The most prominent trends affecting gaming right now, selected by the 35 editors of PC Gamer
Is 2025 the biggest year for remasters?
Roblox shapes the next generation of gamers
Screens on everything
Chinese studios grow in prominence
Is 2025 the biggest year for remasters?
The industry continues to churn out remasters, giving beloved games a second moment in the sun. Here's some insight from Newzoo on this continued trend: "While graphical fidelity was once a major focus, players now prioritize gameplay, narrative, and innovation over visuals. This has opened the door to a new generation of remakes and remasters as IP lifespan is extended by sharing them across console generations and to newer audiences. Publishers are increasingly relying on outsourced development and asset reuse—especially for established IP—to cut costs and reduce risk."
PC GAMER COVERAGE OF THIS TREND
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DETRIMENTAL
Trend identified: April 2025
"Make number bigger" roguelikes take over
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered review
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles review
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remastered review
Video featuring: Sam Loveridge (Brand Director, GamesRadar), Larry Kuperman (VP of Business Development, Nightdive Studios)
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor review
Ball-bouncing, city-building, off-the-wall roguelike Ball X Pit is a huge hit
A slot machine for gags disguised as a Vampire Survivors-like is taking over Steam
PC GAMER COVERAGE OF THIS TREND
Video featuring: Video featuring: Evan Lahti (Strategic Director, PC Gamer), Naman Budhwar (Head of Video Marketing, Playstack)
This style of simple but highly compulsive games that includes everything from Balatro to new releases inspired by Vampire Survivors, and they continue to punch above their weight. Megabonk, Clover Pit, and Ball x Pit were breakout hits in 2025, drawing millions of players. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor earned a glowing 90% review score from PC Gamer, innovating within the survivors-like subgenre that still lacks a satisfying name. These games continue to demonstrate the capability for modest projects to capture major attention.
Trend identified: September 2025
"Make number bigger" roguelikes take over
VERY POSITIVE
Marvel Rivals coverage
I'm convinced Black Myth Wukong was just an opening salvo for big budget Chinese games
Inside the Chinese PC gaming industry as it gets ready to dominate the next decade
PC GAMER COVERAGE OF THIS TREND
Video featuring: Chenyu Cui (Senior Game Analyst, Omdia)
A number of globally-successful blockbusters have raised the profile of the Chinese games industry in recent years, which had traditionally struggled to find audiences in the West. Black Myth: Wukong and Marvel Rivals were two of the biggest games of 2024, following in the long-running success of games like Genshin Impact. China outpaces the United States in revenue ($53.2B) and players (723M) as the #1 global market for games.
Trend identified: April 2025
Chinese studios grow in prominence
BENEFICIAL
Asus ROG Azoth X review
Lian Li's new water cooler with a motorised screen is basically pointless but you're still going to want one
Slapping screens on absolutely everything is the most unnecessary hardware 'must-have'
PC GAMER COVERAGE OF THIS TREND
Video featuring: Andy Edser (Hardware Writer, PC Gamer)
Gaming hardware manufacturers are slapping displays on just about every component imaginable, and we're not a fan. This corner of the industry has always been quick to imitate competitors' designs, and this trend has spread too far for our taste. These miniature screens are on everything, from memory modules to the inside of your PC case itself.
Trend identified: May 2025
Screens on everything
CONCERNING
The Roblox hit that's pulled in 10 billion visits and why it's cultivated a mass following
Attention parents of Roblox kids: they are making a Grow a Garden movie
One of Roblox's biggest experiences is a bizarre Italian Brainrot character-stealing sim
PC GAMER COVERAGE OF THIS TREND
Video featuring: Michiel Buijsman (Principal Market Analyst, Newzoo)
It's not on Steam, and you won't see it topping the charts on Twitch, but Roblox is a tremendously influential game. Analysis from Newzoo: "Roblox has transcended its identity as a youth-focused game platform. With nearly 112 million daily active users and a creator economy paying out $316 million in Q2 2025, it has become a foundational entertainment ecosystem where Gen Z and Gen Alpha socialize, create, and play. It is a foundational part of the future of gaming and entertainment."
Trend identified: June 2025
Roblox shapes the next generation of gamers
beneficial
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In partnership with PC Gamer's official data partner
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