In an intriguing shift within the gaming landscape, a recent report from market research firm Newzoo reveals that players are increasingly gravitating towards older titles. The study estimates that a mere 8 percent of PC gaming hours in 2024 will be dedicated to newly released games, highlighting a trend where nostalgia reigns supreme over novelty.
Insights from the Report
During a presentation at GDC 2025, Ben Porter, Newzoo’s director of consulting, noted, “Overall playtime hours are growing, but concentrated in AAA and at times cannibalistic.” The report, titled “The State of PC and Console Games in 2025,” delves into the gaming habits across platforms, revealing that PC gamers are predominantly engaging with titles that are at least six years old. Iconic games such as Roblox, League of Legends, and Fortnite account for a staggering 67 percent of total PC playtime, while games released between two to five years ago contribute 25 percent. In stark contrast, new releases from 2024, including Helldivers 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Black Myth: Wukong, collectively make up only 8 percent of playtime.
This trend mirrors findings from Newzoo’s previous report in 2024, indicating a growing preference for established titles. The allure of classic games is understandable; many of the top games from the past quarter-century were not released in recent years. However, the gaming industry continues to witness an explosion in new releases, with over 18,000 games launched on Valve’s platform in 2024 alone, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
The Console Perspective
While the dominance of older games is less pronounced on consoles, the trend remains noteworthy. Approximately 44 percent of gaming time on PlayStation is spent on titles released six or more years ago, with Xbox players clocking in at 49 percent. However, console gamers show a greater willingness to explore new releases, dedicating 15 percent of their playtime to games launched in 2024, such as Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the competitive landscape for player attention is intensifying. New games, regardless of their quality, face significant challenges in breaking through the noise and capturing a substantial player base. This reality has led to a more ruthless competition for existing players’ attention, prompting larger studios and publishers to adopt a more cautious approach, often shying away from innovative genres, ideas, and franchises.
