The gaming industry is buzzing with a surprising revelation: remakes of classic video games are outshining remasters in terms of revenue! According to a recent study, gamers are willing to pay double for a full-blown remake compared to a remastered version.
But why the big bucks for remakes? Ampere Analysis delved into this question by studying 15 remakes and 27 remasters released between January 2024 and September 2025. The results? A whopping $1.4 billion spent by 72.4 million gamers on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam platforms. And here's the twist: the majority of that spending was on remakes, not remasters.
The higher price tag on remakes, like Resident Evil 4, Silent Hill 2, and Demon's Souls, is justified by the extensive work involved. These projects demand significant investments in development, marketing, and time. Meanwhile, remasters, though cheaper and quicker to produce, often fall short in engaging players.
Katie Holt, a senior analyst, sheds light on the industry's strategy: "Publishers are turning to their archives for remakes and remasters as creating new games becomes more expensive." Developers must carefully consider various factors, including franchise plans and investment risks, when choosing between a remake and a remaster.
Interestingly, Oblivion Remastered, despite being categorized as a remaster, went above and beyond with its new engine and gameplay enhancements. It topped the charts during the study period, attracting a massive player base and revenue.
And this is the part most people miss: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Silent Hill 2 were among the top-performing remakes during the same period.
So, do you prefer the allure of a remake or the affordability of a remaster? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a lively debate!
