Google reveals the top 10 searched games of 2024 and at least 2 entries will make Nintendo mad

Google Trends shows the popularity of a search term over a period of time.
We can now see the most searched games of 2024.
The list includes Palworld, Helldivers 2 and Connections at the top.

As someone who grew up playing browser games during the peak of Shockwave (Inkling, anyone?), I can genuinely say that this year’s list of most popular games is not only fascinating but also heartwarming. It seems we have come full circle with the rise of simple, accessible, and fun browser-based games like Infinite Craft, which has already got me hooked!

Google Trends is an useful resource for examining popular search topics worldwide, and Google has recently unveiled the most frequently searched video games of 2024 in its Year in Search—an annual review similar to Spotify Wrapped and Xbox Year in Review. The list includes some anticipated titles as well as a few unexpected ones. What took me by surprise was Palworld ranking second, and to add insult to injury, another game, PokéRogue, managed to squeeze into the tail end of the chart. So, which video game came out on top? Let’s take a look at the most Googled games of 2024, starting with the number one spot to keep you from waiting any longer.

1. Connections

In 2021, Wordle became an internet phenomenon (and continues to be popular with daily solutions available at Tom’s Guide). Now, New York Times’ Connections has become the most talked-about game on our list. Although it’s not a traditional video game, it’s still entertaining, requiring you to categorize items based on shared themes. Interestingly, many people are more focused on finding the answers rather than solving the puzzles themselves. Google has recently unveiled its knowledge of all those secretly seeking help!

2. Palworld

Worldwide, Palworld ranks as the second most popular game searched online, and it holds the top spot on many video game lists (it peaked at No. 4 on the U.S.-specific list). The game made a big splash in the gaming world when it debuted in Early Access earlier this year, setting a record for the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass. It’s likely that its high Google search ranking is due to people seeking advice such as “how to obtain Pal fluids in Palworld” or “the best locations for building a base in Palworld,” and not for topics like “Palworld Lewder Lovander.

As a dedicated researcher studying gaming trends, I can confidently affirm that the widespread acclaim for the game is more than justified. The creators at Pocketpair have consistently worked on enhancing its features, with an exciting Terraria collaboration just around the corner and a brand-new island slated for release—six times larger than the previous Sakurajima update.

It’s possible that numerous individuals were also seeking updates about Nintendo’s legal action against Pocketpair, the makers of Palworld, due to allegations of patent violation. As people pondered over which patents Palworld is accused of infringing, this situation probably boosted the search volume for related information.

3. Infinite Craft

It appears that Infinite Craft is similar to a mod for Minecraft Marketplace, but it’s actually a standalone game. This game allows you to mix and match words, and an AI system takes those words to generate a new word. You can then use this new word along with others to create even more, creating a never-ending chain of words. In essence, the idea is that you keep combining words to generate new ones ad infinitum.

Initially, you work with fundamental elements such as Water, Fire, Air, and Earth, merging them together to generate various objects. This captivating process forms an engaging cycle that never ends, offering endless fun and has transformed into a remarkably entertaining streaming game sensation.

4. Sprunki

The game Sprunki is referred to as a “one-of-a-kind, interactive music creation experience.” However, this doesn’t give a clear picture of what the game entails. To truly understand it, I had to try it out myself or watch Markiplier play—and let me tell you, if I introduce this game to my child, my peace and quiet are gone forever.

This game allows you to manipulate sounds by moving objects onto character figures known as “Sprunkis.” Interestingly, it also offers a narrative and a spooky mode. Indeed, its unique blend of music creation and storytelling might explain its rapid popularity.

5. Helldivers 2

Whew! Back to playing video games again. Helldivers 2 was the initial PlayStation game to debut simultaneously on PC in February, a risky move for Sony that turned out to be successful. The game broke concurrent player records and sold over 12 million copies within just three months of its release. We’re hoping for an Xbox version of Helldivers 2 in the future, but the developers, Arrowhead, have made it clear that they are waiting for Sony to make a decision on that front.

6. Wuthering Waves

At The Game Awards, Wuthering Waves earned a nomination for Best Mobile Game. This is a narrative-focused, live-service RPG game that incorporates gacha elements. It’s set up for success with all the right features and shares similarities to the action-packed combat of Genshin Impact, but there are some distinct variations. These include an innovative parry-and-dodge system, enhanced mobility through wall-running and grappling hooks, and a more condensed game world compared to its counterpart.

The game also gained significant attention thanks to streamer coverage from the likes of Asmongold.

7. Black Myth: Wukong

2024 saw Black Myth: Wukong, a game that won the Golden Joystick’s Ultimate Game of the Year award and was also nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards, gain significant popularity – though not without stirring up some controversy. Its launch on Xbox was delayed, and despite selling over 10 million copies on PC and PlayStation, concerns about potential Xbox optimization issues or rumors of a PlayStation exclusivity deal have left Xbox gamers in anticipation.

The visually impressive game, based on Chinese mythology, has mesmerized gamers globally, leading to numerous internet inquiries about strategies to defeat the Black Wind King.

8. Strands

If we focus solely on U.S.-based entries, Strands came in second place, and it represents another online game from The New York Times. You’re presented with a word search puzzle, assigned a specific category, and your task is to locate words within that category on the grid. Despite its apparent simplicity, solving it without relying on a Google search proved challenging for many!

9. Brawl Stars

Brawl Stars is another exciting mobile game developed by the same team behind Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. You might have come across it during numerous YouTube advertisements, whether or not you’ve actually played the game. The action takes place in fast-paced 3 vs 3 and 5 vs 5 matches, as well as a Battle Royale mode that could drain your mobile battery rather quickly. Despite being released back in 2018, this game remains popular among mobile gaming enthusiasts.

10.PokéRogue

In simpler terms, I mentioned another game that could potentially upset Nintendo’s legal team, and PokéRogue, similar in popularity to Palworld, ranks 10th on the list. As you might infer from its name, PokéRogue is an adventure game modeled after roguelike structures, blending aspects of Pokémon with roguelike features. To put it another way, visually, it resembles a classic Pokémon game to a T.

Created by enthusiastic Pokémon fans, this game enables you to assemble various squads of Pokémon according to the obstacles you encounter. It doesn’t necessitate any complex emulators and operates directly within a web browser, which has significantly boosted its popularity and attracted over 50,000 daily active players. The reasons behind Nintendo focusing on Palworld rather than PokéRogue are unclear, but both games have managed to elevate the ‘pocket monster’ genre in unique ways.

Honorable mentions

As a researcher, I’ve utilized the Google Trends tool to dissect search trends by country. While I’ve compiled the Global top 10 for your perusal, you might also be intrigued to know the US top 10, which features some similar titles but manages to place Dragon’s Dogma 2 at number 8 (likely due to its enigmatic and puzzling quest chains that prompt many Google searches) and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at number 10.

Some common themes

What stood out to me in this top 10 is the sheer number of browser-based games that gained popularity in the search results this year. Many of them, especially puzzle-based ones, make sense given their accessibility. It’s a reminder that free browser games are still as popular as they were when I was a teenager, sitting in my bedroom playing Inklink on Shockwave (IYKYK). You don’t need to own a $300 console to be a gamer (in fact, as we know, everything is an Xbox). But perhaps the biggest takeaway is that some of the most popular games are also the simplest. I’m already addicted to Infinite Craft and about to dive into more of that myself!

2024-12-12 17:09