, attend gaming conventions, and listen to gaming podcasts as well.
Why Does Gen Alpha Like Computer Games So Much?
Gen Alpha was born immersed in the digital world. They understand digital technologies, their importance and impact on societies, their benefits, and how to use them like no other generation. Additionally, societies in the 21st century are increasingly becoming digitally connected and oriented. So, it’s not surprising that they would want to spend their leisure hours playing complex computer games.
Additionally, many parents let their Gen Alpha kids play with games on digital and mobile devices to keep them occupiped. So, Gen Alpha has learned that computer games is an important form of quality entertainment. That’s further reinforced in school because many districts have their students learn by playing educational computer programs like Boddle and Prodigy.
Life in the 21st century is very hectic, chaotic, and high-pressure. Many Gen Alpha members see computer games as a great way to relax while enhancing their problem-solving and social skills, especially on online gaming forums and in online gaming rooms. Most computer games allow Gen Alphaers to safely express their personalities, creativity, and innovative tendencies through avatars.
Gen Alpha craves that creative outlet and the social component that computer games offer. Interestingly enough, they are receptive to playing games on traditional digital devices–41% of them play computer games on desktop or laptop personal computers. However, about 46% of them play games on consoles. Most interesting is the fact that the average Gen Alphaer spends about 6 hours and 49 minutes playing computer games.
Gen Alpha Craves the Digital Version of the Village Experience
What that means is that Gen Alpha wants complete control of and interaction with the mediums they engage with. Gaming, with its innovative avatars, characters, and more allows them to do that. Today’s computer and even video games allow them to have more interaction and engagement with the characters and props. Sometimes, they participate with the characters and environment so much that they feel as though they are ‘living the action!’
Advanced games often require social interaction and teamwork. That’s part of the reason why Gen Alpha loves them so much. Family members and friends play games with the Gen Alpha cohort, and they value the social experience and exchanges. Many Gen Alpha members find that it’s easy to play these games at massive social events like concerts and adventures. That intensifies the social factor that they already crave.
Games Encourage Creativity
Gen Alpha is addicted to games. They see these as mediums and outlets to develop and express their creative sides and innovation.
Gen Alpha is Truly Unique
The greatest generation ever–those born in the 1920s and 1930s in America–were known for their resilience. They grew up in the backdrop of crushing poverty, and that forced them to be creative and innovative. It also made them a dynamic and durable generation. Their great grand kids, Gen Alpha members, may be doing the same with advanced and innovative computer games.