Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Latin American gaming demographics are shifting, with Gen Z gamers making up the majority (47.5%) across the region, particularly in Peru and Mexico.
- Platform usage is evolving, with PC and console use on the rise, while smartphones remain the dominant platform overall, except in Argentina and Peru where PCs have seen significant growth.
- AI in gaming has raised concerns among Latin American players about job displacement, creative work being used without permission, and loss of unique character in games. However, gamers show an open-minded approach to AI in games.
- Purchasing habits are changing, with a growing trend of waiting for better deals or major sales events before buying games, rather than purchasing on the first day of release unless a significant discount is available. A new study titled GTA VI: Hype, Consumption, and Gamer Culture across Latin America has also been announced to explore these trends further.
Recommended products
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Latin American Gamers Survey Reveals Shifting Demographics and Platform Preferences At Gamescom Latin America 2026 in Sao Paulo, Game Brasil presented findings from their “What Motivates Latin American Gamers” panel, highlighting key data from the new PGB Latin America 2026 study. The annual survey gathered 7,202 responses from gamers across Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Brazil leads with 75.3% gamer participation, followed by Argentina at 74% and Peru at 73.2%. Mexico saw a dip to 70%, with Colombia at 68.7% and Chile at 68.2%. Carlos Silva of Gogamers, the initiator of PGB Latin America, suggests these shifts are influenced more by regional socioeconomic factors than by lottery game engagement, as seen in Brazil. Gen Z Dominates the Gaming Landscape
A significant trend identified in the PGB Latin America 2026 study is the majority representation of Gen Z gamers across the region. On average, Gen Z constitutes 47.5% of Latin American gamers, an increase of 12.2% since 2025. Chile has the highest proportion of millennial gamers at 40.3%. However, Peru leads in Gen Z youth engagement with 58.4%, followed by Mexico (51.8%) and Colombia (48.1%). Argentina presents a more balanced demographic, with Gen Z at 37.8% and millennials at 35.6%, similar to Brazil’s distribution. Platform Usage Evolves Mauro Berimbau, a consultant with Gogamers, analyzed the top digital game platforms used in Latin America. PC and console usage is on the rise, with PC platform adoption increasing from approximately 16% in 2025 to 17.5% currently, and console usage growing to 19.5%. Smartphones remain the dominant platform overall, with the exceptions of Argentina and Peru, where PCs have seen significant growth, with adoption reaching 25.7% and 24.3% respectively. Notably, console preference is growing in Colombia, with 18.9% of gamers favoring them this year. AI in Gaming: Concerns and Openness
The PGB LatAm 2026 study explored Latin American players’ perspectives on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in gaming. Approximately 40% of respondents expressed concern about job displacement or reduced job security for creative roles due to increased AI integration. Another 36% are worried about artists’ and creators’ work being used without permission by AI, while 35% believe games might lose their unique character if AI becomes overly dominant. Despite these concerns, similar to trends in Brazil, Latin American gamers generally show an open-minded approach to AI in games. About 25% would consider purchasing a game primarily developed with AI, and nearly half (49%) indicated they would try such a game. Changing Purchasing Habits The PGB LatAm 2026 survey revealed evolving game purchasing habits among Latin American players. Carlos Silva shared that 25.8% of those surveyed are now buying fewer games at launch, opting to wait for better deals. A further 20.8% will not purchase a game immediately, even if it appears appealing, preferring to wait for major sales events. Only 17.5% buy games on their first day of release, unless a significant discount is available during the launch week. New Study on GTA VI Hype Announced
Exploring GTA VI Hype and Latin American Gamer Culture through Game Brasil Research
Carlos Silva and Mauro Berimbau also announced a new study for this year titled “GTA VI: Hype, Consumption, and Gamer Culture across Latin America.” This initiative mirrors Gogamers’ successful study conducted in Brazil last year, aiming to provide valuable insights into gamer sentiment and behavior leading up to a major game release. About Game Brasil Research The Game Brasil Research, established in 2013, is developed and produced by Sx Group and Go Gamers in collaboration with Blend New Research and Espm. Utilizing a proprietary questionnaire, it comprehensively covers Brazilian gamers and their habits across Brazil and key Latin American countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. Go Gamers manages the research and publishes the findings annually through their official channels at www.pesquisagamebrasil.com.br and www.gogamers.gg. The views presented in this information do not necessarily reflect those of Portal Uai.
In Case You Missed It
In our continuing effort to bring you intriguing content from Brazil and beyond, we invite you to dive into three insightful pieces. First up is Marcus Thompson’s “Rouanet Law in the Interior” (published May 1st), exploring how collaborative efforts between MinC, Neoenergia Institute, and Sesi are democratizing access to cultural incentive mechanisms through capacity-building workshops across seven regions, training over 4,300 cultural agents (Rouanet Law in the Interior: Partnership Trains Over 4,300 Cultural Agents in Formative Workshops).
Next, immerse yourself in Sophie Laurent’s recent post, “The Blood of Dawnwalker” (published April 29th), giving you an exclusive sneak peek at Rebel Wolves’ debut game set in a world inspired by the Carpathian Mountains. With player choices that truly matter and a release date marked for September 3rd, this narrative-driven experience is not to be missed (The Blood of Dawnwalker: It’s the New Game from The Witcher 3 Creators, But Not a Witcher 3 Spin-off).
Lastly, Carlos Mendoza’s “Culture Launches National Book and Reading Plan Page” (published April 24th) highlights a significant step towards promoting literary culture in Brazil. The Ministry of Culture has launched an interactive digital platform offering insights into investments made under the Aldir Blanc Cultural Incentive Policy (Culture Launches National Book and Reading Plan Page with Interactive Panel).
Join us as we shine a light on these fascinating initiatives and adventures!