Remakes of older video games generate double the money than remasters, research conducted over the past two years has revealed.
Ampere Analysis examined 15 remakes and 27 remasters between January 2024 and September 2025, and discovered that spending worldwide is, on average, 2.2x higher on remakes compared to remasters. During the stated timeframe, it’s said 72.4 million PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam users collectively spent $1.4 billion on remakes and remasters. When the total is broken down, spending is weighted heavily in favour of a full remake.
Of course, remakes such as Resident Evil 4, Silent Hill 2, and Demon’s Souls are generally priced higher than remasters, as they “require substantially higher investment in development, marketing, and time”, Ampere Analysis notes. In comparison, remasters “offer faster turnaround and lower cost — but generally deliver less engagement”.
Katie Holt, a senior analyst with the research company, said: “As games and IP development costs escalate, publishers are increasingly raiding their back catalogues for cost-effective remakes and remasters.” When deciding which route to take, a developer has to balance “franchise planning, investment risk, age of content, platform support, and more”.
During the given time period, Oblivion Remastered was the biggest of any remake or remaster, attracting seven million players and $180 million in spending, according to the conducted research. Ampere Analysis has the Bethesda game marked as a remaster, but the project went beyond a standard graphics overhaul with a new engine and gameplay improvements.
It’s also claimed Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Silent Hill 2 were two of the most successful remakes, from January 2024 to September 2025.
Are you more likely to buy a remake than a remaster? Let us know in our Poll and comments section below.
Which kind of revival project do you prefer to buy? (560 votes)
I prefer full remakes of old games87%I prefer remasters of old games6%I don’t buy remakes / remasters3%Other (tell us in the comments)4%