All articles tagged with #player engagement
Gran Turismo 7 is experiencing unprecedented growth in active players, with over 2 million monthly users, defying typical game decline trends thanks to ongoing support and free updates, making it one of PlayStation's most successful titles during the PS5 era.
The article highlights the most played new games of 2025 across major platforms, with Battlefield 6 leading in player numbers, and discusses trends such as the rise of social co-op games like R.E.P.O. and PEAK, the continued strength of premium games, and the significant revenue generated by indie titles. It also provides insights into market dynamics, genre popularity, and upcoming titles for 2026.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 experienced a significant sales and player engagement boost after winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards, with sales increasing notably on PlayStation 5 and Steam, and a record number of concurrent players, aided by the release of new DLC and widespread recognition.
Research shows that game remakes generally attract more players and generate higher consumer spending than remasters, with the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered being a notable exception due to its popularity. Remakes tend to be more costly and time-consuming but allow for modernized gameplay, while remasters are quicker and cheaper but may retain outdated elements. The trend indicates a strong consumer preference for remakes, especially for popular IPs.
Destiny 2 players are confused about the game's future due to the absence of a promised roadmap and ongoing issues with the core gameplay structure, particularly The Portal, which has received negative feedback and technical problems. Bungie plans to continue with two expansions and major updates in the Year of Prophecy but needs to address player dissatisfaction and system flaws to revitalize the game and improve communication.
Destiny 2 has significantly reduced its playable content, with about 80% of the game effectively sunset due to the focus on The Portal and its new tiered gear system, leading to player decline and dissatisfaction.
The first open beta for Battlefield 6 has been highly successful, with over half a million players on Steam, and offers exclusive rewards for players who reach certain levels and complete specific challenges during the beta period, with different rewards available in the first and second weeks.
Destiny 2's new update, The Edge of Fate, introduces The Portal, a series of old content repurposed as new activities, but it lacks fresh content and features overly difficult challenges with poor loot rewards, risking player burnout and population decline.
New data indicates that Destiny 2's Edge of Fate campaign has seen a nearly 70% decrease in completions compared to The Final Shape, likely due to lower pre-order numbers and less player engagement, reflecting a potential decline in the game's audience after its major finale.
New data indicates that pre-orders for Destiny 2's Edge of Fate are nearly 50% lower than those for The Final Shape, suggesting decreased player interest possibly due to the expansion's smaller scope, lack of closure, and recent trust issues with Bungie.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is changing the All-Star Game to a USA vs. the World format in 2026 to revive interest and motivate American players, with critics like Brian Windhorst suggesting the move is an attempt to shame players into caring after previous efforts failed to boost engagement.
Marvel Rivals game director Thaddeus Sasser attributes the failure of the game Concord to its lack of unique value, making it difficult for players to switch from games they are already invested in. Sasser highlights the unpredictability of game success, noting that even well-anticipated games can flop while unexpected ones succeed. He emphasizes the challenge developers face in gauging audience response and the inherent 'switching cost' for players already committed to other games.
World of Warcraft's latest expansion, Dragonflight, has seen a surge in subscribers, with estimates putting the current number at roughly 7.25 million, higher than at the expansion's launch. The game's general manager, John Hight, discussed the predictable pattern of subscriber churn and how the release of World of Warcraft: Classic disrupted this pattern. Despite initial falloff during the Shadowlands expansion, Blizzard was able to turn things around with the release of Dragonflight by addressing player feedback and increasing engagement through content updates. Hight emphasized the importance of player involvement and community sentiment in shaping the game's future.
Arrowhead Game Studios has introduced a unique approach to the galactic war in Helldivers 2, with a single developer named Joel serving as the "Game Master" to orchestrate the evolving conflict. Inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, the studio aims to replicate collaborative storytelling in the game, allowing the Game Master to make real-time adjustments based on player behavior. The community's attachment to individual planets has also influenced the studio's approach, leading to plans for future updates and surprises in the ongoing war.
Payday 3 developer Starbreeze Entertainment acknowledges that the game's sales and player engagement are "significantly lower" than desired, with a focus on improving the game's performance and meeting expectations. Despite initial server issues and communication problems, the company remains hopeful for the future, citing examples of turning initial challenges into long-term success in the gaming industry. However, dwindling player numbers on Steam indicate ongoing struggles for Payday 3 compared to its predecessor, Payday 2.