Survey Reveals Single-Player Games Remain Exceptionally Popular

A recent survey conducted by Midia Research has revealed that 53% of gamers still prefer single-player experiences over multiplayer ones. While this might seem obvious to many in the gaming community, there are numerous factors that suggest multiplayer-focused games might have the edge in terms of popularity. The social aspect of multiplayer gaming, combined with its commercial success, often makes these experiences appear to have larger followings.

In today's gaming industry, companies find it increasingly challenging to invest in titles that lack a multiplayer component. The dominance of live-service and multiplayer games has reshaped the landscape, as these formats offer a steady stream of revenue. Titles like Fortnite have become massive successes, generating unprecedented profits. Yet, even though these games may earn more money, that doesn’t necessarily mean they're everyone's first choice for entertainment.

Survey Highlights Preference for Single-Player Gaming

Midia Research's survey clearly shows that over half of the gaming population—53%—prefer single-player games to live-service options. Although the exact number of participants in the study remains undisclosed, Midia Research has confirmed that it conducted this research during the first quarters of 2023 and 2024. The study gathered data from diverse regions, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, and South Africa.

Among those surveyed, many highlighted their preference for immersive single-player titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the recently released Black Myth: Wukong. These examples underscore the enduring appeal of story-driven, solo gaming experiences.

The Single-Player vs. Multiplayer Debate

According to Midia's findings, while games like Fortnite and Roblox might seem to set the standard for the live-service gaming boom, they are exceptions rather than the rule. The report describes the rush to emulate these successes as "a zero-sum game," where many companies attempt to replicate a winning formula that doesn't always pay off.

Titles like Anthem and Babylon’s Fall serve as cautionary tales, with their ambitious plans ultimately failing to capture a sizable audience despite significant investment. Even more recently, the game Concord fell short of expectations, illustrating the risks of pouring resources into a market crowded with live-service contenders.

Midia's research highlights the consequences of trend-chasing within the industry, labeling it an "opportunity cost." The report stresses that gaming remains a highly unpredictable sector, where gambling on a crowded niche can often prove to be a costly mistake.

Challenges in the Single-Player Market

However, it's important to note that not all single-player games are guaranteed successes. Even well-regarded titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth struggled to hit their sales targets, despite their dedicated fan bases. This underscores the competitive nature of the single-player market, where even the most anticipated releases face fierce competition.

The survey findings suggest that while a slight majority of gamers favor single-player titles, these games still have their own hurdles to overcome. Regardless of the format, creating a game that resonates with players is a complex task, and both single-player and multiplayer titles must navigate a challenging landscape to achieve success.