Is that the latest indie game or perhaps a new Fortnite character skin that catches your fancy? Or are you more inclined towards unwrapping a fresh FIFA pack instead? The gaming world is undergoing a significant metamorphosis, altering how players allocate their funds. Titles with live services such as Fortnite and GTA Online have become the center of attention, causing traditional game sales to dwindle. Intriguingly, almost a third of gamers declared they won’t purchase a single new game this year. This movement has piqued curiosity; what are its roots, and how does it impact developers and publishers? Herein lies all you need to comprehend about the impending transformation in the industry.
Changing Gaming Purchases
2025 is anticipated to see a notable change in the pattern of game purchases within the gaming industry, with around 30% of gamers predicted not to buy any new games. This transformation largely stems from the rise of live-service games that have become popular and consume most of players’ time. Games such as Fortnite, GTA Online, and Roblox currently account for about 40% of all gaming hours spent by players. Consequently, there is less demand for new, standalone releases, with fewer gamers showing a willingness to regularly purchase new titles.
As per Video Game Industry Analyst Mat Piscatella’s findings, approximately 70% of gamers engage with at least one of the top ten live-service games on a monthly basis. This is a marked change from past years when players typically moved from one major game launch to another. The increasing popularity of live-service games is influencing how both time and money are being spent, suggesting a decline in the number of new game purchases overall.
Consequences for Developers and Publishers
The change in how gamers play is causing a considerable burden for game developers and distributors. Previously, businesses that depended on regular game launches are now dealing with a diminishing customer base, as numerous players opt for live-service games over exploring new ones. As Piscatella points out, traditional publishers are encountering difficulties, with merely 16% of gamers consistently buying fresh titles. Indie games are seeing both positive and negative effects. Although their presence has increased on digital platforms, competing in this competitive market remains tough. However, when indie games thrive, the influence is considerable, as some manage to attract substantial audiences.
It’s not entirely fair to criticize gamers for not buying new games due to lack of funds, is it? After all, there are other factors at play. For instance, in 2024, Electronic Arts (EA) earned approximately 75% of their total income from microtransactions, a trend that’s been growing. FIFA 21 Ultimate Team alone accounted for nearly one-third of EA’s total revenue that year. So, while many would prefer to spend money on the thrill of potentially getting Pelé in a game, they might overlook supporting those fun indie games. Given our tendency to stick with familiar things, this shift in the gaming industry isn’t exactly unexpected.
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2025-02-25 19:39