With the holiday season approaching, gaming enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting lineup of new releases. A new study has highlighted the most eagerly anticipated video games set to launch before Christmas 2024, with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 topping the list as the most searched-for game in the U.S.
The research, carried out by gaming site Clash.gg, analysed Google search data to identify which video games are generating the most buzz. The results show Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is the clear favourite, garnering an average of 90,326 monthly searches. This figure is nearly double that of the second-placed game, Star Wars Outlaws, which saw 45,982 searches.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be the 21st instalment in the long-running Call of Duty franchise, a series that has maintained its popularity over decades. The game is due for release on 25th October and has captured the attention of gamers in every U.S. state except Hawaii, where Star Wars Outlaws takes the lead in searches.
Top 10 Games for Christmas 2024
Coming in second place, Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Ubisoft, was released on 30th August. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game promises dynamic open-world exploration set across a variety of planets. Players can enjoy an engaging narrative, which includes a mix of new characters and familiar faces from the Star Wars universe.
Zenless Zone Zero, an action-packed free-to-play role-playing game, ranks third on the list. Released on 4th July, this game, which is available on mobile, PC, and PlayStation 5, generated an average of 45,043 monthly searches. Set in a futuristic jungle, it features fast-paced combat and mini-games, offering players an immersive experience.
In fourth place is Black Myth: Wukong, a game inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West. Released on 20th August, this action RPG received an average of 28,228 searches each month. With realistic graphics and fluid combat mechanics, it allows players to delve into a mythological world.
Sports and Classics Make the List
Basketball fans will be excited to see NBA 2K25 in fifth place with 26,583 searches. Released on 6th September, this latest instalment in the NBA 2K series introduces advanced AI for more challenging gameplay, along with enhanced graphics and animations.
For anime fans, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO comes in sixth, with 25,389 monthly searches. This game, set to be released on 11th October, is a reboot of the original Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series, offering nostalgic elements as well as new features for long-time fans.
Future Releases to Watch
Marvel Rivals ranks seventh with 21,123 average monthly searches. Scheduled for release on 6th December, this game includes iconic characters like Iron Man and Black Widow. Following that, ARK 2, delayed multiple times but expected to launch this year, takes the eighth spot with 16,713 searches.
In ninth place, Throne and Liberty, a free-to-play MMORPG, was released on 17th September and recorded 11,978 searches. Lastly, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree rounds out the top 10 with 7,947 searches, offering new side quests and following the journey of Miquella, a mysterious demigod.
As the gaming community anticipates these new releases, Gabriele Asaro, Head of SEO and research at Clash.gg, commented on the findings: “With many beloved franchises releasing their latest titles, these results show the high demand for video games this holiday season. Those looking for gifts should plan ahead, as these popular games are likely to sell out quickly.”
Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games for Christmas 2024:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – 90,326 searches
- Star Wars Outlaws – 45,982 searches
- Zenless Zone Zero – 45,043 searches
- Black Myth: Wukong – 28,228 searches
- NBA 2K25 – 26,583 searches
- DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO – 25,389 searches
- Marvel Rivals – 21,123 searches
- ARK 2 – 16,713 searches
- Throne and Liberty – 11,978 searches
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – 7,947 searches
