Majority of Players in US, UK and Japan Prefer Single-Player Games
The debate between story-driven single-player games and fast-paced multiplayer experiences has existed for years, yet a recent survey suggests that single-player titles remain highly favored in major markets. Analytics firm Ampere Analysis surveyed 34,428 players across 22 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, China, Thailand, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, revealing clear trends in gaming preferences.
In the results, 58 percent of UK players reported a preference for single-player games, followed by 65 percent in the US and 63 percent in Japan. Germany and Thailand also showed strong support for single-player experiences, with 60 percent and 62 percent of respondents respectively favoring them. Conversely, multiplayer games proved more popular in markets like China and Sweden, where only 47 percent and 49 percent respectively opted for single-player titles.
Ampere’s senior research manager Louise Wooldridge interprets the data as evidence that single-player games remain a major market segment. “This data reaffirms that single-player games are absolutely still viable – and sought-after – in the live service-dominated landscape,” Wooldridge said. While multiplayer games excel at ongoing engagement and monetization, single-player titles appeal to a broader audience by delivering rich narratives and immersive experiences.
Looking at broader market trends, many top-performing games combine both single-player and multiplayer elements. Franchises like Call of Duty, Battlefield, Madden NFL, and EA Sports FC frequently offer multiplayer modes alongside solo campaigns, while Minecraft balances single-player exploration with multiplayer worlds.
Sony has also played a key role in championing single-player experiences, building the PlayStation brand around franchises such as Uncharted, The Last of Us, God of War, and Horizon Zero Dawn. These titles, alongside multiplayer offerings, helped define generations of PlayStation consoles and showcased the continued viability of story-focused games.
Outside of Sony, developers like CD Projekt RED continue to prioritize single-player experiences rooted in strong franchises. Studio co-CEO Michał Nowakowski has emphasized that “cutting-edge single-player games rooted in strong franchises and immersive narratives” will continue to attract players, with sequels to The Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises currently in development.
This Is Our Say
Despite multiplayer’s dominance in certain markets, the survey confirms that single-player games remain a cornerstone of the global gaming industry. Story-driven titles continue to capture hearts with rich narratives, memorable worlds, and immersive gameplay, proving that strong solo experiences can thrive even in an era dominated by live-service games. Gamers still crave depth, and developers who balance innovation with quality storytelling will continue to win.
Reference: gamingbolt
