Having grown up immersed by technology—from affordable laptops to smartphone and tablets—generation alpha are certified gamers. Particularly mobile gamers. If you’re not in generation alpha yourself, it can be a bit bewildering to understand what such a generation would want from games? So let’s take a look at 7 of the most popular games with this generation, taking a look at why each title scratches a particular itch.
1 Minecraft
This should come as no surprise. Minecraft has been popular for a long time. But it has always been especially popular with young people. Gen Alpha is a generation for whom Minecraft has always been around.
Many Gen Alphas love Minecraft for two things: creativity and social connection. It’s a sandbox which allows your mind to race as you create worlds with friends. Encouraging cooperation, teamwork and exploration.
2 Roblox
Much like Minecraft, Roblox provides players with an opportunity to play, create, grow and connect with other players. Fundamentally, Roblox gives players the opportunity for long-term play. Building their account for months and years on end, connecting with other players along the way.
In some ways, Roblox scratches the itch which MMORPGs did back in the 2000s. While also adding in the creativity of Minecraft and even the opportunity to earn money by monetizing experiences created.
3 Among Us
Beyond the meme sensation, Among Us is another social game which capitalizes on Gen Alpha’s desire to connect over the internet. Bringing players together—both familiar and randoms—to enact a tense social deduction game all about communicating, building bonds and betraying one another. It’s easy to see the appeal, really.
4 Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet take everything which has made the series so popular since the 1990s, and modernise it to include a huge open world which can be experienced solo or online with friends. While Pokémon is a series which is bound to be popular with children and teenagers, it’s perhaps that second part which is such a core reason why generation alpha love Pokémon. It’s become another place where they can socialize, make connections and exercise their autonomy.
5 Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars is a lesser known game on this list; but only if you’re not a mobile gamer or a member of generation alpha. Brawl Stars is a MOBA—like League of Legends—mixed with a shooter, developed by Supercell (the team behind Clash of Clans). Released in 2017, Brawl Stars slowly rose in popularity thanks to its competitive gameplay but casual approach—making it a perfect fit for teens. Furthermore, as the game is available on mobile, it allows players to play on the go giving it a one-up on some of its rivals.
Ultimately, Brawl Stars is a fun, round-based game which combines the best of competitive and cooperative multiplayer. If you wanted to get ahead in Brawl Stars, it takes skill—or just grabbing some brawl stars gems.
6 Mario Kart 8
Mario games are always popular with young people. Not only because they’re accessible, but also because they’re good. Really good. Mario Kart 8 is the perfect example of this. Featuring plenty of tracks, unlockables and difficulties to keep players engaged for months on end. Not only that, but Mario Kart is a great party game. Both local and online. Allowing you to race with or against friends and other people online. Adding back in that social component which makes so many of these games as popular as they are.
7 Fortnite
No list would be complete without Fortnite. While Gen Z have also had their time with Fortnite, Generation Alpha are where it really goes wild. This is, in particular, due to the expansion of Fortnite’s identity. From the iconic battle royale with those viral dance emotes to a digital ecosystem featuring modes for classic play, competitive play, racing, LEGO survival, and even (live) events.
It goes without saying that the large ecosystem that Fortnite is also provides the connectivity which makes most of the games on this list as popular as they are.
So, generation alpha likes games which provide creative and/or social gameplay. But perhaps that’s no surprise. Social gaming has almost always created the largest communities since the inception of gaming. From competitive arcade consoles to MMORPGs to online shooters to sports games. Maybe the most popular games will always be the ones which simply connect us together with our peers; giving us the space to chat, explore and learn together.
