The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with established titans and exciting newcomers battling for player attention.
Research firm Circana has unveiled the top 10 most-played games across PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X/S (Xbox), and Steam for the week ending June 22nd, 2024, providing a glimpse into what kept gamers glued to their screens. Let’s delve into the data, courtesy of Mat Piscatella, Circana’s video game industry expert.
PlayStation: Familiar Faces Hold Strong
The PlayStation chart reveals a continued reign of familiar favorites. Call of Duty HQ, likely referring to the latest iteration of the long-running military franchise, claims the top spot. Hot on its heels is Fortnite, the ever-popular battle royale juggernaut that shows no signs of slowing down. Grand Theft Auto V, a perennial favorite, remains a strong contender at number 3.
Sports titles also hold significant weight on PlayStation. NBA 2K24 grabs the fourth position, while Madden NFL 24 secures the eighth spot, reflecting the enduring popularity of simulated athletic competition. Roblox, the expansive user-generated experience platform, finds itself at number 5, highlighting its diverse appeal. Minecraft, the creative sandbox phenomenon, maintains a steady presence at number 7.
Elden Ring, the critically-acclaimed open-world RPG, stages a triumphant return to the PlayStation top 10 at number 8, likely fueled by the recent release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Finally, Destiny 2, the online action RPG, rounds out the PlayStation chart at number 9. Notably, the limited-time Valorant beta snuck into the tenth position, hinting at a potential PlayStation future for the popular tactical shooter.
Xbox: A Mix of Established Names and Newcomers
The Xbox chart showcases a similar blend of established franchises and rising stars. Call of Duty HQ once again dominates the top spot, demonstrating the franchise’s hold across both consoles. Fortnite remains a close second, solidifying its position as a cross-platform juggernaut.
Roblox’s popularity extends to Xbox, landing it at number 3. Minecraft, the ever-present creative powerhouse, sits comfortably at number 4. Grand Theft Auto V continues its reign at number 5, proving its enduring appeal on both PlayStation and Xbox.
Sports titles maintain their presence on Xbox as well, with NBA 2K24 occupying the sixth position and Madden NFL 24 securing the eighth spot.
However, the Xbox chart deviates slightly with Rainbow Six: Siege, the tactical shooter known for its strategic depth, claiming the seventh position. Destiny 2, the online action RPG, maintains its presence at number 9, while Elden Ring, propelled by the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, makes a respectable debut at number 10.
Steam: A Realm of Diverse Preferences
Steam, the dominant PC gaming platform, presents a more diverse landscape compared to the consoles. Here, Elden Ring reclaims its crown as the most-played title, showcasing its continued dominance on PC. Counter-Strike 2, the timeless tactical shooter, proves its enduring legacy with a strong second place.
Helldivers II, a recently released sequel to the cooperative action shooter, makes a surprising but impressive debut at number 3. Destiny 2’s cross-platform appeal secures it the fourth position on Steam. Rocket League, the high-octane vehicular soccer game, maintains a dedicated player base, landing at number 5.
Dark and Darker, a new upcoming fantasy hardcore dungeon crawler currently in closed beta, generates significant buzz at number 6. Baldur’s Gate III, the long-awaited sequel to the classic RPG series, continues its early access journey at number 7.
Deep Rock Galactic, the cooperative first-person shooter set in a space dwarf mining operation, holds firm at number 8. Dota 2, the iconic esports strategy game, remains a stalwart at number 9. At last, Dead by Daylight, the asymmetrical horror game, ends up in the top 10 on Steam.
Conclusion: A Balanced Gaming Landscape
June’s gaming landscape demonstrates a healthy mix of established franchises, exciting new releases, and captivating indie titles. Whether you crave the thrill of competition, the vastness of open worlds, or the thrill of cooperative adventures, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your controller, keyboard, or mouse, and dive into the world that best suits your gaming cravings!
Also Read: Dropping In Hot: Top Battle Royale Games by Monthly Player Count in 2024
