A comprehensive new study has revealed a significant shift in global gaming preferences, with the majority of players now favouring single-player experiences over multiplayer titles.
The Single-Player Resurgence
According to research firm Ampere Analysis, which surveyed 34,000 gamers across 22 markets, a striking 56% of players worldwide prefer single-player games over multiplayer alternatives. This marks a 4% increase in preference for single-player titles over the last four years, challenging the industry's long-standing focus on live service multiplayer games.
The findings come as something of a surprise given the gaming landscape has been dominated by multiplayer giants like Fortnite, Minecraft, Call Of Duty, and Roblox for at least the past decade. This dominance has pushed many gaming companies to pursue their own live service hits, often at the expense of single-player development.
Global and UK Gaming Preferences
The survey uncovered notable geographical variations in gaming preferences:
- 65% of US players prefer single-player games
- 63% of Japanese gamers share this preference
- 58% of UK players favour single-player experiences
- China shows the lowest preference at 47%
- Netherlands (50%) and Sweden (49%) also fall below average
Louise Wooldridge, senior research manager at Ampere, commented on the results: 'This data reaffirms that single-player games are absolutely still viable – and sought after – in the live service-dominated landscape.'
Age Divides and Social Influences
The research reveals clear generational patterns in gaming preferences. While only 49% of 16 to 24-year-olds prefer single-player experiences, this figure rises to 56% among 25 to 34-year-olds and jumps to 64% for gaming veterans aged 55 to 64.
Despite the younger demographic's skew towards multiplayer games, the divide remains remarkably close among Gen Z gamers. The survey also highlighted the ongoing importance of social connections in gaming, with 24% of respondents saying they would buy or download a game because their friends were playing it.
Wooldridge added: 'The market favours multiplayer games for their ongoing engagement and monetisation, but cracking a finely balanced formula for single-player games can leverage this broad audience appeal.'
The findings suggest that while recent single-player successes like Hogwarts Legacy and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have made waves, major publishers continue to pursue the potentially lucrative but risky live service model, despite clear consumer preference for traditional single-player experiences.
