You may not love them, but remakes and remasters are here to stay, driven by player habits. According to a survey of 1,500 gamers, 90% have played at least one revamped title in the past year. The findings show that this trend is far from fading and may shape the future of gaming.

Over the last decade, the release of remakes and remasters—whether for classics or relatively recent hits—has exploded. This has been a hot topic in the industry for years, but now player behavior has been measured, and the results are striking: a survey of 1,500 participants in the U.K. and U.S. found that 90% played a remake or remaster in the past 12 months.

Consulting firm MTM published its report, “Remake vs Innovate: Is the Past the Future of Gaming?”, which set out to examine “the emotions, tensions, and economic impact of remakes and remasters in today’s market.” As part of the study, 1,500 PC and console gamers were asked about their habits and opinions.

The research revealed that 85% of those who played a remake or remaster last year had never touched the original game. In other words, nostalgia wasn’t the primary driver. Instead, many discovered a previously acclaimed experience for the first time. For returning fans, updated versions helped them reconnect with the positive emotions and memories tied to the original adventure.

The Dark Side Of The Remake Boom

Still, the players surveyed also expressed concern that the surge of remakes and remasters is reshaping the industry. Many worry that studios are “taking the easy, repetitive route” by churning out updated versions of old titles at the expense of “new and innovative experiences that could redefine gaming.”

“Our research shows there’s huge demand for remakes and remasters, but studios face a major challenge in striking the right balance,” explained Martin Bradley, head of gaming at MTM. “A lot of these games are outselling their originals.” He added: “From a commercial standpoint—whether in gaming or other media—nostalgia is a trend that will carry on into 2026 and beyond. But gamers are aware that this can come at the cost of creativity, potentially drowning out fresh narratives and new experiences.”

Source: GamesIndustry