Recent studies indicate that a significant portion of PC gamers dedicate their playtime to older games rather than the latest releases. According to data from Newzoo, a leading gaming industry analytics firm, in 2024, 67% of PC gamers’ total playtime was devoted to games that were six years old or older.
Breakdown of Playtime Distribution
- Games 6+ Years Old: 67% of total playtime
- Games 2-5 Years Old: 25% of total playtime
- Games Less Than 2 Years Old: 8% of total playtime
This distribution highlights that a mere 8% of gaming time was allocated to titles released within the last two years.
Leading Titles Capturing Gamer Attention
Several older games continue to command substantial portions of gamers’ time:
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive / Counter-Strike 2: 7.1%
- League of Legends: 6.4%
- Roblox: 6.2%
- Dota 2: 5.8%
- Fortnite: 5.4%
These titles, all over six years old, collectively account for a notable portion of the total playtime.
Implications for Game Developers
The prevailing trend of gamers favoring older titles presents both challenges and opportunities for game developers. Here are some factors we think devs should look into:
- Enhanced Longevity: Developers should consider creating games with long-term engagement strategies, including regular updates and community events, to maintain player interest over time.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on delivering high-quality content that resonates with players can lead to sustained success, as evidenced by the enduring popularity of certain titles.
- Understanding Player Preferences: Conducting thorough market research to comprehend what keeps players engaged can inform development strategies and marketing efforts.
