Young Americans are increasingly attracted to video games, to the point that this activity now occupies a more important place in their lives than television, according to a recent study conducted by YPulse. A trend that reflects a change in media consumption habits among young people, who now favor the interactive and immersive experiences offered by video games.
More than nine out of ten adolescents aged 13 to 17 play video games on console, computer or mobile at least once a week, compared to 86% of adults aged 18 to 39. 13-17 year olds play on average more than 14 hours per week on their computer and console, according to a YPulse report. They also spend 6.5 hours each week gaming on their smartphones, the same time as they spend watching TV series. The films correspond to 4.5 hours of their weekly time. Esports also appeals to young people who watch it for almost 2.6 hours on average each week.
This trend can be explained by the fact that 68% of young people find video games more entertaining than television series or films. “The physical and mental demands of gaming are more entertaining for their minds than sitting and staying to watch a show“, explains the study. Video games can even inspire them to choose a program.
However, this trend does not mean that young people have completely abandoned television. They always enjoy watching TV series or movies, especially when they are adapted from popular video games. According to the study, 48% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 are more likely to watch a movie or TV series if it is adapted from a video game.
Despite everything, for the young people surveyed, the small screen does not constitute a unique activity. 76% admit to doing something else when watching TV, such as going on social media, or playing their favorite video game.
It is therefore not surprising that Hollywood is now focusing on video games. The adaptations of “Uncharted” with Tom Holland and “Super Mario Bros, the Movie” were among the last big box office successes.
*This YPulse study was conducted among 1,308 people aged 13 to 39 in the United States and Canada, from April 9 to 18, 2024
