The gaming market is ridiculously competitive. Big-name developers still rule the roost, but niche development companies and smaller outfits are just as likely to hit one out of the park through an independent release.
For gamers, it’s fantastic. There’s always a new title to play, we’ll never get bored. And for millennials looking for a bit of respite after hitting the 9 to 5, there are a few online video game titles that keep players coming back.
Candy Crush
Yes, it’s 2023. And yes, Candy Crush is still ridiculously popular. With millennials, it ranks number 2. But it went beyond those born between 1981 and 1996, with the hip Gen Zs also liking it: with the younger crowd, it ranks sixth.
The game just has an incredible level of replayability. Some would argue it has addictive properties, with the game tapping into the part of the brain looking for the next dopamine hit.
Whatever your opinion, the game is worth billions of dollars. At its height, it was played by over 100 million people per day. You just can’t argue with numbers like that.
Online Casino Games
Let’s go with one from the left field: online casino games. With old-school gamblers still preferring traditional land-based casinos, new players and those who are even just a little tech-savvy are jumping to online alternatives in big numbers.
Whether you’re a Kiwi and looking for an online casino in NZ, or an American excited about the legalisation of casinos all over the country, it’s clear that millennials make up the largest percentage of this growing market.
It’s the innovation and range of games that are pulling players in. Now that users are not hampered by slow cell phone connections or stuttering graphics, game developers are really starting to show some serious creativity. Live options, including traditional games like roulette and blackjack, are also adding to the overall gaming experience. And numerous colourful slots like Chili Heat, 888 Dragons, Wold Gold, and more will ensure you get on a hot gambling ride.
GTA
Grand Theft Auto is the gift that keeps on giving. Just when we think Rockstar has released the best game ever, they do it all over again. The last title goes all the way back to 2013, but it’s still wildly popular. The game ranks amongst the top-grossing titles in the PS5 charts (re-release edition), and fans are speculating daily about the next edition.
It’s rumoured that GTA VI will come out in 2024, with Take-Two Interactive hinting as much in a recent press release. It sent fans into an absolute frenzy, with video game journalists and Twitterati putting servers on overload with speculation.
Fortnite
Part video game, part cultural phenomenon. The game was one of the first to take advantage of the free-to-download-and-play model, quickly building a loyal following and base from which to build the product.
Let’s just say the developers have taken that and sprinted with it. It has the basic qualities everyone loves: Battle Royale style gameplay, easy to play, and it’s super convenient through its cross-platform functionality.
It’s also a game that’s become extremely popular through social media, with the rapper Drake often live-streaming his online sessions. Twitch, which hosts the sharing of these videos, has partially built its empire solely through Fortnite.
And we also can’t underestimate that yes, the game is violent, but not too violent. This puts it in the sweet spot for a lot of users, with casual fans, hardcore players, and parents all being on board with Fortnite.
Call of Duty
Our final entry is the most obvious. You were probably already starting to wonder why it hadn’t yet made the cut. But considering it’s already in the title, perhaps we gave the game away early.
Call of Duty is arguably the most popular online video game around right now. It’s most popular amongst Gen Z and Millennial’s, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II notching $1 billion in sales over a span of just ten days. On top of that, players racked up a ridiculous 200 million hours of gameplay over the same period.
When a game registers numbers like that, all we can say is this: Call of Duty, take a bow. We wouldn’t be surprised if this franchise sits atop the hill next year as well.
So, there it is. A list of the most popular games Millennials vigorously play and lose themselves in. And Gen Z is following the trend Millennials set a few years ago. It will be exciting to see what new generations will bring to the table.
