If you think mobile gaming is just a time-killer, Gen Z is here to prove you wrong.
A new report from CyberMedia Research (CMR) uncovers some eye-opening trends: a whopping 74% of Gen Z in India are gaming on their phones every single week, and nearly a third of them are now investing in premium mobile games driven by demand for better graphics, smoother gameplay, and high-end mobile chipsets.
Serious Mobile Gamers
What used to be a casual scroll-and-play activity is quickly turning into a competitive and social experience for India’s youth. According to CMR, 3 out of 10 Gen Z users are opting for premium games. those offering richer gameplay, better speed, and immersive graphics.
And with the rise of high-intensity mobile games like Free Fire and BGMI, the requirements for a good gaming phone are shifting. It’s not just about storage or display anymore.The chipset performance is king.
“Mobile gaming is evolving,” says Sugandha Srivastava, Senior Analyst at CMR. “Gen Z is driving this change. They want high-quality, competitive, and social gaming experiences—and they expect their devices to keep up.”
Chipsets Matter More Than Ever
The report shows that almost 50% of Gen Z mobile gamers consider the performance of a phone’s chipset as a major factor when choosing a new device. Among the frontrunners in this space are MediaTek and Qualcomm, both seen as powerful and reliable brands by young users.
Interestingly, the perception differs slightly:
- MediaTek has a slight edge in customer satisfaction
- Qualcomm is perceived as the more premium option
This reflects the new mindset: Gen Z gamers are informed buyers. They care about the tech specs and are willing to pay more for phones that can handle demanding titles.
It’s Not Just Gaming It’s Social
Mobile gaming isn’t a solo affair anymore. The study highlights how 66% of Gen Z gamers discover new games through friends, and over 50% rely on social media for suggestions and gameplay tips. The popularity of gaming influencers and streamers is also influencing their preferences.
Competitive gaming is booming too, with 57% of Gen Z now engaged in eSports, whether as casual players or aspiring pros.
Favorite Genres & Titles
While gaming interests vary, two genres stand out:
- Puzzle Games (for quick mental challenges)
- First-Person Shooters (FPS) like BGMI and Free Fire
These games aren’t just fun they’re fast, strategic, and visually intense, all of which push phone hardware to its limits.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z’s gaming habits are evolving rapidly and so are their expectations from smartphones. They’re no longer just playing more games; they’re playing smarter, demanding faster speeds, better visuals, and social engagement.
For phone brands, this shift is a wake-up call. To win Gen Z, it’s no longer enough to offer a stylish phone performance, powered by robust chipsets, is now the true game-changer.
Must Read: Motorola Moto G05 vs G15: Evaluating the Best Budget-Friendly Option
