Reports Reveal Why US Gamers Are Playing More While Buying Less

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Fewer gamers are picking up new titles, and the data confirms it. Circana’s recent survey shows that only 30% of U.S. players buy one or two games per year. With rising prices, endless subscription services, and games built to last for months or years, players are sticking to a few long-running titles instead of jumping to every new release. Here’s a look at what’s really behind this shift and why so many gamers are cutting back.

Fewer Purchases, but More Playtime​

One of the biggest findings was that a large number of gamers now buy only one or two games a year. Even so, they still play for hours. This proves that the love for gaming is strong, but actual purchasing is weak. Only a small group of highly dedicated players drives most game purchases.

As players rethink how they play and buy games, they are choosing experiences that better fit their needs. A similar trend can be seen in the world of online casinos. Today, players want their winnings fast and hassle-free, picking sites that pay quickly, have flexible limits, and use safe payment methods. They want access to their winnings within minutes or hours, instead of waiting days. With the best online casino fast payout options, gamers have greater control over their money and can enjoy gaming more conveniently. Just like that, players are changing how they play and spend, going for experiences that are quicker, more flexible, and work better for them.

You can see this new focus in gaming hardware as well. While players are spending less on games, consoles, PCs, and accessories are flying off the shelves. In 2025, people spent 20% more on consoles, bringing total sales close to $3 billion, with the Nintendo Switch 2 taking the lead. At the time of release, it moved 5.8 million units, selling faster than the original despite the higher price. Gamers want the latest hardware, but after that big purchase, they don’t rush to fill their library. Most stick to the games they already own or dive into free titles that keep them entertained for months. They are changing priorities, but are still passionate about gaming.

Why Players Are Spending Differently​

Big Game Prices, Tight Budgets​

With many AAA titles costing or more, players are more selective. On top of that, many games launch with extra costs, deluxe editions, season passes, DLC, skins, and cosmetics. Buying a game often feels like just the start. Many people now wait for a sale, rely on older games, or stick with one long-term title rather than constantly spending.

Moreover, with the rising cost of living, people spend less on entertainment. When basics like food, rent, transport, and data become more expensive, dropping $70 on a new game feels harder to justify. Instead of buying full-priced titles, players are choosing cheaper alternatives, waiting for sales, sticking with older games, or relying on subscriptions and free-to-play options. Even those who love gaming are being more careful with their money, picking experiences that give them the most value without stretching their budget.

The Rise of Free-to-Play and Live-Service Games​

Another possible reason gamers are buying fewer titles is that they don’t need to. Players can get full gaming experiences from titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends without paying anything up front. Because they feel “free,” these games naturally pull attention away from paid titles, even though they still make money through in-game purchases.

Additionally, they keep players coming back with live-service games. Thanks to constant updates, events, and new seasons, one game can easily last you an entire year. If you’re busy playing one big live-service title, you’re less likely to buy something new.

Backlogs, Discounts, and “I’ll Play It Later”​

Gamers today have something past generations never had: huge digital backlogs. With sales, bundles, and subscription deals, many players already own more games than they can finish. As a result, the urgency to buy new releases has dropped. And with deep price cuts happening every few months, many see little reason to buy a game at full price when it’ll likely be much cheaper later.

Subscriptions Are Changing Everything​

Popular subscription services like Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and EA Play have quietly become game-changers. For one monthly fee, players get access to a huge library of titles without the pressure of choosing “the right” game.

Mobile and Cloud Gaming​

Another reason players are buying fewer games is the rise of mobile and cloud gaming. Gamers can play games without owning the title thanks to services like Xbox Cloud, GeForce Now, and cloud-enabled consoles. On phones and tablets, free-to-play or low-cost games offer hours of entertainment, which reduces the need to buy new full-price releases. Cloud gaming makes it easy to play on different devices and pick up right where you left off.

What This Means for Players​

These days, gamers aren’t short on choices. You can play free games, subscribe to a library, replay older titles, or invest your time in long-running online games. Buying fewer games doesn’t mean enjoying gaming less; it just means the way we play is changing.

However, gamers are split on these changes, with some nostalgia coming up a lot, too. Many remember saving for one game and playing it for months, whereas now, players can access various titles quickly. Some like the variety, others feel it weakens the sense of ownership.

Gamers also debate fairness. Free-to-play games can feel pay-to-win, and subscription services create gaps between players who can afford them and those who can’t.

What This Means for Developers​

Fewer game purchases are reshaping how studios and developers work. Big companies are leaning harder into live-service models, DLC, and seasonal updates to earn steady income rather than relying on one big launch. For indie teams, it’s tougher because they depend on day-one sales and often struggle to stand out. Many are experimenting with lower prices, cozy or unique titles, or trying to get onto subscription platforms for visibility.

On top of that, Game Pass and PlayStation Plus push studios to depend more on deals with the platform instead of selling their games directly. As live-service games become the norm and long-term engagement becomes the goal, traditional story-driven single-player games risk becoming rarer because they can’t generate ongoing revenue in the same way.