A new index from CS2 experts at CSDB.gg reveals the top retro titles dominating Twitch streaming in 2024, with League of Legends taking the crown. However, the data also highlights the enduring popularity of retro titles and enduring classics within the streaming community.
CSDB.gg analyzed data from the past 12 months, including average viewers, total watch time, peak viewers, and other key metrics, to rank nearly 500 games. League of Legends (first released in 2009) emerged as the streaming king, boasting nearly 1.3 billion hours watched and an average daily viewership of 146,339. The MOBA giant also saw a peak viewership of over 2.6 million.
Follow Gaming Retro on Google News to get the latest retro gaming news in your feed.
While newer titles like GTA V (first released in 2013) and Fortnite (first released in 2017) secured second and third place respectively, the list reveals a fascinating trend: retro and classic titles are still major players in the streaming world. Grand Theft Auto V, despite being over a decade old, secured the second spot with the highest total watch time of any game (nearly 1.5 billion hours). This demonstrates the enduring appeal of open-world sandboxes and the continued interest in revisiting classic game experiences.
Further down the list, we see the continued strength of titles like Minecraft (first released in 2009) and World of Warcraft (first released in 2004). Minecraft, with its sandbox gameplay and endless creative possibilities, continues to draw a large and dedicated streaming audience. World of Warcraft, a MMORPG juggernaut, maintains a strong presence, fueled by its passionate community and regular content updates.
The top ten list underscores the diverse tastes of the streaming audience. While esports titles like League of Legends, VALORANT (first released in 2020), and Counter-Strike (multiple iterations, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive released in 2012) dominate the top spots, retro and classic games maintain a significant presence, proving that nostalgia and enduring gameplay experiences continue to resonate with viewers. The data suggests that while new releases capture attention, the streaming landscape also provides a platform for older, beloved titles to thrive and connect with new generations of players.
Streaming Retro Titles
“Game streaming has reached unprecedented levels of viewership,” says Corey Sims of CSDB.gg. “With so many gamers streaming, it’s crucial to understand which games capture the most attention. While the top spots are often occupied by newer titles, the continued presence of retro games shows the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of classic gameplay experiences.”
The CSDB.gg index offers a valuable snapshot of the streaming landscape, highlighting both the dominant forces and the enduring power of classic games within the community. It suggests that the future of streaming is not just about the latest releases, but also about celebrating the games that shaped the industry and continue to captivate players.
Even if you prefer to play retro games on original carts or your own emulation set ups, classic games are becoming more prominent.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
We collect the most important retro gaming news and articles and send them to you weekly, absolutely free.