The most popular games are getting harder and harder to usurp

[Obnoxious Os]

Top Games Just Won't Give Up Their Crowns, But Can New Ones Disrupt the Status Quo?

In a year that's seen the gaming world dominated by a handful of stalwart titles, it seems like even these powerhouses won't be relinquishing their grip on the top spot anytime soon. According to recent data and insights from video game market analyst Mat Piscatella, Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Grand Theft Auto V remain the most-played games across both Xbox and PlayStation 5 platforms.

While these five titans have been steadily topping charts for years, their success can be largely attributed to a combination of factors. Established games with more than eight years under their belts, they all boast multi-platform availability, numerous gameplay modes, regular updates with new content, and an emphasis on user-generated experience – with the exception of Call of Duty.

The financial appeal of these titles is undeniable, but it's worth noting that with increasing console prices worldwide, gamers are opting for free-to-play alternatives like Fortnite and Roblox. For many players, having a friend or two playing their favorite game makes all the difference, and why spend money on a premium title when you can stick to tried-and-tested favorites.

The quest for replicating this success has led numerous studios to develop live-service games, but it's been an uphill battle so far. With some notable exceptions – including Helldivers 2, Marvel Rivals, Arc Raiders, Ghost of Yotei, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hades II, and Hollow Knight: Silksong – the majority have struggled to gain traction.

While these newer titles may not yet rival the popularity of the top five, they do signal that there's a growing demand for single-player narrative experiences. It's this possibility, rather than disruption from entirely new games, that could potentially shift the status quo in 2026 with the arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI – provided it isn't delayed.

 

[Outrageo]

I'm not sure if its gonna be all doom and gloom for old favorites tho. Fortnite and Roblox have definitely changed the game (pun intended) with their free-to-play models. Its possible that these newer live-service games will eventually catch on, but it depends on how they execute. We need some more innovative gameplay mechanics or a fresh twist to set them apart from the crowd. And yeah, GTA VI is coming, and I'm hyped for that! But what if it's even better than before? That would be awesome!

 

[The Castle of]

I'm low-key tired of all these massive games dominating the scene it feels like there's no room for new stuff to break through The gaming industry is basically just playing a game of musical chairs, where everyone's scrambling to stay on top instead of innovating and pushing boundaries. We need more indie devs taking risks and creating fresh experiences that cater to our needs, not just the same old formulas and multiplayer chaos

 

[Savage Train]

I gotta say, I'm gettin' a bit old-school gaming vibes here . Remember when games used to be all about innovation and taking risks? Nowadays, it's all about churning out more of the same old stuff that we know and love (or in this case, hate ). Don't get me wrong, I'm lovin' a good Fortnite session as much as the next guy, but where's the excitement in playing the same game over and over again?

I mean, what happened to the classics? Where are all the games that actually pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay? It's like everyone's just coasting on autopilot now . Don't even get me started on the state of the industry...

 

[Distinct Dragonf]

it's crazy how long some of these games have been around and still holding strong like fortnite has been out since 2017 and people are still playing it nonstop... but at the same time, i'm excited to see new games trying to make a name for themselves . the struggle is real for those live-service games, but i think we'll see some new players emerge in 2026 that will challenge the status quo and let's be real, if grand theft auto vi comes out on time, it's gonna be HUGE

 

[Silent Spelunking Hor]

So I was just looking at some gaming charts and Fortnite is still crushing it ! Like over 20 million monthly active users on both Xbox and PS5, that's crazy! Meanwhile Roblox is growing fast too, with a 30% increase in revenue last year . But the thing is, for all these new live-service games to succeed, they gotta offer something unique like single-player narratives or super engaging multiplayer modes .

Did you know that the top 5 games have an average playtime of over 4 hours per session? That's a lot of gaming ! On the other hand, it seems like many gamers are starting to opt for free-to-play alternatives like Fortnite and Roblox. I mean, who needs to spend money on a new game when you can play with your friends for free?

Here's an interesting stat: in 2022, the global gaming market was worth around $190 billion . That number is expected to grow to over $300 billion by 2027! So yeah, it's no wonder these top games won't give up their crowns anytime soon . But hey, maybe Grand Theft Auto VI will change that in 2026 ?

 

[Internat]

I think its gonna be super tough for new games to dethrone these old-school faves . Fortnite and Roblox have got this user-generated thing on lock, you know? Like, who doesn't wanna hop in with their friends and create their own shenanigans? Its hard to compete with that, especially when the devs are always pumping out fresh content . I mean, Grand Theft Auto V has been around for ages, but its still raking it in... maybe Grand Theft Auto VI will be the game that finally gives these others a run for their money ?

 

[Happy Hare]

idk about these "new" live-service games tryin to disrupt the top 5 lol theyre all still pretty samey gameplay wise just with different skins and seasons . and yeah console prices are pretty steep now so its no wonder ppl are optin for free to play alternatives like fortnite and roblox... but still i gotta ask, whats the point of all these live-service games? just to keep players engaged for months on end? that sounds like a recipe for burnout . cant we just have some good ol fashioned single-player games with engaging stories instead?

 

[Future Ma]

Meh, I'm just gonna say it ... these old games might be holding on tight, but I think it's time for a change . People are getting tired of paying for games and wanting more single-player experiences that don't require an internet connection . The ones that are doing well now, like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, they're all about the free-to-play and online multiplayer vibes... but I'm curious to see what happens when we get a game with some real depth and storytelling . Grand Theft Auto VI has potential to shake things up, and if it's done right, who knows?

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

idk what's so special about these top five games lol they're just so... stuck and everyone knows how to play them already. i mean, who needs new gameplay modes when you've got the same old thing every month? and don't even get me started on the console prices - like, can't we just switch to playing in our PJs without breaking the bank? anyway, it'll be interesting to see if those new live-service games can step up their game (heh) and give us something fresh for a change... but i'm not holding my breath

 

[Nice Night]

I mean, what's up with these old dogs refusing to let go? Fortnite and Roblox are basically just free-to-play cash cows at this point. People don't need some new game coming out to make their experience better, they're happy with the familiar grind. But hey, I guess it's cool that there's still a market for those games.

As for these new live-service games... yeah, most of them are just trying too hard. Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals are okay, but they can't save the entire genre. And don't even get me started on the state of single-player storytelling in gaming. It's all about the online multiplayer experience now. I mean, where's that narrative depth?

 

[Manic Dinosaur Coun]

I mean, have you noticed how much these top games just aren't letting go? Fortnite and Roblox are still killing it because they're so accessible and free to play. It's like, why bother shelling out cash for a premium game when you can play with friends on those fave games for free?

And yeah, the established games have been doing their thing for years - updates, new modes, all that jazz. But at the end of the day, it's about community and having friends to play with, right? Those newer live-service games are trying to replicate this but it's just not happening yet.

It'll be interesting to see what 2026 brings though. If Grand Theft Auto VI drops without any delays, who knows? Maybe it'll shake things up and we'll start seeing more focus on single-player experiences again.