PC gamers prefer older games, spending 92% time

A new report reveals that PC gamers are spending 92% of their time on older games. The data comes from a study by the consulting firm NewZoo, which surveyed 73,000 players and gathered information on over 10,000 games. The number of PC gamers is growing, with estimates showing that there will be about 908 million players in 2024. The study found that only 15% of time on Steam, a popular gaming platform, is spent on games released in 2024. Most hours are dedicated to older titles. Specifically, 67% of gameplay is on games that are six or more years old. An additional 25% of time is spent on games that are two to five years old. The remaining 8% is spent on newer games. Popular older games include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends. Although Counter-Strike 2 is only a year old, it is considered a remake of the classic CS:GO from 2012. The data shows that players prefer sticking to familiar titles rather than always seeking the latest releases. The report also highlights the financial success of live service games. While some fail, those that succeed can generate steady profits. Many players opt for free-to-play games, allowing them to enjoy gaming without constantly purchasing new titles. Overall, these findings emphasize the difference between industry trends and the actual preferences of gamers. Many PC players stick to beloved older games rather than chasing new releases.