Kids Want Game Subscriptions More Than Consoles According To ESA Survey

According to an ESA survey, kids prefer game subscriptions over consoles and we've got the details here!
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A new survey has found that kids are more likely to ask for video game subscriptions than consoles this holiday season. The survey, which was conducted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), found that 39% of kids plan to ask for a game subscription, while only 38% plan to ask for a console.

This is a significant shift from previous years when consoles were the most popular gift item for kids. The ESA attributes this shift to the growing popularity of cloud gaming and game streaming services. These services allow kids to play games without having to purchase a console or download a game file.

“The majority of both girls (59%) and boys (86%) say they plan to ask for video game gifts for the holidays, with the top five specific asks being for game subscriptions (39%), game consoles (38%), game gear/accessories (32%), in-game currency (29%) and physical video games (22%). Meanwhile, about one in three (32%) adults say they plan to buy video game gifts for themselves or others for the holidays, with that number jumping to 57% for parents. Adults who say they will be buying video game-related presents are planning to spend an average of $485 on these gifts.”

ESA survey findings

The survey also found that kids are increasingly asking for in-game currency and physical video games. In-game currency can be used to purchase items within a game, such as new characters, weapons, or maps. Physical video games are still popular, but they are no longer the top choice for kids.

“More than 212 million Americans play video games regularly, so it comes as no surprise that games are at the top of this year’s wish lists. Whether a family is getting a new console, updating their controllers and headsets or adding to their library with new games and expansion packs, we know video games are a great tool for families to play together and connect during the holiday season and beyond.”

Stan Pierre-Louis, President and CEO, ESA

I wholeheartedly believe this. I am a father and my kids would rather have Robux, game subscriptions, and a lot more before a newer console. To be fair, I have one of the newer consoles, but there are many I don’t. Still, my kids prefer what they’re giving on tablets or what’s free today than a single console.

Jorge A. Aguilar

Jorge A. Aguilar

Jorge A. Aguilar, also known as Aggy, is the current Assigning Editor.

He started his career as an esports, influencer, and streaming writer for Sportskeeda. He then moved to GFinity Esports to cover streaming, games, guides, and news before moving to the Social team where he ended his time as the Lead of Social Content.

He also worked a writer and editor for both Pro Game Guides and Dot Esports, and as a writer for PC Invasion, Attack of the Fanboy, and Android Police. Aggy is the former Managing Editor and Operations Overseer of N4G Unlocked and a former Gaming editor for WePC.

Throughout his time in the industry, he's trained over 100 writers, written thousands of articles on multiple sites, written more reviews than he cares to count, and edited tens of thousands of articles. He has also written some games published by Tales, some books, and a comic sold to Telus International.

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