Remember when Battle Royale games felt like they were everywhere? Turns out players are spending less time in that last-player-standing chaos and more time in wide-open sandbox worlds. NewZoo's recent data, highlighted in reporting from Nexus Hub, shows a clear shift in how people choose to play.
What the numbers show
The report compares playtime in 2025 to 2024 and finds a notable genre swing:
- Battle Royale playtime dropped by 27%.
- Open-world sandbox playtime rose by 36%.
- Other genre moves included shooters down 5%, RPGs down 1%, and adventure games up 6%.
Major game declines
Some of the biggest multiplayer names saw steep falls in playtime last year:
- Fortnite - 29%
- Apex Legends - 24%
- Call of Duty - 33%
- Overwatch - 29%
- Destiny 2 - 40%
Meanwhile, persistent sandbox platforms kept strong playtime numbers. Games like Minecraft and Roblox remained very popular across the period, underlining the growing appetite for open-ended, player-driven experiences.
Why players may be switching
There are a few sensible explanations for this shift. Sandbox titles emphasize exploration, long-term progression, and creative freedom. That can feel less stressful and more rewarding than match-based formats where rounds are short and the stakes feel high every minute.
Content cadence also matters. Sandbox games often add systems and content that keep players engaged over months or years. Battle Royale titles still get updates, but seasonal events and short-term cycles may not be enough for every player anymore.
In short, the numbers suggest many players want slower-burning, persistent experiences rather than constant high-intensity matches.
Bottom line
NewZoo's data makes one thing clear: the audience for gaming is shifting. Battle Royale titles are not dead, but playtime dropped significantly in 2025, while open-world sandbox games surged. Developers and players both appear to be exploring different priorities in how they spend their gaming hours.
