After decades of gaming, many classic titles are returning — some as remakes that rebuild everything from scratch, others as remasters that only improve visuals and performance. But when it comes to player interest and spending, one trend is clear: gamers are far more willing to pay for a full remake than for a simple re-release.
Remakes Captured 72.4 Million Players and Billions in Revenue Across 2024 and 2025
According to a new Ampere Analysis report (via VGC), video game remakes are currently thriving and have more than doubled the revenue generated by remasters in recent years.
After studying the market performance of 42 titles — including both remakes and remasters — the firm found that players spent 2.2 times more money on remakes in 2024 and 2025.
Hits like Silent Hill 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth outperformed remastered releases such as Gears of War Reloaded and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. In total, remakes attracted 72.4 million players and generated over $1.4 billion USD in just two years.
Remakes Revive Franchises but Come at a Higher Cost
Remakes often require larger budgets and longer development cycles, but they also serve as a powerful way to revive classic franchises and introduce them to new generations. Their success lies in nostalgia, modern storytelling, and updated gameplay that makes older experiences feel brand-new.
Remasters, on the other hand, demand less time and money, as they focus mainly on technical improvements. While they remain valuable for preserving gaming history, Ampere’s report suggests that players are increasingly drawn to projects that reimagine rather than just refresh their favorite titles.
In short, the modern market shows that a good remake beats a good remaster, especially when it comes to games whose original release wasn’t too long ago.
