Is the quality of games going down?

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• Published Thursday, July 2
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The sentiment that "things aren’t like they used to be" is a frequent expression among gamers, reflecting a widespread belief that the quality of video games has deteriorated over time. To delve into this notion, a detailed analysis was conducted comparing user rating data for Xbox games released in 2014 versus 2021. This analysis highlights several key trends and insights into how the landscape of game quality has evolved.

First, the data reveals a substantial increase in the number of Xbox game releases from 2014 to 2021. Specifically, the number of games released surged by 63%, from 295 in 2014 to 480 in 2021. This notable rise can be attributed to multiple factors. The reduction of barriers to entry for smaller and indie developers has democratized game publishing, making it easier for a greater number of developers to bring their games to market. Additionally, the gaming industry has increasingly embraced a more inclusive approach, with growing financial investments driving a broader array of game productions. This shift towards a more open and varied market has led to a larger volume of games being released, reflecting a broader spectrum of creativity and innovation.

However, this increased volume of game releases has had implications for the perceived quality of games. The analysis shows a significant drop in the median game rating, which fell from 3.5 out of 5 in 2014 to 2.9 out of 5 in 2021. This decline suggests that, on average, gamers feel that the quality of games has worsened. Yet, a closer examination reveals a nuanced picture. When isolating the top 295 games from each year—ensuring an equal comparison of the most notable titles—the median rating remains stable at 3.5 out of 5. This stability indicates that the overall drop in average game ratings might be influenced by the larger number of lower-rated games rather than a uniform decline in quality among the more notable releases.

Specifically, the proportion of games rated 4 out of 5 or higher has decreased significantly, from 24% of all releases in 2014 to just 14% in 2021. Conversely, there has been an extraordinary increase in the number of games rated under 2.5 out of 5, which has surged by 753%—from 19 games in 2014 to 162 games in 2021. This dramatic rise in poorly received games can likely be attributed to the more accessible nature of game publishing. While this democratization allows for greater diversity and innovation, it also often results in a reduction in quality control, leading to an increase in lower-quality games entering the market.

The growing challenge for game discovery platforms and subscription services is clear. With a larger volume of releases, finding high-quality games has become increasingly difficult. This issue mirrors challenges faced by other entertainment sectors, such as music and video streaming, where discovering standout content amid a vast array of options can be daunting. Despite this, there is a silver lining. The number of 'ultra-high-quality' games rated 4.5 out of 5 or higher has doubled, from 8 games in 2014 to 16 games in 2021. Although these games still represent a small fraction of the total number of releases, their increased presence suggests that exceptional games are still being produced and achieving high ratings.

Additionally, the decrease in the median number of players per game—particularly for high-rated titles—points to a fragmentation of the gaming audience. This trend indicates that while the market is filled with a greater number of games, the player base for each game, especially the most acclaimed ones, is becoming more dispersed. This fragmentation might contribute to a perception of diminished cultural impact, as fewer games dominate the collective gaming experience.

Recent high-profile successes such as *Elden Ring* and *Hogwarts Legacy* offer some hope for the industry. Both games, which have achieved impressive commercial success and high ratings, eschew the microtransaction-heavy live operations model in favor of a more traditional retail approach. Their success underscores a continued strong demand for well-crafted, standalone gaming experiences. These titles demonstrate that despite the overall increase in lower-quality games, there remains a substantial market for high-quality releases that stand out both commercially and critically.

In conclusion, while there is a noticeable increase in the number of lower-quality games, this does not necessarily indicate a uniform decline in the industry’s overall quality. Instead, the gaming landscape is evolving, with a growing number of releases presenting both opportunities and challenges. High-quality games continue to find success, suggesting that the industry is adapting to a changing environment where quantity and quality coexist, albeit in a more complex and fragmented market.