A recent study shows that, for Generation Alpha, digital franchises are overtaking superheroes. According to the National Research Group, seven of the top 10 entertainment properties kids under 12 talk about are video games, led by Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, and Pokémon.
That cultural dominance is now translating into box office gold. Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Minecraft Movie has grossed nearly $955 million worldwide, filling theaters with explosive reactions at game references important to players.
Nothing captured the frenzy more than the “Chicken Jockey” scene: audiences erupted in chaos, with popcorn flying, TikToks trending, and even theater bans on bad behaviour due to the popularity of the phenomenon. Opening to $313.7 million globally, it set the record for the biggest three-day launch ever for a video-game film.
Fergus Navaratnam-Blair of NRG stated that gaming is a deeply important part of Gen Alpha culture, highlighting the social role of platforms like Roblox and Fortnite.
The Deloitte 2024 TMT Predictions forecasted that video-game properties would double their share of global box office revenues by 2025, riding the momentum of hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and HBO’s The Last of Us.
With the global gaming industry approaching $200 billion, the crossover is strategic: films amplify games, games fuel fandom, and franchises thrive across media. All evidence points to the gaming world being Hollywood’s new dominant IP, which may soon trigger a gold rush for the major players in the industry to secure the most profitable properties for themselves.
For theaters, the opportunity lies in experience. Nearly 60% of Gen Alpha kids still tend to favor going to the cinema over home viewing, especially when it is a special event that may turn into cherished family memories.
Hollywood is now learning that the new generation is eager to see their favorite avatars on the big screen.
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