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A new report from MTM, a strategy and insights consultancy, dives into the economic impact and sentiment surrounding remakes and remasters. Titled Remake vs Innovate: Is the past the future of gaming?, it explores the complex relationship between gamer nostalgia and developer creativity.
The report found that nostalgia is a key factor in the success of remakes, with a vast majority (90% of gamers) having played a remade or remastered game in the last 12 months. This trend extends to newcomers, as 85% of players who tried a remake had not played the original. A significant 76% of gamers expressed that they find these titles appealing, often because they help them reconnect with positive, comforting feelings and memories.
However, the findings also reveal a tension in the market. While gamers enjoy reliving the past, many expressed reservations about studios choosing what they see as an “easy, repetitive route to market.” Some feel that a focus on remakes and remasters comes at the cost of sacrificing innovative, new experiences that could redefine the industry.
Head of Gaming at MTM Martin Bradley explained that while the commercial appeal of remakes is undeniable, it’s a tight balancing act for developers: “Many of these games are far out-selling their original release. Commercially across games and other media, nostalgia is a trend set to continue well into 2026 and beyond, but gamers understand that remakes and remasters can come at the cost of creativity.”
Beyond the numbers, MTM spoke directly with gamers to understand their specific desires. They found that players want the essence of the original game to be preserved, but they also expect vividly detailed graphical overhauls, updated controls, and improvements to core mechanics. Bradley notes that this is the key to creating a game that is both a creative and strategic success, not just a commercial one.
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