The state of gaming in 2025 reveals an interesting pattern where the same five titles dominate the most played games on PlayStation and Xbox in the US. Despite an influx of exciting new releases such as Hollow Knight: Silksong and Death Stranding 2, players largely revisited familiar favorites like Fortnite, Call of Duty, GTA V, Roblox, and Minecraft. Analyst Mat Piscatella noted that the market is experiencing a cap in its audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic which expanded the gaming demographic. Players now prefer to invest their time in a select few live service games, as the rising cost of new titles has created a tendency to stick with well-known franchises. This shift is resulting in fewer opportunities for new games to gain traction, impacting game development and leading to industry upheavals.

Why are the same games dominating play time in 2025?

The dominance of the same games can be attributed to a cap in the gaming audience since the pandemic, players’ growing familiarity and preference for live service games, and the increasing costs associated with new game releases, leading to a trend of engaging with popular established titles instead.

Fortnite continues to remain a significant player in the gaming landscape, known for its dynamic updates, seasonal events, and wide appeal across multiple age groups. The game has transformed the way we perceive multiplayer experiences and established itself as the benchmark that new games often compete against. Its success directly influences gaming behavior and trends, showcasing the ongoing challenge new titles face in gaining player attention.