Hardcore gamers increasingly avoid buying full-priced video games
Updated
Updated · Pure Xbox · May 6
Hardcore gamers increasingly avoid buying full-priced video games
7 articles · Updated · Pure Xbox · May 6
Among thousands surveyed in the US, UK and Australia, 42% of 14-29s, 38% of 30-44s and 20% of 46-61s said they would pay full price.
The findings, from IGN with Kantar and UC Berkeley, suggest $70-plus AAA prices and plentiful free or live-service alternatives are weakening demand for new releases at launch.
The survey also found older players favour single-player games and replaying to master them, while younger gamers lean toward multiplayer, community content and customisation.
As players reject $70 titles, will subscriptions and AI dictate the future of gaming?
With record revenues but massive layoffs, is the video game industry evolving or simply breaking?
Can AI save the games industry from its financial crisis without alienating its own creators?
Video Game Market Transformation 2025: Declining Full-Price Purchases and the Rise of Subscription Models
Overview
In 2025, the U.S. video game market grew to $60.7 billion despite 63% of gamers buying only one or two full-price games annually. This decline in traditional purchases was driven by economic pressures, the rise of subscription services, and the popularity of live service "forever games" like Fortnite and Roblox. Subscription spending surged 20%, while hardware sales showed mixed results: Xbox hardware declined 29%, but Nintendo Switch 2 achieved record-breaking sales. Cloud gaming usage grew 45%, reflecting a shift toward access over ownership. The industry is adapting with live services, subscription platforms, and ecosystem strategies, but faces challenges in creativity, discoverability, and reliance on a small group of hyper-enthusiast players.