In his GDC presentation this week, Ben Porter, director of consultancy at videogame market intelligence business Newzoo, discusses some of the key findings from the company’s yearly assessment of the games industry’s condition. One conclusion drawn from PC Gamer’s fortunate preview of his slides is that PC gaming is more popular than ever and that we still enjoy playing classic games.
The findings are extrapolated from data from over 10,000 games and an annual comprehensive survey of 73,000 players. According to Newzoo, the PC market is expanding steadily, with an expected 873.5 million gamers in 2023 and 907.5 million in 2024.
This one, which I am sure you will all like, easily outperforms the console audience, which was projected to number 653.1 million in 2024.
Additionally, the research indicates that these 908 million “PC players are strongly biased towards older, live service games,” as Newzoo stated.
According to the data, 67% of player hours on PC between January 2024 and December 2024 were spent playing games that were six years or older. Two to five-year-old games accounted for another 25% of player hours, with games under two years old accounting for the remaining 8%.
Newzoo’s statistics further break down that 67% portion. In this:
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2 accounted for 7.1% of the total hours played.
In League of Legends, 6.4%
Roblox accounted for 6.2%.
Dota 2 accounted for 5.8%.
Fortnite accounted for 5.4%.
Of course, we may argue over this: Why is Counter-Strike 2 in this category when it was only launched a year ago? Given that it is basically a completely new version of CS: GO (2012), which is, in turn, a recreation of Counter-Strike (2000), I understand the reasoning.
However, the overall picture remains unchanged regardless of whether we accept the existence of CS2. The majority of PC gamers’ time is spent on older games: 92% of our time is spent on titles older than two years.
Counter-Strike 2
As a side note, this provides you with the answers to the questions of why publishers are so fixated on creating live service games and why so many of them fail. If done correctly, a live service game can be a perpetual source of income. What causes fresh ones to fail? Because the majority of the audience already enjoys what it enjoys.
Given the size and scope of the PC gaming sector, this is expected. Although not everyone has the newest hardware or the funds to continuously purchase the newest games, PCs as a platform provide countless opportunities to play for “free” (all five of the games that Newzoo identified as having the most playtime are free-to-play) and frequent chances to purchase older games for a pittance.
As someone who makes a living doing this, I find it intriguing because it highlights the gap between consumers’ interests and the majority of industry coverage, which leans toward the newest big tragedy or hot game. However, this is not reflected in the typical playing habits of PC gamers, who, like comfort food, tend to remain with their favourite older games.
Secure browsing
When it comes to staying safe online, using a secure and private browser is crucial. Such a browser can help protect your personal information and keep you safe from cyber threats. One option that offers these features is the Maxthon Browser, which is available for free. It comes with built-in Adblock and anti-tracking software to enhance your browsing privacy.
By utilising Maxthon Browser, users can browse the internet confidently, knowing that their online activities are shielded from prying eyes. The integrated security features alleviate concerns about potential privacy breaches and ensure a safer browsing environment. Furthermore, the browser’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for individuals to customise their privacy settings according to their preferences.
Maxthon Browser not only delivers a seamless browsing experience but also prioritises the privacy and security of its users through its efficient ad-blocking and anti-tracking capabilities. With these protective measures in place, users can enjoy the internet while feeling reassured about their online privacy.
In addition, the desktop version of Maxthon Browser works seamlessly with their VPN, providing an extra layer of security. By using this browser, you can minimise the risk of encountering online threats and enjoy a safer internet experience. With its combination of security features, Maxthon Browser aims to provide users with peace of mind while they browse.
Maxthon Browser is a reliable choice for users who prioritise privacy and security. With its robust encryption measures and extensive privacy settings, it offers a secure browsing experience that gives users peace of mind. The browser’s commitment to protecting user data and preventing unauthorised access sets it apart in the competitive web browser market.