A recent consumer survey from Circana reveals that 63% of video game players in the US purchase two or fewer new games each year. This decline in new game purchases is especially pronounced among younger players aged 18 to 24, suggesting a major shift in gaming habits for the younger generation.
Experts point out that many players now spend more time and money within existing games rather than buying new titles. In-game economies across popular free-to-play and live service games account for significant engagement and spending, overshadowing traditional game purchases.
Why New Games Aren’t Getting the Attention
One reason players are gravitating away from new releases is the massive ‘backlog’ of games many have already purchased but not fully played. This backlog competes directly with new releases for players’ limited time and budget.
Additionally, remasters and re-releases of beloved franchises capture attention by offering nostalgia and proven gameplay, which can be less risky for players than jumping into untested new titles.
The Rise of In-Game Spending
While spending on new full-priced games has declined, in-game purchases have soared. Reports suggest that more than 80% of US gamers made at least one in-game purchase in 2023, demonstrating a shift towards microtransactions, cosmetics, and season passes as primary revenue streams for developers and publishers.
This monetization strategy keeps players engaged longer in fewer titles, with continuous updates and expansions rather than cycling through many different games.
Changing Demographics and Preferences
Older gamers tend to prefer single-player and narrative-focused titles, often revisiting classic games or franchises they know and enjoy. Younger gamers lean more toward multiplayer and social experiences, but even they are showing a reluctance to frequently purchase new standalone titles, opting instead for ongoing free-to-play games with social ecosystems.
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube also shape consumption patterns, with many players watching gameplay videos and streams before deciding on purchases, reducing impulse buys.
What This Means for the Industry
Game developers and publishers need to adapt to these evolving player behaviors by balancing a focus on new releases with robust support for live services and community engagement. Innovation in monetization models, ongoing content updates, and quality remasters will be key to maintaining player interest and revenue growth.
For players, this shift means enjoying fewer new stories but deeper adventures in games they love, with enhanced social and content-driven experiences becoming the norm.
FAQs
Are players really buying fewer new games?
Yes, recent data indicates that a majority of players in markets like the US purchase two or fewer new games annually.
Why are players playing fewer games?
Many players have large backlogs and prefer spending time in existing games with frequent updates or live services.
Is in-game spending increasing?
Yes, in-game purchases, microtransactions, and season passes are becoming the dominant form of monetization in the industry.
Does this trend affect all age groups equally?
No, older gamers tend to prefer single-player experiences, while younger players lean toward multiplayer and social titles but still buy fewer new games.
What should developers do in response?
Focusing on live service content, quality remasters, and community engagement alongside new releases will help retain player interest.
Conclusion
The gaming landscape in 2025 is marked by a clear shift away from buying and playing many new games to investing more deeply in fewer titles with rich, evolving content. While this challenges traditional sales-driven models, it opens opportunities for developers and publishers to innovate in live services and ongoing player engagement.
Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone involved in gaming, from developers to players, as the ways we experience games continue to evolve in profound ways.