Midia Research conducted a survey that showed that 53% of people prefer single player titles. While this may seem obvious to gamers, there are plenty of factors that suggest games that focus on multiplayer aspects could be even more popular. In addition to the social aspect that makes these types of experiences seem like they would attract larger audiences, the potential commercial viability of playing multiplayer games with a live service has attracted many companies.
It's becoming increasingly difficult for companies to maintain support for efforts that lack some sort of multiplayer experience. This is because of the way live and multiplayer titles dominate the space and because they serve as a steady source of revenue. Games like Fortnite are huge successes, after all, attracting unprecedented amounts of profit. However, just because certain kinds of titles make more money doesn't necessarily mean that everyone prefers to play them.
A survey by data analytics firm Midia Research shows that 53% of gamers prefer single-player video games over live-service titles. Midia Research did not disclose the exact sample size of its study. However, the company is known to have conducted Q1 2023 and Q1 2024 surveys for groups in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey and South Africa. Midia asked a diverse range of people about their gaming habits and attitudes, and most of them prefer single-player titles, e.g. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and newer popular versions such as the instant hit The Black Myth of Wukong.
The study shows that single-player games are more popular for 53% of players
The Midia study states that they like games Fortnite and Roblox are an exception to the gold rush rule of live service games. Referring to the situation as a “zero sum game”, it is clear that many companies want to achieve the success that these games seem to have set the standard for. Despite this, there are plenty of examples of why the chase isn't always worth the trouble. Concord is a notable failure due to how much resources were pumped into the game compared to how small an audience it attracted, but Midia specifically points to titles like Anthem and Fall of Babylonwhich some have already forgotten.
A report by Midia Research highlights the implications of companies engaging in trend chasing as an attempt to replicate impressive sales, calling it “opportunity cost”. He points out that gaming is a volatile market and taking risks in an “oversaturated space” could prove reckless. Still, not all single-player games are bound to be hits. Star Wars Outlaws and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth failed to meet sales expectations and are single-player games with dedicated fans. Even if companies choose to make single-player games that a tiny majority of consumers would rather play, those games also face stiff competition.
