Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you will no doubt be aware that gaming is a massive deal these days. In fact, the most popular games pull in millions of fans from all over the world. And this has just gotten even bigger since the pandemic. There are all different genres – and a lot of these gaming genres have now become esports. You can watch people play these games live in an arena and even place bets on them over at https://boylesports.com/.
Here, we will look at some of the most popular gaming genres of 2023…
The Most Popular Genre – Shooter
It will come as no surprise to hear that shooter games are the most popular. During the latter months of 2023, over 57% of players admitted to playing at least one shooter game that year. This is nothing new – as these have been the most popular games for the previous 5 years running.
These test your speed and reactions – and you simply need to kill your opponent and complete your tasks without getting killed yourself. Players are drawn to the adrenaline rush and the thrill of engaging in intense virtual battles, where they can showcase their skills, strategize, and compete with friends or online opponents.
Other Popular Genres
The shooter genre is followed in popularity by action and adventure games, with 54% of players having played them in the previous 12 months, then sports and racing games (attracting 39% of players), and then puzzles games and platform games, with 37% of players enjoying them.
Beyond the Game
The most popular games step out of the game zone into the mainstream. For example, the 2013 adventure game, The Last of Us, was turned into a hugely successful HBO TV show that attracted almost 5 million viewers. It’s the hit of the year. This isn’t the only game to make it to our screens – Resident Evil, Street Fighter, and many more have also been big hits.
The Most Popular Gaming Genres by Generation
The popularity of gaming genres often depends on the generation of gamers. Although shooter games are the most popular cross-generation games.
Gen Zers
Stats suggest that the most popular type of game with Gen Z is shooter games (66%), followed by action and adventure at 62%. There is then a drop to simulation games (at 43%) and then MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena games) at 42% then sporting games at 41%.
Millennials
Just like Gen Zers, their favorite games are shooter games at 62% and then action and adventure games at 58%. In joint third place comes sports and racing games at 44% and simulation games come in last at 42%.
Gen Xers
These guys like a mix-up. In joint first place come shooters and action-adventure games at 46%. Coming in second is puzzle and platform games at 35%, followed by sports games at 34% and racing games at 33%.
The Most Popular Gaming Franchises
Let’s now take a look at the most popular gaming franchises by generation…
Gen Zers
Obviously, the most popular gaming franchises tie up with their preferred gaming genres, with Call of Duty taking the top spot…
- Call of Duty – 26%
- Minecraft – 26%
- PUBG (Player Unknown’s Battleground) – 23%
- FIFA – 23%
- Grand Theft Auto – 21%
Millennials
The most popular game with Millennials is the popular football title, FIFA…
- FIFA – 23%
- Call of Duty – 23%
- Mario – 20%
- League of Legends – 18%
- PUBG – 17%
Gen Xers
Gen Xers seem to have a very similar taste to the Millennials, with FIFA taking the top spot…
- FIFA – 18%
- Call of Duty – 15%
- Mario – 15%
- Minecraft – 15%
- Fortnite – 11%
A Captive Audience
Players aren’t just players, they are the audience and consumers. These people play games, watch live games via streaming platforms, and share videos of their gameplay on social media – and they spend money on these games.
Ultimately, if you can tap into the gamers’ interests and see what trends are happening, there can be some serious money to be made. Gaming isn’t just about playing anymore – and it’s taking over the world.
What Does The Future Hold For Gaming Trends?
The future of gaming holds exciting prospects and innovations that are set to revolutionize the industry.
Advancements in technology such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will continue to enhance immersion, allowing players to enter even more realistic and interactive virtual worlds. Cloud gaming services are expected to become increasingly popular, offering gamers seamless access to a vast library of games on various devices.
With the rise of eSports and competitive gaming, we can anticipate a further integration of gaming into mainstream culture, with larger audiences, increased professional opportunities, and even more engaging multiplayer experiences.
