When you think about entertainment, what activity first comes to mind? If you said watching movies or TV shows, you might be showing your age. Recent studies from Deloitte found that Generation Z (born 1997–2007) is the first generation analyzed to prefer video games over watching movies or television.
In the study, 26% of Gen Z chose video games as their preferred entertainment, compared to only 10% who preferred movies and television. For comparison, only 16% of Millennials preferred video games — a striking generational shift in a very short time. Notably, Deloitte also found that Millennials stuck with their entertainment preferences for 30 years when continuously re-analyzed, suggesting the assumption that Gen Z will "grow out" of gaming is far from the truth.
From a brand's perspective, this means everything. Celebrity endorsements from TV and film stars no longer carry the same weight they once did. Brands must listen to Generation Z on what's trending — video game characters, lingo, sounds, and graphics are now the key to hooking this generation. This could be a problem for Hollywood, already facing heavy competition from gaming and social apps like TikTok and Snapchat.
Social listening is everything. Here at Del Oro Media, we keep a close eye on the industry — findings like Deloitte's confirm what we observe in our own work growing social accounts across platforms and promoting virtual events. Staying educated and aware of how audiences are shifting is the foundation of every successful campaign.
About the Author: Alex Gold is the founder and CEO of Del Oro Media, a full-service social media and digital marketing agency based in Southern Delaware. With 15+ years of experience spanning Nickelodeon, the music industry, and clients coast to coast, Alex helps brands craft stories and drive measurable results. Get in touch to start a conversation.
Del Oro Media helps brands across the Delaware Beaches, Delmarva, and nationwide build social media strategies that drive real results.
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