In the dynamic world of video games, the debate between remakes and remasters continues to captivate both players and developers alike. Recent findings highlight a fascinating trend: consumers are spending significantly more on remakes than on remasters. This preference might shape the future strategies of game publishers as they weigh their options between these two revisiting methods.
The Power of Remakes
According to research from Ampere Analysis, players have demonstrated a strong preference for video game remakes over remasters in the past two years. From 2024 to 2025, 72.4 million gamers invested approximately $1.4 billion in remakes, remasters, and their associated microtransactions across platforms like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Despite the higher production costs, remakes have generated more revenue, with players spending 2.2 times more on them than remasters. This financial disparity highlights the enhanced engagement and value perceived in remakes.
Spotlight on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
While remakes generally outperform remasters, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered stands out as a remarkable exception. Released between January 2024 and September 2025, this game has become a bestseller in the US for 2025, with over 9 million players diving back into the world of Oblivion. At its peak, it amassed $180 million in consumer spending and boasted 7 million monthly active users across major platforms.
Industry Implications and Future Trends
As the costs of game and IP development rise, publishers are increasingly tapping into their extensive back catalogs for lucrative remakes and remasters. Senior analyst Katie Holt from Ampere Analysis notes that publishers must carefully consider various factors, such as investment risk and platform support, when deciding between a full remake and a remaster. With remakes and remasters firmly entrenched in the industry, the ongoing challenge lies in balancing these factors to meet consumer expectations and maximize returns. Sources suggest that players overwhelmingly favor remakes, spending more than double on them compared to remasters over the past two years.