What Game Rant Readers Played Most on Thanksgiving Weekend

It’s that time of year again – the aroma of roasted turkey still lingers in the air, the family arguments have subsided (mostly), and the only thing left to do is collapse on the couch and dive into a good game. But what exactly were Game Rant readers plugging into this Thanksgiving weekend? Forget the Black Friday frenzy for a moment; we’re interested in what digital worlds you escaped to. Did you brave the frozen wastes of a new RPG, dominate online battlefields, or perhaps revisit an old favorite for some nostalgic bliss? We surveyed our readers to find out just that. The results might surprise you, revealing some interesting trends in holiday gaming habits. (I was honestly expecting more co-op games!). It seems many of you traded the dinner table for digital adventures. We saw spikes in certain genres, a few unexpected contenders, and some solid mainstays that prove their enduring appeal. Let’s uncover the most played games this Thanksgiving and see if your choice made the list.

The anticipation was palpable as the team compiled the data. We knew that some of the heavy hitters released this year would be in the running, but we were keen to see if any indie darlings or enduring classics would sneak their way into the top slots. After all, Thanksgiving weekend is a unique time. It’s a blend of family time, relaxation, and, for many, a welcome opportunity to indulge in some serious gaming. So grab a leftover slice of pie, settle in, and let’s explore what digital playgrounds captivated Game Rant readers this Thanksgiving. We’ll break down the top contenders, discuss why they resonated, and even offer some insights into the overall gaming landscape.

The team worked late into the night, fueled by coffee and the burning question of which games would ultimately reign supreme. There were heated debates about potential dark horses and confident predictions about guaranteed winners. Ultimately, the numbers spoke for themselves. From sprawling open-world adventures to fast-paced online shooters, the diversity of choices reflected the wide-ranging tastes of the Game Rant community. We even got some fascinating anecdotal evidence from readers who shared their Thanksgiving gaming experiences. One reader told us, “My family thinks I’m crazy, but fragging my friends online is my kind of Thanksgiving tradition!” Another confessed, “I spent the entire weekend lost in a new RPG. Zero regrets.” So, without further ado, let’s dive into the results.

The Top 5 Games This Thanksgiving

The data is in! Here’s the countdown of the top 5 games that Game Rant readers sank their teeth into during the Thanksgiving weekend. Get ready for some potential surprises!

1. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: CD Projekt Red’s redemption arc continues! After a rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077, especially with the Phantom Liberty expansion, proved to be a massive draw. The revamped gameplay, engaging story, and stunning visuals captivated players, making it the most popular choice this year. One reader commented, “I finally gave Cyberpunk another shot, and I’m completely hooked. The story is incredible!” It’s clear that many players were eager to experience the game’s transformation.
2. Elden Ring: FromSoftware’s masterpiece continues to reign supreme. The challenging gameplay and intricate world of the Lands Between kept players glued to their screens. It’s impressive staying power for a game released in 2022! I mean, it’s Elden Ring. What more is there to say?
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III: The latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise predictably landed high on the list. The fast-paced action, competitive multiplayer, and engaging campaign provided the perfect adrenaline rush for many gamers during the holiday break. Let’s face it, some traditions never die. Call of Duty will always be a Thanksgiving gaming staple.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3: Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed RPG continued its winning streak. The deep character customization, branching narratives, and strategic combat provided a truly immersive experience that kept players engrossed for hours on end. It’s a slow burn, but once you’re in, you’re *really* in.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Swinging through New York City as Spider-Man proved to be an irresistible draw. The stunning visuals, fluid gameplay, and engaging story made it a perfect choice for a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving gaming session. Plus, who doesn’t love being Spider-Man?

Genre Breakdown: What Trends Emerged?

Beyond the individual game titles, the survey also revealed some interesting trends in genre preferences. Let’s take a closer look at what types of games were most popular.

RPG Domination

Role-playing games (RPGs) clearly dominated this Thanksgiving. The presence of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3 in the top 5 demonstrates the genre’s enduring appeal. The long narratives, deep character customization, and immersive worlds provide the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and get lost in a digital adventure. It seems like many players were looking for an escape from family gatherings, am I right?

The Shooter Staple

As expected, first-person shooters (FPS) remained a popular choice. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III secured a spot in the top 5, proving that the adrenaline-pumping action and competitive multiplayer are still a major draw for gamers. Sometimes you just need to blow off some steam, and what better way than a few rounds of Call of Duty?

Superhero Shenanigans

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 offered a lighter, more accessible experience compared to the other top contenders. The superhero genre continues to be a popular choice, and the game’s stunning visuals and fluid gameplay made it a perfect fit for a relaxed Thanksgiving gaming session. Who doesn’t want to swing around New York City as Spider-Man after a heavy meal?

Surprises and Snubs: What Didn’t Make the Cut?

While the top 5 games were largely predictable, there were a few notable absences. Some titles that were expected to perform well surprisingly didn’t make the cut. Let’s explore some of the potential reasons why.

Missing AAA Titles

Several major AAA releases from the year failed to crack the top 5. This could be due to a variety of factors, including mixed reviews, oversaturation of the market, or simply the fact that players were already deeply invested in other games. One anonymous source suggested, “There were just too many big games released this year. It’s hard to keep up!”

The Indie Darling Drought

While indie games have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, none managed to break into the top 5 this Thanksgiving. This could be attributed to their niche appeal or the fact that many players prefer to stick with familiar franchises during the holiday season. However, many smaller games appeared further down the list.

The Power of Nostalgia

It’s worth noting that some older games continued to be popular choices. While they didn’t make the top 5, several readers reported revisiting classic titles for a dose of nostalgia. One reader shared, “I always play through Ocarina of Time during Thanksgiving. It’s a tradition!” Sometimes, the best games are the ones you already know and love.

Multiplayer vs. Single-Player: A Battle of Preferences

The survey also shed light on the ongoing debate between multiplayer and single-player gaming. Which type of experience did Game Rant readers prefer this Thanksgiving?

Single-Player Immersion

The dominance of RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3 suggests that many players were seeking a solitary and immersive experience. These games offer the opportunity to get lost in a rich narrative, explore a vast world, and develop a deep connection with their character. It’s a chance to escape the stresses of everyday life and embark on a personal adventure.

Multiplayer Mayhem

Despite the popularity of single-player games, multiplayer experiences still held their own. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III provided the perfect platform for competitive gamers to test their skills and connect with friends online. The fast-paced action and social interaction are a major draw for many players, especially during the holidays. One gamer stated, “Playing Call of Duty with my cousins is a Thanksgiving tradition. It’s our way of bonding.”

The Future of Thanksgiving Gaming

What does the future hold for Thanksgiving gaming? As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, we can expect to see some interesting changes in the years to come.

The Rise of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now are becoming increasingly popular, offering players the ability to stream games to a variety of devices without the need for expensive hardware. This could make gaming more accessible to a wider audience during the holidays. Imagine playing Elden Ring on your phone while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking!

The Metaverse and Social Gaming

The metaverse is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to transform the way we game. In the future, we could see more social gaming experiences that allow players to connect with friends and family in virtual worlds during Thanksgiving. Picture a virtual Thanksgiving dinner followed by a collaborative gaming session in a shared metaverse space.

The Enduring Appeal of Tradition

Despite the ever-changing gaming landscape, some traditions are likely to endure. Revisiting classic games, playing with family and friends, and simply taking some time to relax and unwind will always be a part of the Thanksgiving gaming experience.

In conclusion, the Thanksgiving gaming habits of Game Rant readers offer a fascinating glimpse into the current state of the industry. From the dominance of RPGs to the enduring appeal of multiplayer shooters, the choices reflect the diverse tastes and preferences of the gaming community. It’s clear that gaming has become an integral part of the Thanksgiving holiday for many, providing a welcome escape and a chance to connect with loved ones. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, be sure to carve out some time this Thanksgiving to indulge in your favorite digital pastime. After all, what better way to relax and recharge after a long day of feasting and family gatherings? And hey, maybe next year *your* favorite game will top the list!