The Newzoo report for December 2024 has revealed the latest trends in PC and console gaming engagement and revenue rankings across six major markets. As expected during the holiday season, discounts and promotions significantly impacted the leaderboard, but games like Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2 held their ground, cementing their positions at the top.
Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2 Shine
Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play title, leveraged its accessibility to dominate the charts. Its December launch saw it surge to third place, outpacing several live-service games. The success came at the expense of games like Overwatch 2, which dropped from ninth to twelfth during the same period.
Similarly, Path of Exile 2 continued its strong performance, maintaining its spot as a leader in both engagement and revenue. The sequel has consistently captured the attention of fans with its deep mechanics and fresh updates.
Other High Performers in December
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle debuted strongly, landing at 17th in engagement rankings. Despite its exclusivity to Xbox and PC, the title benefited from its inclusion in the Day One Game Pass, which gave players a cost-effective way to experience the game.
- Grand Theft Auto V climbed to eighth place in revenue, thanks to the Agents of Sabotage DLC, which spurred renewed interest in the nearly decade-old title.
Holiday Discounts Drive Revenue Surge
Holiday sales propelled several premium games back into the top 20 revenue rankings:
- Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Cyberpunk 2077 experienced a revival due to heavy discounts during the Steam Winter Sale and similar events.
- Gran Turismo 7 saw a significant boost, climbing from 39th to 14th place, driven by the franchise’s 25th-anniversary celebration.
EA Sports College Football 25 Climbs Higher
EA Sports College Football 25 continued to gain traction, climbing five spots to secure the 10th position. A massive 50% discount on all platforms played a crucial role in sustaining its success and broadening its player base.
Seasonal Trends Take the Spotlight
As typical during the holiday season, discounted titles saw a surge in popularity. Events like the Steam Winter Sale encouraged players to invest in premium games, boosting engagement and revenue across the board.
This report underscores the holiday season’s influence on gaming trends, while free-to-play giants like Marvel Rivals and evolving franchises like Path of Exile 2 prove their staying power in an ever-competitive market.