Monthly Gaming Rankings

January 2025 Gaming Highlights: Movers & Shakers in Engagement and Revenue

January 2025 was a dynamic month for the gaming industry (as per www.newzoo.com), with major shifts in both player engagement and revenue rankings. While some titles capitalized on fresh content updates and strategic pricing to climb the charts, others struggled to maintain momentum. Marvel Rivals saw a temporary boost from its first seasonal update before slipping in rankings, while The Sims 4 and Genshin Impact surged thanks to new expansions. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth made a massive impact with its PC launch, breaking into the top 20. Here’s a closer look at the month’s biggest movers and shakers.

MAU/Engagement Highlights

• Marvel Rivals (#4) lost momentum, dropping two spots since December 2024. However, the game saw a major spike in engagement on PC around January 11 with the launch of Season 1. Both PlayStation and Xbox recorded new all-time highs for DAU during this period. The new season introduced four heroes (two at launch, two arriving mid-season), three new maps, and an expanded battle pass. Developers confirmed this update is “double the standard season size,” suggesting future seasons may offer less content.
• The Sims 4 (#13) climbed four spots, fueled by the release of five new paid DLCs that reignited player interest.
• Helldivers 2 (#17) struggled to retain its player base, dropping six positions due to a lack of new content—showcasing the challenge of maintaining engagement in PvE-focused games.
• Overwatch 1 & 2 (#20) continued its downward trend, slipping another six positions in the rankings.

Revenue Growth & Breakthroughs

• Minecraft (#6) saw a six-spot jump, thanks to the Hello Kitty and Friends DLC, which brought fresh content and new cosmetics.
• Genshin Impact (#15) skyrocketed 29 positions following the Incandescent Ode of Resurrection update, which introduced new storylines, characters, and events.
• Valorant (#9) moved up six spots after Patch 10.0, which reset the competitive leaderboard, revamped the map pool, and introduced a new agent alongside fresh cosmetics.
• Counter-Strike 2 & GO (#12) surged eight positions, driven by the Premier Season 2 launch at the end of January.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (#19) climbed five positions after hitting an all-time low price during January sales, drawing in both new and returning players.
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (#20) made an explosive debut, jumping 118 spots following its PC launch, breaking into the top 20 for the first time.

With major updates, fresh content, and strategic pricing, these shifts highlight how player engagement and spending continue to shape the gaming landscape. Stay tuned for February’s movers and shakers!