Jessica Clement
Senior research expert covering video games
Online gaming - Statistics & Facts
Be it competition or collaboration – many of the most popular video games worldwide have an online playing component that enables gamers to connect with other players. From measuring their skills against each other in online eSports matches to hanging out in virtual worlds, gaming audiences have many possibilities to connect online with others, making video games an increasingly mainstream social activity.
The battle royale trend of the mid-2010s gave rise to competitive titles PUBG, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, which generated tens of millions of players within months of their release. Another currently popular online gaming genre is the hero shooter, a subgenre of shooter games, and the most recent prominent release, Marvel Rivals, claimed 10 million players within three days of release in December 2024.
Online games, especially multiplayer online games, are a core pillar of the gaming market. While not everybody wants to battle it out in competitive multiplayer games, there are more opportunities than ever to connect with old and new gaming buddies online in whatever way suits people best. While the metaverse ambitions of big tech companies have not lived up to their big and bold promises, online gaming environments are already a space for people to live their digital lives.
The evolution of the online gaming genre
Despite a surge in prominence during COVID-19, online gaming has already been evolving over the past years. From classic PC and console-based online gaming genres such as massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, and competitive first-person shooters, online gaming got a boost around the early 2010s when casual social gaming also became popular. As mobile connectivity and smartphone ownership increased, so did online gaming possibilities for a whole range of new gaming audiences who do not have to rely on expensive PCs, consoles, or subscriptions to play with other people. Cross-platform titles with a focus on mobile are currently the ones pushing the genre forward.The battle royale trend of the mid-2010s gave rise to competitive titles PUBG, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, which generated tens of millions of players within months of their release. Another currently popular online gaming genre is the hero shooter, a subgenre of shooter games, and the most recent prominent release, Marvel Rivals, claimed 10 million players within three days of release in December 2024.
Online gaming behavior
Many U.S. gamers reported positive experiences while online gaming, the most common ones being making friends and helping other players. On the contrary, the cases of harassment while online gaming were equally common. Such incidents include offensive name-calling and trolling, physical threats severe threats of stalking and doxing. The impact of bad player behavior is concerning – gamers who experienced online harassment felt less social and upset after playing, while some even had personal relationships disrupted and school or work performances impacted. As such, interactions with other players can make or break the enjoyment of online gaming, and the anonymity of digital environments is not without risks.Metaverse gaming – the ultimate online gaming environment?
In-game hangouts in virtual gaming worlds have gained popularity, to the point that gaming platforms Fortnite or Roblox have been hosting massive events, such as concerts, with millions of gamers attending. While not quite reaching the level of Ready Player One just yet, the metaverse gaming market is growing slowly but steadily and is set to surpass 168 billion U.S. dollars in 2030.Online games, especially multiplayer online games, are a core pillar of the gaming market. While not everybody wants to battle it out in competitive multiplayer games, there are more opportunities than ever to connect with old and new gaming buddies online in whatever way suits people best. While the metaverse ambitions of big tech companies have not lived up to their big and bold promises, online gaming environments are already a space for people to live their digital lives.
