Despite nostalgia, gamers prefer the latest releases, finds GAMIVO's research

Retro gaming is blooming, watered by the power of nostalgia. However, GAMIVO's studies indicate that most people buy the latest releases. According to experts, those two trends aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, they seamlessly intertwine.

SLIEMA, Malta, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GAMIVO, a platform offering digital products, particularly video games, has recently published its studies. According to the data, as many as 60% of video games bought in 2025 were released in 2021 or later. 28.4% of titles purchased this year came out between 2016 and 2020, whereas 10% debuted between 2011 and 2015. Consequently, only 2.5% premiered 15 years ago or earlier. Experts point out that such results are not surprising.

"Titles released within the last 5 years dominate so overwhelmingly, although most classics are available digitally, because gamers want to stay up-to-date, and the latest games, particularly new entries in the popular franchises, boost the entire gaming industry. The amount of buzz caused by every piece of information about GTA VI proves this tendency," states Paweł Zemka, CRO at GAMIVO.

The company's research shows that there are people who want to play old titles, but usually, fondness for retro games takes other forms. For some, it's collecting sealed copies of classics or decades-old consoles. However, most gamers would rather buy gadgets with their favorite characters. Businesses spotted this tendency; hence, gamers can get all kinds of merchandise. There are even Lego sets recreating 8-bit consoles.

According to the GAMIVO representative, the greatest impact that nostalgia has on gaming is visible on the list of recent premieres.

"People don't have to buy old releases to experience the most beloved adventures because we live in the golden age of remasters, remakes, and reboots. Every month, new old games gain new life and, thanks to visual and gameplay enhancements, appeal to old fans and younger players," explains Paweł Zemka.

In 2025 alone, such titles as Oblivion, System Shock 2, Neverwinter Nights 2, Heretic, Gears of War, and Tomb Raider IV–VI return in new clothes. Moreover, there are games that use aesthetics and mechanics typical of past decades. So-called boomer shooters and pixel-art Metroidvanias are prime examples.

"It shows that when it comes to gaming, nostalgia can go hand in hand with the desire for development and playing new games," concludes Paweł Zemka.

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SOURCE GAMIVO