Did you know that 41% of internet users aged 16-64 play retro video games? On this week’s edition of Metaburst, we explore how platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are implementing fans’ nostalgia for classics into their experiences. Read on for more details:
CLASSIC GAMES IN THE METAVERSE
There’s clearly a high demand for classic video games, from remasters to ports on new consoles. A good example of this is Nintendo Switch Online, a paid subscription that offers countless titles from past consoles like SNES and the N64. As of Fall 2023, Nintendo Switch Online had over 38 million subscribers. This is a two million subscriber increase from the year before in 2022.
Classic games have a built-in fanbase. A great way to capitalize on this is by reaching a very loyal demographic and partnering with the right title. Combining classic gameplay with new mechanics can also lead to higher user engagement. Utilizing platform synergy opens your brand up to some truly broad reach. The next two stories provide good use cases for this:
NEW PAC-MAN SIMULATOR IN ROBLOX
The old-school arcade game, Pac-Man, is coming to Roblox! Publisher Bandai Namco is developing Pac-Man Simulator so newer generations can enjoy this timeless classic. Pac-Man has been around for over 40 years, originally releasing in 1980!
With Roblox’s player base of 77.7 million players worldwide, this presents a massive opportunity to introduce Pac-Man to a new audience. The version on Roblox will encourage players to create teams to eat those signature dots and unlock new areas on the map. Pac-Man Simulator has not been released to the public yet but you can partake in its paid Beta.
TETRIS DROPS BLOCKS INTO MINECRAFT
Moving on to Minecraft, they just added a Tetris DLC! This Russian export from 1985 is one of the most popular video games of ALL time selling over 520 million copies.
The Minecraft DLC is a pretty unique hybrid between the two properties. Players start off by playing retro 2D Tetris in the Minecraft world until the remaining blocks transform into a 3D dungeon. However, it wouldn’t be a dungeon without enemies and monsters to fight! This creates an unending loop where the DLC keeps generating new dungeons for players to crawl. That’s a great format to guarantee longer play times.
But if that seems too complicated, players can always just keep play regular Tetris right in the Minecraft lobby.
As you can see, retro games still play a big part in today’s gaming world. With the above examples from Minecraft and Roblox, old favorites have a place in newer open world formats. Just like film and television reboot and remaster classics, there’s a strong case for doing the same in the gaming industry. Come back next week for more news from the metaverse!
