Gaming has undergone significant changes since its inception, and no generation is more passionate about it than Gen Z. Earlier, gaming may have been a source for pastime only, but now, people are expressing immense love and appreciation for it and even making a living out of it. Modern-day video games don’t just include fun mechanics, but also an impressive amount of creativity in terms of storytelling and overall experience.
Even just ten years ago, the gaming scene was very different from what it is today. Single player titles such as “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”, “The Last of Us” and “Life is Strange” were trending and mostly story-focused. These games included little to no multiplayer elements. Now however, multiplayer titles like “Fortnite” and “Apex Legends” are taking over and Gen-Z is adapting to this massive change in format with ease. They are showing the world that if good quality games are released, they are here for it regardless of the type or genre of the game.
There has also been a massive surge in competitive gaming. Esports tournaments are a huge thing now where gamers compete against each other for big prizes. Players also live stream their gameplays on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, which garner a lot of views due to the prevalence of loyal fanbases. Gen-Z feels so intensely about gaming that they are willing to spend hours watching someone else’s stream without playing and experiencing the game for themselves.
Before, this generation had heartfelt passion for story-driven games like the “Yakuza” series, where the main protagonist Kiryu Kazuma’s unshakeable values combining integrity, loyalty and protection are nothing short of inspiring for any generation, especially Gen-Z. Now, this same passion has shifted towards multiplayer games, which is a great way to socialise with friends and a smart approach for keeping one’s mental health in check even if not done with that intention.
All of this shows that games can no longer be classified as merely a form of entertainment. Gaming now makes you reflect deeply through meaningful stories, strengthens friendships via online sessions and even improves mental health by giving you a temporary escape from life’s chaos. Gen-Z understands the value of gaming way better than any other generation, which makes their admiration for it powerful.