Games Released in 2004

2,157 new games debuted in 2004 across 10 platforms, with PC seeing 720 releases. November was the busiest month, with 316 releases. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was the most popular release of the year.

Which days had the most releases?

October 15 was the busiest single day of 2004 with 29 releases.

29 releases

October 15

29 releases

October 1

29 releases

March 26

27 releases

December 16

Which month had the most releases?

The busiest release month of 2004 was November, totaling 316 titles.

How did each season compare?

Q4 was the busiest quarter of 2004 with 743 releases.

Q1 (Jan–Mar)

498 releases

Most popular release in Q1

Pokémon FireRed Version

Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are a pair of core series Generation III games that are set in the Kanto region. They were released in Japan on January 29, 2004, in North America on September 9, 2004, in Australia on September 23, 2004 and in Europe on October 1, 2004. As the first remakes in the Pokémon franchise, the games revisit the original pair of Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Green Versions, and so feature all of the characters, plot elements, and challenges of them, but with several important upgrades to bring them up to speed with other Generation III games. The Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter was initially included with the games when they were first released, eliminating the need for Game Link Cables when trading between the two games (and later Pokémon Emerald Version). In later copies, it was sold separately. FireRed and LeafGreen went on to become the second best-selling games of the Game Boy Advance, only behind Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions. They also received Nintendo's Player's Choice awards.

Q2 (Apr–Jun)

498 releases

Most popular release in Q2

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay

Escape from Butcher Bay is set in the futuristic science fiction universe of the Chronicles of Riddick franchise, and is a prequel to the film Pitch Black. The game takes place inside Butcher Bay, a maximum-security prison from which no prisoner has escaped. The facility - constructed on a barren planet - contains three increasingly secure holding areas, and a subterranean mining operation.

Q3 (Jul–Sep)

557 releases

Most popular release in Q3

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a turn-based role-playing game and the second entry in the Paper Mario series, set in a world styled to look like paper. Players guide Mario through themed locations, solving puzzles and battling enemies in a timing-based combat system where well-timed button presses strengthen attacks and defense. Battles play out on a stage before an audience whose reactions can help or hinder the player, and Mario recruits a party of companions with unique skills while equipping badges that grant new abilities. Brief segments also let the player control Princess Peach and Bowser between chapters.

Q4 (Oct–Dec)

743 releases

Most popular release in Q4

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Returning after his mother's murder to the semi-fictional city of Los Santos (based on Los Angeles), Carl Johnson, a former gang banger, must take back the streets for his family and friends by gaining respect and once again gaining control over the streets. However, a story filled with crime, lies and corruption will lead him to trudge the entire state of San Andreas (based on California and Nevada) to rebuild his life.

Which platforms saw the most releases?

PC received 720 new titles in 2004, holding the most releases. The runner up was PlayStation 2 with 632 new titles.

PC720 releases

PlayStation 2632 releases

Game Boy Advance299 releases

Xbox240 releases

Nintendo GameCube135 releases

Web browser113 releases

Legacy Mobile Device102 releases

Mac71 releases

Arcade33 releases

PlayStation27 releases

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in 2004 with 442 titles. Shooter followed closely with 274.

Adventure442

Shooter274

Role-playing250

Sport230

Strategy228

Simulator225

Puzzle190

Arcade182

Platform173

Racing158

2003 2005

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