December 12th 2024.
Despite the overwhelming success of Black Myth: Wukong in terms of sales and awards, it may come as a surprise to many that the game is not as high in Google's list of most searched games as one might expect. As we approach The Game Awards, a momentous occasion for the gaming industry, it is interesting to note that Google's annual wrap-up paints a very different picture of the past year in gaming.
Google recently released its list of the most searched topics of 2024 and, surprisingly, many of the biggest releases of the year are missing from the games section. Notable Game of the Year nominees such as Elden Ring's Shadow Of The Erdtree and indie darling Balatro are nowhere to be found. Instead, the top 10 list is dominated by a completely different game.
So what was the highest-searched video game on Google in 2024? It may come as a shock, but the most searched game of the year is actually the Connections game that can be played on The New York Times website. And The New York Times has another win with their puzzle game, Strands, coming in at eighth place. Perhaps it should have been nominated for Game of the Year, considering its release in March of that year.
However, it should be noted that Connections and Strands are not only free, but they also offer a new puzzle to solve every day, making them a popular choice for those looking for a quick and enjoyable distraction. It seems that Wordle, the previous king of puzzle games, has been dethroned.
In terms of 'traditional' video games, only four made it into Google's top 10 list, with Palworld taking the number two spot. This is somewhat surprising, as interest in the game seemed to decline after its release in January. However, the concept of Pokémon with guns generated a lot of buzz around its launch, which may have contributed to its high ranking on the list.
Next on the list is Helldivers 2 in fifth place, which was also a massive live service hit at launch but has since faded from the public eye. This is followed by two Chinese-developed titles: gacha game Wuthering Waves and action role-player Black Myth: Wukong in sixth and seventh place, with the latter being the only Game of the Year nominee on the list.
The rest of the top 10 list is made up of free browser games, including one mobile exclusive game, Brawl Stars, from the makers of Clash of Clans. It seems that companies like Sony and Microsoft, who invest millions into cutting-edge technology and live service games, have been outdone by simple puzzle games with no monetization.
It's worth noting that the presence of games like Helldivers 2 and Wuthering Waves may continue to drive some companies' focus on live service titles, but it appears that others, such as Sony and Warner Bros., are starting to lose interest. It's a curious trend, considering that not a single one of miHoYo's popular gacha role-playing games cracked into the top 10, while one of their main competitors did.
As we continue to reflect on the past year in gaming, Google's list provides an interesting perspective on the most searched games of 2024. It's a testament to the power of simple, yet addictive puzzle games and the ever-growing popularity of mobile gaming. What are your thoughts on Google's most searched games of 2024? Share your opinions with us through email, comments, Twitter, and our newsletter. And for a more convenient way to submit your own letters and features, check out our Submit Stuff page.
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