5 days ago
‘Elden Ring: Nightreign,' ‘Oblivion Remastered' and ‘Mario Kart World' Top List of Most-Streamed New Games of Q2 (Gaming News Roundup)
'Elden Ring: Nightreign,' 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered' and 'Mario Kart World' topped Stream Charts newly released list of the most-streamed new games between April 1-June 30.
While certainly not an exact science, the rankings, which are based on Stream Charts' collected data on hours viewed of live-streamers playing the games in their first week of release, indicate the new titles with the strongest impact on the industry during the past few months.
More from Variety
Xbox's 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2' Coming to PlayStation; Wizards of the Coast's Jess Lanzillo Joins White Wolf (Gaming News Roundup)
Netflix's 'Squid Game' Mobile Game Adds Season 3 Competitions, Including Hide and Seek and Sky Squid Game (Gaming News Roundup)
Xbox's Next-Gen Console to Be Powered by AMD (Gaming News Roundup)
See the Top 10 chart based on hours watched during first week of release, provided by Stream Charts, below.
'Q2 2025 proved to be a dynamic quarter for game releases, showcasing a clear dichotomy in livestreaming success,' Stream Charts product manager Nazar Babenko said. 'While established franchise titans like Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered leveraged their brand power and strategic updates (such as roguelike elements and Unreal Engine 5 remasters) to dominate viewership, the quarter also highlighted the significant impact of innovative newcomers. Blue Prince and Rematch carved out substantial niches, demonstrating that unique gameplay, critical acclaim, and targeted streamer engagement can drive considerable initial interest, even against industry giants.
Babenko continued: 'Beyond the top contenders, we can notice the growing importance of localized appeal and strategic viewer incentives. The strong regional performance of Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond in Japan and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in France underscores how cultural resonance and 'homegrown' support can significantly boost initial stats. Furthermore, the effective use of Twitch Drops by games like Dune: Awakening and DOOM: The Dark Ages illustrates a sophisticated understanding of audience engagement, transforming passive viewers into active participants and solidifying Q2 2025 as a period defined by both blockbuster appeal and nuanced, community-driven success.'
See more gaming news from this week in the roundup below.
NEW RELEASES
Nintendo's highly anticipated new Switch 2 title, 'Donkey Kong Bananza' launched Thursday. The 3D platforming action-adventure game follows Donkey Kong and a talented young singer named Pauline, 'featuring (literal) ground-breaking gameplay, a host of powerful transformations, and plenty of ways to cut loose and unleash your inner Kong.' Per Nintendo, 'Join the pair as they delve deep underground – and discover that this subterranean world is a lot more than it seems on the surface. Uncover environments such as arid canyons, lush forests and frigid tundra as you peel back the world's Layers on your way to the Planet Core.'
VENTURES
GamesBeat launched new B2B media product GB MAX. According to the newly independent gaming news outlet, 'GB MAX platform and subscription will provide a robust B2B network that will open the door for today's business leaders to discuss, collaborate, and drive the future of gaming. This is a critical resource for leaders in any sector, from Hollywood and finance to AI and enterprise technology, to better understand and collaborate with the games industry's technology innovation, digital media, and consumer reach.'
*
Twitch co-founder Justin Kan's DTC gaming revenue platform Stash set a a strategic partnership with finance tech platform Adyen to launch a new 'payment stack designed for the scale, performance, and reliability that mobile game developers require.' Per the companies, 'the launch comes as a growing number of studios and publishers double down on direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies, building direct relationships with their players.'
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
