Resident Evil 4 is best-selling modern remake but the top 5 is surprising

For gamers like Nico, a 30-year-old graphic designer from Lagos, who grew up playing the original Resident Evil 4 on his brother's PlayStation 2, the 2023 remake is more than just a game, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With estimated sales figures of over 16.8 million copies sold, it's clear that Nico and millions of others are willing to pay top dollar for a taste of the past. But what's behind this nostalgia-fueled cash cow, and why are remakes and remasters dominating the gaming industry?

The gaming industry's reliance on nostalgia is no secret. Since the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2, the market has been flooded with re-releases and reimaginings of classic games. This month alone, Ubisoft released a remake of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and Microsoft launched Halo: Combat Evolved. Even Nintendo's main exclusives this year are remakes, with Star Fox and The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time starting out as N64 games. So, what's driving this trend?

According to Alinea Analytics, the top-selling modern remake is, without a doubt, Resident Evil 4. With an estimated 16.8 million copies sold, it's clear that the game's massive popularity and iconic status have contributed to its success. But what about the other top-sellers? In second place is 2023's Ark: Survival Ascended, with 7 million sales, a game that, despite being an early access title and a remaster of a relatively recent game, has clearly found success.

While many gamers may not be aware of Ark: Survival Ascended, its dedicated fanbase has clearly driven sales. As a remake of 2015's Ark: Survival Evolved, it's surprising to see it take second place in the top-selling remakes list. This raises questions about the viability of remaking games that are still relatively recent, and whether the nostalgia factor is enough to drive sales.

Coming in third is The Last Of Us Part 1, with 6.3 million sales. Despite many feeling that it was an unnecessary remake, Sony's decision to capitalize on the success of the TV show adaptation clearly paid off. This raises questions about the role of TV adaptations in driving gaming sales, and whether remakes can be a smart business move.

Rounding out the top 5 is The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, with 4.5 million sales. While not as high as the top 3 remakes, it's clear that the game's popularity has endured despite being a traditional Bethesda title.

As the gaming industry continues to rely on nostalgia, it's clear that remakes and remasters will remain a driving force behind sales. But will this trend continue indefinitely, or will it eventually lead to creative burnout?The gaming industry's reliance on nostalgia is here to stay, and Resident Evil 4 is the top-selling modern remake to prove it. With estimated sales figures of over 16.8 million copies sold, it's clear that gamers will continue to pay top dollar for a taste of the past. But as the industry continues to churn out re-releases and reimaginings, will it eventually lead to creative burnout?