Gaming Trends Shift: Singleplayer Adventures Overtake Live Service Models

This overview examines recent data from Steam suggesting that singleplayer adventures are dominating the top 20 most played games, challenging the current emphasis on live service models.

Large studios have long aimed to sustain user engagement with titles that offer ongoing content updates, season passes, additional downloadable content, and various in-game purchases. Although some live service games have achieved notable success, many have struggled and even closed down prematurely.

It seems that a significant segment of the… gaming community favors engaging singleplayer experiences — a trend that traditional game developers have often been reluctant to explore. Recent findings by a respected gaming analysis source show that over half of the most active titles on Steam are dedicated to singleplayer gameplay. Some notable examples include:

A mythical adventure title with a focus on narrative depth
A futuristic world with intricate storytelling
An expansive fantasy realm that has captivated many

The analysis also points out that while a few of these games incorporate multiplayer features, their singleplayer campaigns are the main draw for many players. Additionally, there is a title that, while undoubtedly a singleplayer experience, may not fit neatly into traditional game classifications.

Readers are invited to examine the full compilation available on a popular social posting platform. The question remains: Are these trends indicative of a shifting preference among gamers, and might influential publishers reconsider their reliance on live service releases in light of these preferences?

Mariana Rocha 19 Sep 2025