While many games have a limited shelf life, there is a market for long-term gaming.

Players can indulge in somewhat repetitive gameplay in order to enjoy frequent updates, new content, and in-game transactions, known to many as live service games.

These types of games aim to build up a player base over time, enticing gamers with new characters, skins, maps, and items to extend their gaming experience.

More often than not, games as a service release in seasons, giving players the opportunity to complete achievements in each "season" while the next one is being developed.

If this sounds like something you can jump on board with, here are the best live service games that are popular right now.

1. Fortnite

With an estimated daily player count of over 30 million users, according to the Fortnite ActivePlayer.io stats page, Fortnite still remains one of the most popular live service games to date.

It's available on most platforms, including Windows, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. In this cartoonish Battle Royale game, players must go head-to-head and be the last ones to survive to be crowned the winner.

There are six different Battle Royale modes available—Solo, Duos, Trios, Squads, Arenas, and Party Royale.

After 100 players skydive onto an island with a new theme each season, gamers are in a fight to obtain weapons and items to defeat other players until they are the last player (or players) standing. As the match progresses, the playable area shrinks, leaving players outside the safe area to run from "the Storm" before their health eventually depletes.

Combining construction elements and strategy, Fortnite encourages players to earn XP to progress through their levels. Each level depicts different rewards, which you can further enhance through Fortnite's currency (V-Bucks) to purchase Battle Passes, cosmetics, and more.

2. League of Legends

MOBA-style League of Legends remains a strong contender for one of the best live service games for PC and Mac players. It attracts an average player base of 117 million each month despite its release in 2009, according to the League of Legends ActivePlayer.io stats page.

Much like Fortnite, League of Legends is free to play, with the option to purchase in-game character customization with real money.

With 140 champions to choose from, players form two groups of five in each team in a battle to defeat the other team's Nexus before their own is destroyed.

Considered a high-level strategy game, League of Legends is one of the world's most popular eSports games, live-streaming championship matches each year.

Unlike some live service games, League of Legends focuses heavily on team play, rewarding team efforts with gold to level up their player's champions.

3. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Since it received a complete overhaul from its original form (Final Fantasy XIV), because of player complaints about multiple issues, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has become one of the most popular MMORPGs on the market, with four playable expansions.

According to the MMO Population stats page, it sees an average of 3 million players daily (around 90 million per month).

Available on PlayStation, Mac, and PC, players create their characters with a choice of race, region, and combat class. In the open world, leveling up characters for EXP can be achieved through quests (Leves), events (FATEs), dungeons, and defeating monsters.

As with many MMOs, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn appeals to gamers who enjoy playing with friends or larger groups of people. There's an enhanced social aspect to the game that isn't always as present in first-person shooters since you can spend hours working with others to level up.

Despite being part of the Final Fantasy franchise, we can easily play this live service game without having indulged in earlier games.

4. Genshin Impact

For PC, PlayStation, and mobile gamers, Genshin Impact carefully blends RPG worlds with action-based combat. It boasts an average player count, according to its ActivePlayer.io profile, of 50 million per month.

The game's developer, miHoYo, recognizes the growth and dedication of its player base by rewarding them with regular celebrations, new content, and special events.

With vast continents to explore and characters to engage with, this free-to-play anime-style live service game receives regular updates to keep players interested.

The real-time combat is especially appealing; there's no option to swap out characters when in battle or dungeons, so planning and management are key to each party's success.

5. Overwatch

Developed by World of Warcraft's Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch has been exponentially growing in popularity since 2016. According to the Overwatch stats page on ActivePlayer.io, it continues to attract a steady 6 million+ players per month.

With a strong player base, this MOBA live service game regularly receives updates, offering new playable characters (heroes), skins, and seasonal events.

Players battle it out across different maps and modes. There are over 30 heroes to choose from, each offering unique abilities and skills. From rolling hamsters with quad cannons to guardian angels with staffs, there's a great deal of choice when it comes to mastering Overwatch.

Similar to other live service games, Overwatch encourages players to compete in eSports competitions like the Overwatch League, Open Division, and Overwatch World Cup.

6. CS:GO

Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a fan favorite live service game among players who are looking for some first-person shooter action.

The idea was developed from a Half-Life mod and now regularly sees between 500,000 to 700,000 players per month, according to Steam Charts. This is a huge jump from the average 300,000 up until the end of 2019.

Players are divided into two teams of five people; counter-terrorists and terrorists. The counter-terrorists must stop the terrorists from detonating a bomb while defending their teammates from getting killed. It's a simple concept, seen in many first-person shooter game modes, but is one of the most popular and competitive games around.

The game requires a lot of strategic skill, with players sinking hundreds of hours into the game before they consider themselves a worthy opponent.

In addition to CS:GO's fun factor, it's also possible to make money in the game by trading rare skins. This attracts a lot of seasoned pros since they have the advantage of understanding what skins are trending and the existing market value.

Live Service Games That Keep On Giving

The appeal of live service games is that they never really get old. With enough time and dedication from their developers, these games continue to offer exciting content that grows and meets the demands of their players.

The real appeal, and what makes these live service games so popular, is their low cost or small initial/subscription, resulting in hours, months, and even years of playability.