Australia often makes for a unique market due to its rich diversity and wide-ranging tastes. When it comes to games, in 2023, the nation was ranked as the 14th largest gaming market in the world. Despite its relatively low standing in that regard, the country still accounted for gaming revenue in excess of $2.5 billion (4AUD billion).
Catering to a tapestry of gaming interests that include local favorites and plenty of globally famous ones, Australia has great taste when it comes to the kind of games players from there gravitate to the most. Here’s a look at the most popular games in Australia.
1. Fortnite
Fortnite has taken Australia by storm, as it has with many other regions across every corner of the world. A game that is particularly loved by younger gamers, Fortnite is a battle royale game but features far more intriguing gameplay options beyond being just a hit-for-hit melee of a fighting game.
As it uses an online multiplayer approach, the true novelty of Fortnite stems from its ability for friends to connect with each other online, form teams, and play against or with friends. On the other hand, this social element extends beyond gamers’ own circle in Australia, with many gamers around the world forging lasting friendships with relative strangers they meet in the game.
The game also works on a free-to-play model, making it even more popular since it’s easy to access. However, it does combine regular updates and a bevy of in-game events that help players and developers keep the content fresh and help the user base grow and stay engaged. While there aren’t any accurate numbers for how many active Australian players the game has, as of 2023, there were 220 million active players worldwide so it’s safe to say that there are more than a fair few Aussies among them.
2. Online Pokies
Australia’s gaming culture has become intertwined with iGaming ever since this form of gambling began taking off in a major way. Now a massive multibillion-dollar global industry, between online casinos and sportsbooks now being prevalent across virtually every corner of the world, iGaming is both big business and a lot of fun. In Australia, casino games enjoy particular prominence, with most players enjoying online pokies more than any other gambling game there.
According to gambling expert Vlad Grindu, players are particularly fond of those that have the best mechanics, return-to-player (RTP) scores, and bonus features. Featuring the thrill of a variety of gambling games, they have become a staple in the country everywhere from casinos to hotels and bars. These machines are not only staples in local pubs and clubs but also dominate online gaming platforms.
According to recent data, there are currently close to 200,000 pokie machines throughout Australia. Varying in themes, colors, displays, gaming range, and a host of other factors, Australians love this form of gambling since they cater to a diverse audience as a result of the range of themes they come with.
The appeal of pokies in Australia can be attributed to their easy accessibility and the instant thrill they provide. Advancements in digital technology have also made online pokies more highly engaging, featuring themes from popular culture and intricate graphic designs that cater to a diverse audience.
Recent statistics reveal that over 80% of adult Australians engage in gambling of some sort, with a significant portion of this activity focused on pokies, underscoring their prominence in the national gaming culture.
3. League of Legends
As the same suggests, this game has become legendary in the world of gaming too. A massively popular game for eSports tournaments, League of Legends remains a beloved cornerstone of Australian gaming culture. Classified as a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), the game attracts players with both its strategic depth and the dynamic competitive scene.
As of 2024, this game was touted to have a global player base of between 140 to 160 million players worldwide. Australian eSports tournaments often feature League of Legends as a central title, drawing thousands of viewers online and in person. Events like these have become very popular among younger Australian gamers, with professional players raking in millions in prize money and sponsorships as a result.
The game’s developer, Riot Games, reports that the Oceanic region has one of the highest rates of participation per capita globally. Australians make up a large proportion of these rates and account for many of its most passionate players. The country has also become known for spawning some world-class eSports teams for this particular game.
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty also has a very passionate global fan base in Australia. The game is also revered by Australian gamers too and features a huge following there. Among its many offerings, Modern Warfare has proven particularly popular with the game selling over 65 million copies globally among its three offerings.
In fact, according to IGEA, by the end of 2023, Modern Warfare III was Australia’s highest-selling game. The game was only narrowly beaten by Hogwarts Legacy worldwide. The game’s realistic settings, detailed graphics, and engaging multiplayer modes have garnered a dedicated audience.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
A gaming franchise that has grown even more in leaps and bounds since the TV show began and has led to massively renewed interest in the book series it was all originally based on. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, in particular, has captivated Australian gamers with its deep storytelling narratives and the range of complex characters it sports.
Amid its vast open world, it also allows for an expansive territory to explore. Despite being released several years ago, the game continues to maintain a strong player base. This is largely thanks in part to the popular Netflix series that expanded its lore since it starred the likes of globally popular actors like Henry Cavill—a self-confessed gamer.
Sales data indicate that The Witcher 3 has seen multiple spikes in purchases coinciding with the release of related media and game updates. As a whole, the entire franchise has been growing steadily, not just in Australia but across the world. Australia’s fondness for this particular game was also partly prompted by the fact that NAMCO BANDAI Games promoted it there directly.
6. Minecraft
Another globally popular favorite, Minecraft provides an open-ended game that allows for plenty of creativity and user freedom to abound. It allows players of all ages to engage in building and exploring virtual worlds. This facet alone has made a massively popular game across the world, though Australia certainly features among its most passionate fanbases.
This can be gleaned from the fact that the country has 53 servers for the game. In general, Minecraft features some staggering stats across the world, with Australia accounting for around 3% of its global popularity.
The game is so ingrained into Australian culture that schools there have even incorporated Minecraft into educational curriculums to promote creativity and problem-solving skills. The game’s ability to support large multiplayer servers means that it’s not just popular as a solitary experience but as a community activity as well.
7. FIFA/EA Sports FC Series
They don’t call it a beautiful game for nothing. Football or soccer, however you like to pronounce it doesn’t really matter since the game is beloved by basically every corner of the globe. In Australia too, the FIFA game series enjoys a huge following. This mirrors the country’s growing interest in football which has seen many famous Australian players grace famous leagues across Europe.
Despite the franchise splitting with Electronic Arts no longer able to use the FIFA brand, the original franchise is still highly popular among football lovers in Australia and across the world for that matter. Underscoring its global popularity, EA Sports FC 24 sold over 200,000 copies in its first week on Steam alone.
Conclusion
Australia has a diverse and robust gaming market that currently ranks 14th globally. Despite not being among the top 10 markets globally, it still boasts massive revenues that total over $2.5 billion annually.
With a rich variety of popular games that resonate locally and globally, such as pokies and international hits like Fortnite and League of Legends, the country exemplifies a highly popular and lucrative gaming culture. This mix of local and global preferences highlights Australia’s unique position in the gaming world, appealing to a broad audience and contributing significantly to the global gaming scene.
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