As many people know the 2D platform genre of gaming was very popular in the 80’s and early 90’s with titles such as the Super Mario Bros and the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy. Despite the evolution within the gaming world in relation to quality it seems like many people are still fond of 2D platform video games such as Sonic Mania, Shovel Knight, Owl Boy and others that are highly reminiscent those from 16-bit era. While 3D gaming relation to RPG, action-adventure and the shooter genre has been very popular throughout the 10’s decade it seems like 16-bit platformers are still considered to be attractions with significantly highly replay values which do not rely heavily on online multiplayer gameplay.
If more indie video game developers make 2D platform titles in the future the genre itself can possibly become more popular in the future. However, its highly unlikely that 2D platformers will reach the level of popularity as it did back in the 80’s and early 90’s and is something that will appeal more to retro gamers opposed to modern ones.