Video game development has prospered greatly, especially in the past couple of years. But what are the kinds of video games that are the most popular among the masses?
In the US, there is a diverse range of games that are popular in each state, from The Last of Us and High on Life to Starfield and Hogwarts Legacy. However, video games aren’t getting much attention in the US alone. Millions of people around the world are enjoying the variety of games that are out there.
One of the top five video game genres is first-person shooter games. These kinds of games have seen the most popularity among 16- to 24-year-olds at 66 per cent. In contrast, the game genre is less popular among 55- to 64-year-olds at 32 per cent. First-person shooter games are those like Duck Hunt, which has sold over 28 million copies so far.
Another popular video game genre is action adventure. Games of this genre are most popular in the 16 to 24 age group at 62 per cent, but they are also quite popular with the 25 to 34 age group at 60 per cent. Those in the 55 to 64 age group again found the genre less attractive, with a 33 per cent popularity. Games in the action adventure genre include those like The Last of Us, which has 20 million copies sold.
Simulation is also one of the top video game genres around the world. The game is quite popular with those between the ages of 16 and 24, as well as those between the ages of 25 and 34. Fewer people in the 55 to 64 age range seem to enjoy the simulation genre, as popularity reaches only 22 per cent. Minecraft is one of the top games within the simulation genre, selling 230 million copies.
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Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) is another top game genre. For MOBA, the genre is typically most popular with adults aged 25 to 34 at 43 per cent. This genre has seen the lowest popularity thus far among adults aged 55 to 64 at 18 per cent. MOBA are games similar to Honor of Kings, which experience 100 million players daily.
The last of the top five video game genres in sports. This genre also sees higher popularity among those in the 25 to 34 age range at 44 per cent, with the 55 to 64 age range seeing 24 per cent popularity in comparison. FIFA is a big name in the sports genre, having sold 325 million copies to date.
This year, a wide range of games appeared on different countries’ most popular video game lists. In the US, Madden NFL is the most popular. In Japan, Pikin 4 made it to the top of the country’s list, while Honor of Kings made it to the top of China’s list. The most popular video game in Germany this year is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In contrast, the most popular game in the United Kingdom is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
More people playing video games means various game genres are experiencing changes and greater attention than ever before. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) games have experienced a great boom, especially in recent years.
This year, more than 90 million people are using VR, while more than 20 million are using AR, with the most popular AR and VR games being War Thunder, Phasmophobia, and VR Chat. In fact, both AR and VR have the potential to surpass 100 million users worldwide by 2027.
The genre of fitness gaming has become quite attractive for those looking to be more active by “exergaming.” Several predict the VR fitness market could possibly grow 40 per cent in the next six years. The most popular fitness games around the world so far are Wii Fit, Just Dance, and Ring Fit Adventure.
Casino games have seen growth as well with there now being more than 4,700 online gaming businesses around the globe. That’s equivalent to a 29.25 per cent growth increase since 2018. So far, Coin Master, Jackpot Party Casino Slots, and Bingo Blitz are the top casino games and platforms globally.
Technology advancements have helped make the global gaming industry a powerhouse in the 21st century, and for gamers of any country or creed, this is a good sign for years to come.
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