PC Gamers Spent Only 8% on New Games in 2024
- More people are engaging with PC games than ever before, yet a notable trend has emerged: gamers are increasingly dedicating their time to older titles.
- The data suggests a shift in player preferences, with established titles maintaining a strong hold on gamers' attention.
- This trend was highlighted at the GDC 2025, where Ben Porter, director at Newzoo, presented the latest findings.
PC Gaming Trends in 2025: Older Titles Dominate Playtime
Table of Contents
- PC Gaming Trends in 2025: Older Titles Dominate Playtime
- PC Gaming Trends in 2025: Why Older Titles Still Reign Supreme
- Why are Older PC Games More Popular Than New Releases?
- What Does the Data Say About PC and Console Gaming Preferences?
- How Does the Popularity of Older Games Impact the Gaming Industry?
- PC vs. Console: Playtime Breakdown
- What are examples of Triumphant Evergreen Games?
- What Does the Future Hold for PC Gaming?
More people are engaging with PC games than ever before, yet a notable trend has emerged: gamers are increasingly dedicating their time to older titles. A new report from the market research firm Newzoo estimates that only 8% of PC gaming hours in 2024 were spent on games released in the same year.
The Rise of Evergreen Games
The data suggests a shift in player preferences, with established titles maintaining a strong hold on gamers’ attention. Consider the hours spent with games like Balatro; while significant, they represent “a drop in the ocean” compared to the overall playtime dedicated to older games.
This trend was highlighted at the GDC 2025, where Ben Porter, director at Newzoo, presented the latest findings. according to Newzoo’s report, “global play hours are up, but concentrated in AAA and sometimes cannibalistic.” The competition for audience attention is fierce, making it challenging for new releases to gain traction.
Key Findings from the “State of PC and Console Gaming in 2025” Presentation
The presentation, titled “The State of PC and console Gaming in 2025,” analyzed gaming habits across both PC and console platforms. it revealed that PC gamers are significantly more inclined to play games that are at least six years old, such as Roblox, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
- games aged six years or older accounted for 67% of PC playtime.
- Games between two and five years old represented 25% of playtime.
- New releases from 2024, including Helldivers 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Black Myth: Wukong, only captured 8% of total playtime.
This data echoes a similar report from Newzoo in 2024, indicating that the trend is not new but appears to be intensifying. The enduring popularity of older games isn’t entirely surprising. Consider the top 100 games of the last 25 years; many of them predate the last six years. Simultaneously, the number of new game releases continues to grow each year. In 2024, over 18,000 games launched on Valve’s store, surpassing the 2023 figure by 5,000.
Console Gaming: A Slightly different Landscape
While the dominance of older games is less pronounced on consoles, it remains a significant factor. approximately 44% of playtime on PlayStation was dedicated to games released six years ago or earlier. On Xbox, this figure stood at 49%. Though, console gamers spent twice as much time on 2024 releases compared to their PC counterparts, with 15% of playtime devoted to new titles like warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
Anecdotally, the impact of this trend is evident. New games, irrespective of their quality, face increasing difficulty in breaking through and capturing widespread attention. The result is “more ruthless competition for existing player attention,” perhaps leading major studios and publishers to become more risk-averse when it comes to new genres, ideas, and franchises.
This trend highlights the importance of evergreen content and the challenges faced by new games in capturing player attention in an increasingly crowded market.
PC Gaming Trends in 2025: Why Older Titles Still Reign Supreme
The PC gaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and games emerging regularly. However, in 2025, a meaningful trend has emerged: the enduring popularity of older, “evergreen” titles. This article explores this trend, backed by data from Newzoo and examines the implications for the industry.
Why are Older PC Games More Popular Than New Releases?
A key question emerging from this trend is why older games are dominating playtime. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Established Player Base: Older games frequently enough have built-in communities and established player bases,making it easier for new players to find a game and enjoy it.
- Proven Quality: Evergreen titles have stood the test of time, with their gameplay, story, or mechanics resonating with players over many years. Players know they can trust the quality of these games.
- Familiarity and Nostalgia: Many gamers enjoy revisiting classic titles, finding comfort and satisfaction in familiar gameplay experiences.
- Content Updates: Many older games continue to receive updates,expansions,and new content,keeping them fresh and engaging for existing players.
What Does the Data Say About PC and Console Gaming Preferences?
A report from Newzoo, presented at GDC 2025, provides compelling data on this trend. The report, titled “the State of PC and Console Gaming in 2025,” analyzed gaming habits across both platforms:
- PC Gaming: Only 8% of PC gaming hours in 2024 were spent on games released in the same year.
- Console Gaming: The dominance of older games is less pronounced on consoles, but it’s still significant. In 2024, 15% of console playtime was on new releases.
How Does the Popularity of Older Games Impact the Gaming Industry?
The rise of evergreen games has significant implications for the gaming industry,according to the report from Newzoo:
- Increased Competition: New games face fierce competition for player attention in an already crowded market.
- Challenges for New Releases: It is tough for contemporary games to break through and capture widespread attention.
- Risk Aversion: Major studios and publishers might become more risk-averse when it comes to new genres, ideas, and franchises.
PC vs. Console: Playtime Breakdown
Here’s a comparison of how PC and console gamers spend their time:
| Platform | Games 6+ years Old | Games 2-5 Years Old | 2024 Releases |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC | 67% | 25% | 8% |
| PlayStation | 44% | N/A | N/A |
| Xbox | 49% | N/A | 15% |
What are examples of Triumphant Evergreen Games?
Several older games continue to thrive, holding a significant share of playtime. Examples include:
- Roblox
- League of Legends
- Fortnite
What Does the Future Hold for PC Gaming?
The trend of older games dominating playtime indicates the gaming industry should emphasize the following:
- Evergreen Content: Focus on creating games that offer lasting value and appeal.
- Community building: Foster strong communities around games to ensure player retention.
- Content Updates: Continue to provide regular updates and new content to keep games fresh.
The gaming landscape continues to evolve, shaped by technological advancements and the preferences of gamers. The dominance of older titles highlights a significant trend of players valuing gameplay and community over the newest releases.