New research reveals the most popular 2D games in each state

Sonic the Hedgehog is the most popular 2D video game in America, a new study has revealed.  

The research, conducted by online gaming experts Indivisible Game, analyzed Google search data to determine which 2D game is the most popular in America. After devising a list of more than 200 games, the study combined five common search terms related to 2D games to reveal the nationwide average monthly search volume for each game over the past year. The study also disclosed which games are favored in each state. 

Sonic the Hedgehog is the most popular 2D video game in the country. Its original title, which was released in 1991, set the basic premise for the franchise. It follows Sonic, an anthropomorphic blue hedgehog who battles the evil Doctor Eggman, a mad scientist. With 767,128 average monthly searches, the Japanese video game series is the most googled 2D game in America. It is also the most popular game in 24 states, including in Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois.  

The research revealed that Pac-Man is the second most popular 2D video game in America. The 1980 maze action video game has left a commercial and cultural legacy and is widely recognised as one of the most successful video games of all time. It remains popular today, particularly in America. With 710,175 average monthly searches, it is narrowly behind Sonic the Hedgehog in terms of popularity. That being said, it is the most popular 2D retro game in six US states, most notably in Florida.  

The third most popular 2D video game in America is Tetris. Created by Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov in 1985, the puzzle video game has established itself as one of the greatest video games ever made. With an average monthly search volume of 364,346, it is significantly less popular than both Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-man overall. However, the game is favored to both of those game series in 19 states, including in California and New York.  

Geometry Dash is the fourth most popular 2D video game in America with 139,195 average monthly searches. In the game, players control the movement of an icon and navigate along music-based levels, while avoiding obstacles such as spikes that instantly destroy the player’s icon on impact. Although it isn’t the most popular game in any of the US states, it is the fourth most popular 2D video game in every state except Arkansas.  

Super Mario Bros. Rounds off the five most popular 2D games in America. With more than 58million copies sold worldwide, it is one of the bestselling video games series of all time. With 134,254 average monthly searches, it remains popular in the US. It is also the fifth most popular game in 17 states, including California.  

A spokesperson at Indivisible Game commented on the findings: “Although gaming has evolved over time, some of the best video games series ever made use a 2D platform. This research provides a significant insight into which of those famous games are most popular in the US. Some may find the results surprising, but what is clear is that the public still prefer the so called ‘classics’, which is testament to how incredible some of those games were and still are.”  

ENDS 

If you use these insights, please credit Indivisible Game who conducted the research. A linked credit allows us to keep supplying you with future content that you may find useful. 

Most googled 2D games per state