Study reveals the game releases of 2024 that most gamers will take time off to play

A recent study by gaming and tech retailer Currys asked 1,000 gamers whether they take time off work to play newly released video games, to which 41% said they did. The same study asked participants to select which future game releases they would want to take time off to play when they were released. 

The survey found that in 2024 the game most gamers would take time off to play was Assassins Creed Codename Red, with 14.8% looking to skip work for this release. Although the official release date has not been confirmed, Arisa Lagunzad, who works in brand management for Ubisoft noted on LinkedIn that Codename Red will be the “biggest blockbuster for 2024” leaving fans hopeful for a 2024 release. This latest game in the Assassins Creed line-up will take place in Japan, a location highly requested by fans for many years. 

Next, with 12.4% booking time off to play is Star Wars Outlaws. With a fandom as huge as Star Wars has, it’s no surprise to see this game make it onto the list. This game is said to be the first-ever open world Star Wars game, which will be set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The ability to explore the lands of this beloved franchise openly will no doubt attract both gamers and Star Wars fans. 

And just behind Outlaws with 12% of people taking time off is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This is the highly anticipated new story in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, a reimagining of the iconic original game into three standalone titles from its original creators. In Rebirth, players will enjoy various new elements as the story unfolds, culminating in the party’s journey to “The Forgotten Capital” from the original game. 

The same survey also revealed, however, that not all these gamers may ask for their boss’ permission to take time off to play these games. 28% have called in sick to work for the sole purpose of playing video games. 

Most anticipated video game releases according to Google searches 

The study also analysed the search volume for 144 video games that have been announced, using the terms “release date” “when is released” and “when does come out?” being looked at. 

The game that sped into first place (which isn’t all that hard to guess) had to be omitted from the study at the request of the game’s publisher, however in second place was the eighth instalment of the Tekken franchise, with 67,460 monthly UK searches around Tekken 8’s release. This highly anticipated game will be released on the 26th of January 2024.  

Another game, with a vastly different vibe to Tekken, was the peaceful game of adventure, exploration and meditation, Europa, with 33,370 monthly search volume.  

Ark II was another that ranked highly with 27,180 UK monthly searches for terms around its release. This may be due to it being delayed until 2024, but with Vin Diesel on board as the executive producer and gameplay that promises “Souls-like melee combat”, it is undoubtedly also one gaming fans are anticipating.