MTM: Remakes & Remasters in 2025
R&R (new abbreviation for me!) sometimes showing better performance than originals, and generally less risky for developers & publishers.
General State
Over 200 remakes/remasters released since 2012
Around 30 remakes/remasters planned for 2025 alone
Many remakes/remasters sell better than the originals. Specifically - Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023): 4 million copies in two weeks; 10+ million units in 2 years (this is the fastest-selling game in the series overall). Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017): 20 million copies worldwide by 2024. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025): sold more copies in 1 month than the original game sold in 15 months.
From the developers’ and publishers’ perspective, creating a remake or remaster carries lower risks, as there’s already an established audience. Launching new IPs, considering modern development budgets, is a challenging endeavor.
Xsolla recently released the global gaming market map, which covers more than 200 regions.
This is a gigantic work, see what’s inside:
Main market numbers (population, gaming revenue, distribution of revenue by platform, and much more).
Top video game genres.
Recommendations for game localization.
Largest game development studios & games from the region.
Cultural considerations & local holidays.
Top streaming platforms, influencers, and local shows.
Salary benchmarks for the gaming industry.
Payment data, tax information, and legal considerations.
So far, it is the most comprehensive database of the gaming market I’ve seen so far (excluding my newsletter, of course, ha-ha).
200+ countries covered, and there is a very sweet opportunity to download the data for the pitch in the .pdf format (based on the market).
Additionally, a successful remake or remaster can pave the way for new projects in the franchise. It can also boost back-catalog sales by attracting a new audience.
What Do Players Think?
MTM, together with Rigour Research, conducted a study of 1,500 players from the USA and UK to determine their attitude toward remasters and remakes.
90% of respondents have played a remake or remaster. 76% enjoyed the experience.
Very few are dissatisfied with remakes and remasters - only 7%.
53% of respondents noted that remakes and remasters engage them in games more. 11%, on the contrary, see negativity in their release. And 36% believe it all depends on the quality of the final product.
For 80% of players, remakes/remasters are about comfort and nostalgia. 78% noted they love them for the opportunity to replay their favorite games.
71% of respondents note that remakes are a good way to share their favorite games with others, games that might have become outdated by now.
85% played a remake/remaster without playing the original.
67% of respondents believe that remakes/remasters are the best way to play old games.
30% of players believe that story and gameplay elements shouldn’t change in remakes and remasters. 35% think they should. And the remaining 35% believe there should be a balance.
What’s Important to Players in Remakes and Remasters?
Players expect improved graphics from projects; accessibility; faithfulness to the original; improved controls and gameplay, as well as fixes for known bugs.
26% of respondents are willing to buy remakes and remasters at the same price; 48% expect lower (compared to new games) pricing. 20% want to see remakes and remasters significantly cheaper than new games, and 6% expect they won’t have to pay for them (or they’ll be available in subscriptions).
How much time should pass between the original and the remake (remaster) is a big question, and there’s no clear answer (or expectations) here. 11% believe more than 10 years should pass. 18% are fine with a gap of up to 4 years. But most of the audience (71%) considers 5 to 10 years optimal.
