As the Halloween season draws to a close, players have shown a growing appetite for horror-themed games, reflecting a notable 13% increase in consumer spending on these titles in the United States throughout October. Data.ai's Game IQ data reveals that these games have generated nearly $4 million in total consumer spending, underscoring the enduring popularity of the horror genre among players of all ages.

Beyond the uptick in spending, installations of horror mobile games have also made a modest recovery, growing by about 5% compared to the previous month. This marks a significant turnaround since horror titles experienced a 19% drop in installs between August and September of this year. These figures firmly establish horror games as a prominent choice, ranking at #15 for downloads among 79 different themes and settings tracked by Game IQ. When it comes to consumer spending, the horror genre holds the #33 spot in the United States.

As the Halloween season is now officially over, a few select horror games rose to the top of the charts, captivating gamers across the USA. "Clockmaker" from Samfinaco Limited took the lead, followed by "Alien Invasion" from Crazy Labs and "Identity V" by NetEase. These titles have demonstrated significant consumer spending and sustained growth, solidifying their positions in the market. Interestingly, "Phobies," a tactical card game released early in 2022 by Phobies Holdings, has experienced the most remarkable growth, boasting a 47% increase in consumer spending during the period. While it contributes a smaller share of the combined revenue compared to the top five titles, Phobies showcases its potential for success in the horror-themed gaming market.

Relevance for Web3 Gaming

The relevance of this data to web3 gaming becomes apparent as the industry continues to evolve. Trends in traditional gaming genres, such as horror, can offer valuable insights to web3 game developers. Understanding player preferences and spending patterns in horror games can guide the creation of web3 horror titles that cater to the demands of a growing audience.

In the ever-transforming gaming landscape, these insights serve as a valuable resource for developers seeking to harness emerging trends and win over the mainstream gaming community. At the moment there are not many web3 horror games. One that comes to mind is The Bornless, however the team have recently decided to pivot away from web3.

R3V3NGE, currently available to play on Elixir, is a shooter built on Unreal Engine by Everreach Labs. This game can be played in first-person, with a third-person option in the works. Currently, in beta, players can enjoy the zombie mode, reminiscent of Call of Duty's Zombie mode, in which the player must survive as many rounds as possible. 

Final Thoughts 

The rise in consumer spending on horror-themed games this Halloween season not only reflects a significant trend in the gaming world but also underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in the realm of web3 gaming. The enduring appeal of the horror genre continues to captivate gamers, setting the stage for an exciting future in the gaming industry.