User-generated content continues to gain momentum across the games industry, and a new report from mod.io and GameDiscoverCo offers data on how much it matters in 2025. The study reviewed 1,200 titles that reached at least $1 million in their first month. About 18% of those games included UGC support, indicating that this feature is increasingly a factor in high-performing releases.
On consoles, where UGC permanence and platform tools are still developing, the share is much lower. From roughly 1,000 titles that sold more than 100,000 copies in their opening month, only 2% on PlayStation and 3% on Xbox included mod or content creation systems.
PC Games Benefit Most from Mod Support
The report shows that UGC-enabled titles on PC tend to outperform those without these features over longer periods. Revenue growth is one area where the difference becomes more visible over time. Games offering modding options generate 8% more revenue after their first year on the market. By the five-year mark, the gap widens to 31%.
Player activity also appears to remain stronger when UGC is involved. Concurrent player counts among UGC-supported titles reach 75% higher levels after two years, and the difference expands to 115% after five years. Developer examples reinforce this trend. For Baldur’s Gate 3, adding mod support led to a 20% increase in daily active users, showing how expanded creativity tools can drive players back into established games.
The study does clarify that it can be difficult to determine whether UGC drives success or follows it. Many developers may choose to invest in mods or creation systems only once a title is already performing well. With a revenue threshold of $1 million in the first month, smaller indie games are mostly excluded from the analysis, leaving out many of the titles known for thriving mod communities.
DLC Sales Reflect Player Engagement
One space where UGC shows a notable advantage is in additional monetization. On Steam, games supporting mods have DLC sales that are 105% higher than those without. The developers behind SnowRunner add context, explaining that players who install mods are 2.4 times more likely to buy paid content. This indicates that modding communities often consist of the most loyal and deeply involved players, who tend to spend more as part of their ongoing participation.
Consoles and VR Show Slower Adoption but Clear Results
While mod support is far less common on consoles, titles that include user-generated content still show measurable financial improvement. PlayStation releases with UGC see an average of 16% higher sales after their first year. On Xbox, the difference reaches 24%. These percentages reflect an upward trajectory as both platforms seek more tools to support player creativity.
VR titles on Meta Quest also demonstrate positive performance when UGC is available. The analysis included games with more than 1,000 reviews and found that those featuring UGC grow 30% faster on average. The emerging VR ecosystem may prove to be a space where user-driven additions become a stronger differentiator as the market matures.
UGC, Communities, and the Future of Web
Although not directly studied, the same logic behind UGC growth is also fueling interest in web approaches that give players more control over digital content. Community-driven participation continues to shift expectations for live games, long-term support, and player ownership. The report suggests that the more a community can contribute, the more likely a game is to sustain strong performance.
Conclusion
The findings indicate a clear link between UGC and improved retention, engagement, and monetization across platforms. While there is still uncertainty about whether the presence of UGC initiates success or responds to it, the report supports the idea that games with active player creativity remain relevant longer. As more developers explore community-led features throughout a game’s lifecycle, UGC appears poised to remain a significant driver of performance in 2025 and beyond.
Source: mod.io
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does UGC always improve game performance?
The study shows a consistent connection between UGC and better long-term results, but it does not confirm direct causation. In many cases, UGC features may be added after a game already finds success.
Why does UGC lead to higher DLC sales?
Players who engage with mods or creation tools are usually more invested in the game. This engagement makes them more likely to purchase additional content and continue playing over longer periods.
Is UGC more effective on certain platforms?
PC titles see the strongest impact, likely due to long-established mod communities. Consoles and VR show growth but are comparatively early in supporting player-created content.
What kind of games benefit the most from UGC?
Live-service games, community-focused titles, and PC releases with long tail potential often see the largest advantage from UGC, as these ecosystems rely heavily on sustained engagement.
How does UGC relate to web gaming?
Web initiatives share the concept of empowering players to shape their experiences. Although the report does not measure blockchain involvement directly, UGC growth supports the broader trend toward community-driven game models.
