Survey Shows Single-Player Games Are Still Extremely Popular

Survey Shows Single-Player Games Are Still Extremely Popular

As a seasoned gamer who’s witnessed the evolution of gaming since the days of 8-bit pixels and cassette tapes, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic satisfaction upon learning that single-player titles still hold a considerable charm for gamers today. The Midia Research study, with its findings that 53% of gamers prefer single-player games, serves as a comforting reminder of the humble beginnings of our beloved industry and the enduring appeal of immersive, story-driven experiences like “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom” and the captivating “Black Myth Wukong.


According to a survey by Midia Research, approximately half of the respondents favor single-player games. However, it might surprise some gamers that multiplayer titles could potentially attract more players due to various factors. While the social aspect and larger followings suggest popularity for multiplayer experiences, numerous companies are also drawn to the commercial potential of live-service multiplayer gaming.

It’s become progressively challenging for businesses to sustain backing for projects without a multiplayer aspect, as live-service and multiplayer games have been taking over the market due to their consistent income generation. Titles like Fortnite, which are financial powerhouses, are prime examples of this trend. However, it doesn’t automatically mean that everyone enjoys or prefers these types of games.

According to findings from Midia Research’s survey across various countries, it appears that over half of the gamers polled prefer single-player video games compared to live-service titles. While the specific sample size for this study is not specified, Midia Research conducted surveys in Q1 2023 and Q1 2024 among groups in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, and South Africa. They surveyed a diverse range of individuals about their gaming preferences, and it was found that many favor single-player games, such as “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom” and the popular new release “Black Myth Wukong”.

Study Shows Single Player Games Are More Popular For 53% of Gamers

According to Midia’s research, games such as Fortnite and Roblox are unique in the live-service game market, bucking the trend of the gold rush in this sector. This situation can be likened to a “zero-sum game,” implying that numerous companies strive to replicate the success these popular games have established. However, it’s essential to understand that such pursuits may not always be beneficial. For instance, Concord is often cited as a significant failure due to the massive investment of resources compared to its relatively small audience size. Interestingly, Midia singles out games like Anthem and Babylon’s Fall as examples of this phenomenon, with some already having faded from memory.

According to Midia Research, the act of businesses jumping on popular trends in order to match impressive sales figures is referred to as an “opportunity cost.” The report highlights that the gaming industry can be unpredictable and investing in a crowded market segment could be risky. It’s important to note that even single-player games with dedicated fanbases, like Star Wars Outlaws and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, have struggled to meet sales expectations. Even if companies decide to develop single-player games that a majority of consumers prefer, they will still face tough competition.

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2024-10-07 03:43