Take a Deep Dive into the Most Popular Online Games
When it comes to the vast world of online gaming, there are only two names that really seem to stand out. Fortnite and Minecraft.
The great thing about online gaming – especially in 2022 – is that there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re into action, adventure, role-playing, strategy, simulation, or all of the above, you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for and then some.
It’s no wonder the gaming industry is literally booming, especially in South Africa. According to a report from Newzoo and Carry1st, there were 24 million active gamers across the country last year, gaming across mobile, console and PC. That’s a staggering 40% of the population…
If you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed, not only by the number of gamers in South Africa, but the sheer volume of games to choose from, we’re here to help you narrow things down, using Google as the guide.
The Most Googled Games
According to the folks at Brit athleisure brand Superdry, there are only two titles that matter (both locally and internationally) as far as Google search results are concerned.
As the most-searched game in 106 countries, Fortnite claims the top spot globally. Minecraft follows in second place, as the most-searched game in 51 countries. South African gamers – well, basically all of Africa, really – fall firmly into the Fortnite camp too.
So, what’s it about this fast-paced island survival game that makes it so popular? Well, to start, Fortnite is a free-to-play game compatible with just about every platform and operating system out there – from Windows to macOS, Xbox to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. It’s the great unifier. It also offers the choice of four very different game modes, allowing players to experience Fortnite in a way that suits them best.
Battle Royale is definitely the most popular of the four – a third-person shooter that allows you to go solo or team up to be the last person standing. Party Royale is perfect for when you just want to be social and hang out on the island peacefully. Creative allows you to build your own Fortnite island – with your own games and rules. Finally, Save the World mode does exactly what it says on the box: allowing you to live out every hero fantasy by taking out hordes of monsters when the island’s future is at stake.
The best-selling game of all time, Minecraft is an open-world sandbox game that allows players to literally build and do whatever they want. It’s virtual Lego, with none of the worry of stepping on any of the blocks while barefoot. With Minecraft, there are five modes to choose from, offering everything from survival and exploration to building and combat. It’s hours of fun for players of all ages.
The Most Played Games
Fortnite is the most Googled and Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most played. That title falls to PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds).
With over a billion players globally in 2021, there’s no doubting PUBG’s immense popularity. Minecraft is second, with 600 million players globally and Fortnite Battle Royale comes in third to those two, with 350 million players last year.
In fact, PUBG is the pioneer for battle royale mode, allowing you to get your heart racing as you battle it out against 100 others to remain the last one standing.
Mind-blowing graphics and intense action aside, PUBG also became free-to-play this year thanks to the release of PUBG Battlegrounds. Who doesn’t like free, right?
But, if you want to level up in Fortnite, Minecraft or PUBG, there are obviously a host of in-game purchases to be made that allow you to optimise everything from your weapons to your look.
Now that you have an idea of what’s out there, are you ready to get your game on? Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for our monthly Vox Gaming tournaments here.