A survey has found the majority of children in the US would prefer in-game currency over a new game for Christmas, as skins rule the roost.

While elder generations might associate Christmas with spending hours playing brand new games or consoles, the tide has partially shifted for today’s youth.

With the rise of live service games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox, the attention spent on new games has dropped in favour of splashing out on in-game currency, whether for DLC packs, skins, or other cosmetic items.

Accordingly, a new report by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), more kids in the US want in-game currency over new games and consoles this Christmas.

Almost three in five children in the US are planning to ask for gaming related presents this Christmas but of the over 700 children surveyed (between the ages of five to 17), 43% are asking for in-game currency.

In comparison, 39% want a games console, while 37% are hoping for physical games under the Christmas tree.

Over 1,100 adults (aged 18 to 65) were surveyed too, with one third of US adults planning to buy game-related items this Christmas, with 35% of their purchases being for their own children.

Skins have never been more desirable (Getty Images)

These results aren’t necessarily surprising and while there is still a high percentage who want new games, it is still a grim reflection of the vice-like grip cosmetics – and games like Fortnite and Roblox – have over younger generations.

It’s especially bleak when you weigh up the value proposition of currency in these games. For example, the average price of a new skin in Fortnite is 1,500 V-Bucks, which equates to £10.50. Call Of Duty and skins from other games can be upwards of £22.

While there’s certainly a joy in running around Fortnite dressed as Ned Flanders or Dustin from Stranger Things, you can pick up Hollow Knight: Silksong – an action game spanning upwards of 25 hours – for £16.75 on Steam. Another indie darling, Ball X Pit, is a mere £12.99.

The price of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, one of the best games of the year, also equates to roughly four Fortnite skins, at £41.99.

While games like Fortnite and Roblox are incredibly popular, the value perception of these currencies may be distorted by how much it costs for a full priced game these days, with Call Of Duty and EA Sports FC 26 going for £70 at launch.

In comparison, it’s perhaps understandable that parents would gravitate toward £20 gift cards for skins, even if they are overpriced for what you’re getting.

So while you might be tempted to pick up an abundance of V-Bucks this Christmas, to keep the younglings quiet, consider what you could be doing for them in the long run, by picking up Donkey Kong Bananza, Split Fiction, or Hades 2 instead.

Hollow Knight: Silksong costs less than two Fortnite skins (Team Cherry)

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