Decoding Gen Z behavior: Insights from today’s gaming communities

(This content was generated with AI)

Unlocking Gen Z: How Gaming Communities are Shaping the Future of Entertainment

At Web Summit Vancouver 2025, a panel discussion explored the evolving landscape of gaming and its impact on Gen Z. Mr. Mike Sepso, Chief Strategy Officer at ESL FACEIT Group, Mr. Yuriy Yarovoy, Chief Revenue Officer of Medal TV, and Ms. Taylor Simone, a Vancouver-based journalist, discussed how gaming has become a central social hub for Gen Z, blurring the lines between players and creators.

Mr. Sepso highlighted the role of social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter in propelling esports beyond simple gameplay viewing. He emphasized the accessibility of gaming and the rise of prominent personalities who cultivate large social followings through consistent live streaming. This creator-centric approach has transformed gaming content, shifting from game-focused commentary to direct audience engagement.

Mr. Yarovoy introduced Medal TV as a platform enabling gamers to capture and share their best moments, akin to a highlight reel. He explained how gaming has become a “third space” for social interaction, mirroring real-world social experiences in a digital environment. Medal TV facilitates the capture and sharing of these ephemeral in-game moments, allowing gamers to connect and share their experiences with their online communities.

The panel discussed the creator economy and how it empowers every gamer to become a content creator. Mr. Sepso noted the video game industry’s early embrace of user-generated content, fostering a creator-first mentality. He contrasted Gen Z’s experience with that of millennials and older generations, emphasizing how gaming has always been a “town square” for Gen Z, integrating social interaction, competition, and content creation seamlessly. The evolution of gaming now incorporates cameras and microphones as integral components, transforming gameplay into a continuous content creation process.

The discussion also touched on the platforms Gen Z gaming communities utilize, including Discord, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch. These platforms serve diverse purposes, from voice chat and community building to content sharing and connecting with specific games and friends. The panel highlighted the historical significance of gaming content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, emphasizing how gamers have consistently been early adopters and prolific content creators on emerging social media platforms.

The conversation then shifted to AI’s role in gaming. Mr. Sepso discussed the long-standing presence of AI in gaming, citing NPCs as an early example. He envisioned AI accelerating development cycles and enabling games to adapt to individual players. Mr. Yarovoy emphasized AI’s potential to empower smaller studios, democratizing game development and enabling the creation of more diverse gaming experiences. He also highlighted AI’s role in simplifying the learning curve for new players, making complex games more accessible.

The panel concluded by looking at the future of gaming. They expressed excitement for upcoming releases like GTA 6, Cyberpunk, and Borderlands 4. They also acknowledged the challenge of reaching new audiences as the gaming market becomes increasingly saturated. The panelists emphasized the industry’s continuous innovation in engaging players and the transformative impact of gaming on culture and media.