PlayStation And Xbox's Most-Played Games Show What Players Are Really Looking For

"Thousands of games are released every year, with numbers increasing recently thanks to an explosion of indie games across all platforms. That means there's more opportunity than ever to find something new and unexpected among the latest releases, but for a lot of players, the comfort of a few familiar games wins out. Newly released statistics show that, at least on consoles, the biggest games of 2025 were exactly the same as 2024's top titles. Do those figures point to an industry in crisis."

"There are no real surprises at the top of the list, which consists entirely of games that have already been popular for years, even if it's a little shocking to see how unchallenged their positions still are. It's also no accident that the biggest games are all free or very cheap at this point and are the kind of games that support essentially endless multiplayer, whether that comes in the form of competitive shooters or cooperative building games."

"That all points to an audience of players that's looking for the most bang for their buck, for obvious reasons. Most people just don't have the disposable income for nonessentials like video games. Resume Now's 2025 Wage Reality Report, for example, found that 73% of respondents unable to afford anything beyond basic living expenses - and those were all employed professionals. At the same time, gaming as a hobby is getting more expensive."

Game releases have surged, especially from indie developers, yet player attention concentrates on a few established multiplayer titles. Console top-played lists for 2025 mirrored 2024, with games that have maintained popularity for years dominating. The most-played titles are largely free or very inexpensive and emphasize persistent multiplayer experiences, from competitive shooters to cooperative building. Economic pressures shape player choices, as many consumers lack disposable income for nonessentials; a 2025 wage report found 73% unable to afford more than basic living expenses. Simultaneously, hardware and hobby costs have risen, reinforcing demand for high-value, longevity-driven games.

Read at Inverse