A recent study conducted by Quantic Foundry, a game analytics consulting company, has revealed a concerning trend in the gaming industry. According to the report, 67% of gamers polled have shown a decreased interest in strategy games over the past nine years, as compared to 2015. This decline in interest is not limited to a specific demographic, as the drop is identical between men and women, and it precedes the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it cannot be attributed to the unusually high level of gaming habits during the pandemic.
Quantic Foundry defines strategy gaming as “eliciting long-term thinking and making decisions” that require players to plan for the future. This type of gameplay is distinct from other types of gaming, such as action, creativity, and immersion, which focus on shorter-term objectives. The company has tracked gamer motivations for nearly a decade by administering a survey, which has been completed by an estimated 1.57 million people worldwide (excluding China).
The report suggests that the decline in interest in strategy games may be attributed to declining attention spans. According to the theory, gamers now prefer shorter time horizons and less complex decisions that require fewer parameters to consider. This shift may be a result of changes in media consumption habits, with gamers seeking more immediate gratification and shorter play sessions.
Crusader Kings 3
Despite the decline in interest, strategy games can still be successful. For example, Manor Lords, a city builder game, sold 1 million copies in just one day and peaked at the highest concurrent player count on Steam for a city builder game. Other successful strategy games include Stellaris, Crusader Kings 3, and Total War: Warhammer 3. The release of new titles in long-running strategy franchises and the continued popularity of existing games indicate that the market for strategy gaming will remain robust.
Some may argue that the decline in strategy gaming is a result of the increasing popularity of other genres, such as action and role-playing games. However, it is clear that strategy games still have a dedicated fan base and can be successful if executed well. The key to success lies in creating a game that appeals to both old and new gamers, offering a unique blend of depth and accessibility.
The decline of strategy gaming is a gradual trend that has been evident over the past nine years. While some may attribute this decline to the increasing popularity of other genres, the data suggests that it is a result of changes in gamer preferences. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for developers to understand the shift in gamer preferences and create games that cater to this shift.
