The year 2020 was a pivotal one for the video game industry.
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many people to stay indoors, the demand for entertainment and relaxation skyrocketed, leading to an unprecedented surge in video game sales and downloads. In this article, we will explore the most played video games of 2020, analyze the trends and patterns that emerged, and provide insights into the factors that contributed to their success.
The Most Played Video Games of 2020
According to market research firm Statista, the top five most played video games of 2020 were:
- Fortnite – With over 38 million daily active players, Fortnite is undoubtedly one of the most popular games of the year. The game’s multiplayer mode, regular updates and events, and extensive customization options have kept players engaged for hours on end.
- Minecraft – Minecraft has been a staple in the gaming community since its release in 2011, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With an estimated 140 million monthly active users, the game’s endless possibilities and creative freedom have kept players coming back for more.
- Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) – GTA V is a classic open-world adventure game that has stood the test of time. With over 85 million copies sold worldwide, its immersive world, engaging storyline, and wide range of activities have kept players hooked for years.
- League of Legends (LoL) – LoL is one of the most popular multiplayer online games in the world, with an estimated 140 million monthly active users. The game’s fast-paced action, strategic depth, and extensive customization options have made it a favorite among players of all skill levels.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – With over 200 million copies sold worldwide, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is one of the most successful first-person shooter games of all time. The game’s intense multiplayer mode, historical setting, and wide range of weapons and maps have kept players engaged for hours on end.
Factors that Contributed to Their Success
There are several factors that contributed to the success of these games in 2020:
- Accessibility – All of these games are easy to pick up and play, making them accessible to a wide range of players. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in these games.
- Engaging Gameplay – Each of these games offers unique and engaging gameplay experiences that keep players coming back for more. From the fast-paced action of Fortnite to the strategic depth of LoL, these games offer a range of activities that cater to different playstyles.
- Regular Updates and Events – All of these games have regular updates and events that keep players engaged and motivated to continue playing. Whether it’s new maps, weapons, or game modes, these updates ensure that the games remain fresh and exciting.
- Multiplayer Mode – The multiplayer mode is a key feature of all of these games, allowing players to connect with friends and other players from around the world. This social aspect of gaming has become increasingly important in recent years, as people seek ways to connect with others and build communities.
- Esports Growth – Esports has grown rapidly in recent years, and many of these games have played a significant role in this growth. From League of Legends to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, these games have become popular platforms for competitive gaming and have attracted huge audiences and sponsorships.
Trends and Patterns that Emerged in 2020
In addition to the most played games, there were several trends and patterns that emerged in 2020:
- Cross-Platform Play – As more people connect their gaming devices, cross-platform play has become increasingly popular. This allows players to connect with friends and other players across different platforms, making gaming more accessible and inclusive.
- Microtransactions – Microtransactions have become a common feature in many games, allowing players to purchase in-game items and currency using real money. While some see this as a way for developers to monetize their games, others argue that it creates an unfair advantage for those who can afford it.
- Cloud Gaming – Cloud gaming is a new technology that allows players to stream games directly from the cloud, without needing expensive gaming hardware. This has the potential to democratize gaming and make it more accessible to people with lower incomes or less powerful computers.
- Virtual Reality (VR) – VR has been a slow burner for years, but 2020 saw a significant surge in interest in this technology. With many people stuck at home, VR offered an immersive and engaging way to escape the real world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2020 was a year of record-breaking video game sales and downloads, as people sought out entertainment and relaxation in the face of unprecedented challenges. The most played games of the year, Fortnite, Minecraft, GTA V, LoL, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, all offered unique and engaging gameplay experiences that kept players coming back for more. Factors such as accessibility, engaging gameplay, regular updates and events, multiplayer mode, and esports growth all contributed to their success. Trends such as cross-platform play, microtransactions, cloud gaming, and VR also emerged in 2020, shaping the future of video games. As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, it’s clear that the video game industry is constantly evolving and adapting to changing consumer needs and preferences.
