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Mobile Monday: Facebook Declutters its Mobile Apps, Gen Z and Millennials Play Games on Multiple Platforms

Aug 09, 2021
By: Ravi Pimplaskar

Mobile Monday is an existing tradition at AdColony — but we are now joining forces to give a weekly roundup of the latest news, trends, and developments in mobile apps, tech, and advertising. This week we touch on Facebook’s decluttering of its mobile apps and Newzoo’s research on gaming across generations.

Facebook Finally Reduces User Friction… (in it’s Apps Settings)

Facebook has dominated the social media world for many reasons, but chief among them is their ability to recognize and eliminate friction in the user experience. It’s main feature is a “heavens-to-betsy” forever scroll of content – just keep going until you see something you like. Simple discovery couldn’t be much more user friendly.

But one area that hasn’t been as user-friendly is their settings. Want to find out how to change your security settings or turn off certain features? Nope…  you are not going to find that one easily. Until now.

Facebook recently announced they would be “decluttering” the settings going from a whopping 10 sections to 6. Now, we can sit here and guess why the kings of the user experience put their user settings within mazes and catacombs for so long – but instead, let’s just appreciate that simplifying discovery is happening all throughout mobile. Even in the places apps might not want you to go. 

Generations Engage with Gaming in Different Ways

The same question has been asked what seems like a million times: who is playing mobile games? Time and time again, it has been proven that the answer is…everyone. Gaming in general has grown to be a popular pastime and mobile is by far the biggest platform in terms of both revenue and audience. Research from Newzoo details how gamers from each generation are playing on mobile and their overall gaming habits.

From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, a significant portion of each generation plays mobile games. While 34% of boomers play games on their mobile devices, more than half of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are playing on their phones and tablets as well. Unsurprisingly, Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to play mobile games but many of them are also playing on other platforms. More than half of both age groups are playing on PCs and consoles. Older players typically use games as a casual activity to fill time. On the other hand, young generations are not only looking to pass the time, they are seeking to engage with games in many forms. Newzoo’s research shows that Gen Z and millennials are watching game-related content, listening to gaming podcasts, and discussing games online and with friends. Whether they’re sticking to mobile or venturing into other mediums, consumers from all generations are once again proven to be spending much of their leisure time on mobile games.

About Mobile Mondays

Mobile Monday examines the latest news, trends, and developments in mobile apps, tech, and advertising. Do you have a story to share for the next Mobile Monday?  

About AdColony

Mobile Monday examines the latest news, trends, and developments in mobile apps, tech, and advertising. Do you have a story to share for the next Mobile Monday?  

AdColony, part of Digital Turbine’s leading independent mobile growth and monetization platform, helps brands, agencies, and apps expand their reach and results with the power of mobile. AdColony is known globally for its award-winning video advertising marketplace, with ad engagement innovations like Instant-Play™, Aurora™ HD Video, Playables, and more. Looking for more insights on apps and mobile games? Find out more on their blog!

By Ravi Pimplaskar
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