The great Australian tradition of meeting mates at the pub might be under threat from video games.
According to a new study released by Logitech G and conducted by Antenna Insights, a massive cultural shift is underway. The data shows that the traditional Friday night at the pub is losing the battle to the video gaming universe, specifically among Gen Z.
The study, which surveyed over 1,500 Australians, uncovered a striking statistic: 61% of Australian men aged 18-24 prefer connecting with friends through online gaming rather than going to a pub or bar.
This isn’t just a niche trend for hardcore gamers. The preference for a “night in” is widespread among young adults:
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49% of all respondents aged 18-24 favour a gaming night over a pub night.
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34% of the broader 18-45 demographic feel the same way.
Why the Shift?
Why are young Aussies trading bar stools for gaming chairs? It turns out that the “antisocial gamer” stereotype is dead; this shift is entirely about a better social experience and economic reality.
Respondents cited three key drivers for choosing gaming over going out:
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Affordability (54%): With the cost of living rising, spending a fortune on drinks is becoming less appealing.
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Relaxation (47%): Gaming offers a way to unwind that a crowded venue often can’t match.
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Convenience (42%): No coordinating transport, no arguing over venues, and no dress codes.
Gaming is Australia’s New “Third Space”
Sociologists often talk about the “Third Space”—a place that isn’t work and isn’t home, where community happens. For decades, this was the pub, the church, or the sporting club. Today, the server lobby is taking over.
Logitech G found that online gaming is now the second most popular “Third Space” in Australia.
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1st Place: Cafes and Restaurants (32%)
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2nd Place: Online Gaming (18%)
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3rd Place: Pubs and Bars (16%)
For Gen Z men specifically, gaming dominates, with 38% describing it as their primary hub for social connection.
Far from isolating people, the study suggests that gaming is actually increasing social interaction. Frequent gamers spend an average of 3.8 hours more per week socializing with friends compared to non-gamers. It is also a lifeline for long-distance relationships, with 73% of gamers relying on online play to stay close with friends who live far away.
“Although in-person catch-ups will forever have a role to play, video games are providing an essential platform for digital socialising in Australia and beyond. It allows friends to connect more frequently than they otherwise would, ultimately leading to more long-lasting social bonds.”
— Daniel Hall, Senior Category Manager at Logitech G ANZ
The Bottom Line
The data is undeniable: the definition of a “night out with the boys” has changed. While the pub will always have its place, the affordability and connectivity of the digital world are making the gaming headset the new pint glass for the next generation.
