The video game industry is constantly evolving with new gear, new content and new formats. While consoles remain popular, mobile video games are taking younger generations by storm.
A recent report by YPulse identifies the video and mobile games most appreciated by 13- to 24 year-olds, revealing not only their choices but also the reasons behind these preferences.
For the fourth year running, “Call of Duty” dominates the rankings, a fan favourite with its engaging gameplay, realistic graphics, and ability to be adapted to different platforms. The game came first among those aged 13-17 and 18-24.
Second and third place went to “Fortnite” and “Roblox”, respectively, among younger gamers, and “Grand Theft Auto V” and the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise among older gamers.
The popularity of games like “Fortnite”, “Roblox” and “Minecraft” suggest that the metaverse concept has gained a foothold, offering both community spaces and a variety of types of game objectives.
The fact that titles like “FIFA”, “Madden NFL” and “NBA 2K” are in the top 15 reflect young people’s passion for the world of sports, with such titles combining competition with players’ fan loyalty regarding real teams and athletes. More than a quarter of teens and young adults say they play sports video games.
The ability of a game to be played on multiple devices, including mobile, is a key factor in its success, enabling greater inclusivity and accessibility. Nearly two-thirds of millennial parents tell YPulse that their children play games on mobile devices every week.
Virtual spaces have become places for meeting up and interacting, with many young gamers attending unique, collaborative events. YPulse data highlights that four out of 10 teenagers who play video games do so to spend time with their friends.
In this demographic, gaming goes beyond simple screen time, encompassing a variety of genres and missions in virtual worlds. A 15-year-old boy told YPulse that “Call of Duty” is his favourite video/mobile game because it “involves strategising and great skill to win assigned missions”.
The 15 favourite games among users aged 13-17 / 18-24:
- “Call of Duty” (both age groups)
- “Fortnite” / “Grand Theft Auto V”
- “Roblox” / “Grand Theft Auto” franchise
- “Minecraft” / “Roblox”
- “Grand Theft Auto” / “PUBG”
- “Candy Crush” / “Fortnite”
- “FIFA” / “Minecraft”
- “Madden NFL” / “Candy Crush”
- “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” / “Apex Legends”
- “Apex Legends” / “FIFA”
- “Pokémon” / “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War”
- “God of War” / “NBA 2K”
- “Stardew Valley” / “Call of Duty: Mobile”
- “Genshin Impact” / “Subway Surfers”
- “The Sims” / “Mario Kart”