Mario Bautista
Midia Research conducted a survey showing that 53% of people prefer single-player titles. Although this might seem obvious to gamers, there are plenty of factors that suggest games that a focus on multiplayer aspects might be even more popular. Apart from the social aspect that makes those types of experiences look like they’ve drawn larger followings, the potential commercial viability of live-service multiplayer gaming has allured many companies.
It’s been increasingly difficult for companies to remain supportive of endeavors that lack some sort of multiplayer experience. This is because of the way that live-service and multiplayer titles have been dominating the space and because they serve as a consistent source of revenue. Games like Fortnite are massive successes, after all, pulling in unprecedented amounts of profit. However, just because some kinds of titles make more money doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone prefers to play them.
A survey by data analytics company Midia Research shows that 53% of gamers prefer single-player video games compared to live-service titles. Midia Research has not made clear the exact sample size of its study. However, it is known that the company conducted Q1 2023 and Q1 2024 surveys for groups in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, and South Africa. Midia has asked a diverse range of people about their gaming habits and attitudes, and a majority of them prefer single-player titles, with examples being The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom and more recent popular releases like the instant-hit Black Myth Wukong.
Study Shows Single Player Games Are More Popular For 53% of Gamers
Midia’s study notes that games like Fortnite and Roblox are exceptions to the rule of the live-service games gold rush. Referring to the situation as “a zero-sum game,” it’s clear that many companies want to chase the success that those games seem to have set a standard for. Despite this, there are plenty of examples of why that chase is not always worth the trouble. Concord is a notable failure because of how many resources were pumped into the game in contrast to how small of an audience it attracted, but Midia specifically points to titles like Anthem and Babylon’s Fall, which some have already forgotten.
Midia Research’s report emphasizes the consequences of companies partaking in trend-chasing as an attempt to replicate impressive sales, calling it an “opportunity cost.” It points out that gaming is a volatile market, and taking risks in an “oversaturated space” can prove reckless. Still, not all single-player games are sure to be hits either. Star Wars Outlaws and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth failed to meet sales expectations, and they’re single-player games with devoted followings. Even if companies choose to make singleplayer games that a slight majority of consumers would rather play, those games will also be met with tough competition.
