PC gaming preferences
The trend of online gaming with friends is strongly represented among the top PC gaming titles – Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty are among the leading PC games based on monthly active users. Additionally, many of the most popular online gaming and e-sports titles are PC-only, such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Dota 2.When looking at the bestselling new video game releases in 2023, the award-winning role-playing game Baldur’s Gate 3 takes the top spot, followed by the action role-playing game Hogwarts Legacy. Many of the top-grossing PC games of 2023 were long-awaited titles delayed due to the knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a general shakeup of the video game industry in the post-COVID years.
However, not all PC video gamers immediately shop for major releases developed by big companies. An October 2023 survey among gamers in the United States and the United Kingdom found that three-quarters had purchased indie titles. Games from small-scale developers are thriving on the PC platform: Of the number of games released on Steam, around 99 percent are developed by independent studios.
Steam: The undisputed PC gaming market leader
When looking to buy games, PC gamers are spoilt for choice. There are digital storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch.io, and Humble. There are also first-party applications like the EA app, Ubisoft Connect, and Blizzard Entertainment’s Battle.net.Steam has been distributing third-party titles for almost 20 years and is the undisputed leader in terms of online PC gaming sales. The number of video game units sold by Steam continues to smash through the 400 million mark. Steam’s revenue from game sales surpassed 8.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2023.
Cross-platform gaming trend: A new lease of life?
Due to improvements in mobile gaming hardware, cross-platform gaming has become increasingly popular with gaming audiences worldwide. Cross-platform titles are those that gamers can play together on different platforms (PC, console, or mobile). The cross-play trend is highlighted by the success of games like Fortnite, Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal, and Honkai: Star Rail.There is also growing demand for PC games that used to be console-exclusive, which has proven beneficial for gamers and publishers. As of February 2024, the most successful PlayStation video game title for PC was third-person shooter Helldivers 2. Published by Sony, the game regularly attracts thousands of concurrent players on Steam. Sony’s revenue from first-party PC games amounted to an estimated 450 million U.S. dollars in 2023.
Until fairly recently, it was almost impossible – or at the very least, very complicated – for PC and console gamers to play the same title together, never mind adding mobile players to the mix. However, as the industry continues to evolve, PC gaming remains relevant and a successful environment for those managing to keep up with players’ demands.
