Moving into 2009 causes us to naturally reflect back upon 2008. As such it is of interest that the ratings organization Nielsen has released a "top 10" listing of PC games played in 2008. The data gathered spans the first ten months of the year so the "holiday rush" isn't accounted for. Without further ado, here are your top ten most played games of 2008:
- World of Warcraft (2004) - Blizzard Entertainment - 0.723% AU*
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) - Infinity Ward - 0.163% AU
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2003) - Gearbox, Bungie - 0.092% AU
- The Sims (2000) - EA Maxis - 0.09% AU
- The Sims 2 (2004) - EA Maxis - 0.086% AU
- RuneScape (2001) - Jagex Ltd. - 0.084% AU
- Diablo II (2000) - Blizzard Entertainment - 0.065%
- Team Fortress 2 (2007) - Valve - 0.063%
- Counter-Strike (2000) - Valve - 0.062%
- Counter-Strike Source (2004) - Valve - 0.061%
*The "AU" designator indicates the percentage of PC gamers playing the title during an average minute, and is the base measurement for the ranking.
One important thing to note is that the system outlined in 2007 (the inaugural year of this specific ranking) included a limited number of participants. The sample size used for the 2008 ratings is unknown, but it is possible that it is small enough to provide some kind of statistical anomaly. Still, the list is a good indication of what people played in 2008, and though no "new" (2008 release) games made the list it confirms something most gamers know: classics are replayable. Only time will tell if any of the bigtime names of 2008 (such as Prince of Persia or Fallout 3) will make next years rating list.
