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Expert-curated collections organized by topic and theme.
Market (Overall)
280 documentsReports in the Market (Overall) category.
GameAnalytics · 2020
ReportTower Defense Games: Deconstructing the Superstars (2020 Industry Snapshot)
The tower defense sub-genre represents a high-performing segment within the casual arcade category, characterized by strong monetization potential and deep player engagement. Analysis of global mobile gaming data from 2020 reveals that tower defense titles significantly outperform related genres like platformers and idlers in key financial metrics. Specifically, the sub-genre boasts an Average Revenue Per Paying User (ARPPU) of $83 and an Average Revenue Per Daily Active User (ARPDAU) of $1.66. These figures are supported by a robust daily conversion rate of 3.83%, which is more than double that of board games. Geographic performance varies across different engagement and monetization KPIs. Italy leads in Day 7 retention at 39%, while France records the highest average daily playtime at 210 minutes. However, China emerges as the most effective market for monetization, achieving a conversion rate of 8.7%, nearly double that of the United States. These statistics are derived from a massive dataset encompassing over 134,000 integrated games and 900 million unique monthly players, providing a granular view of the competitive landscape. The success of the genre is attributed to its accessible core mechanics combined with high replayability. Developers leverage meta-features such as daily challenges, PvP options, and RPG elements to drive long-term retention. By introducing new characters or obstacles, studios can shift the game meta without the resource-heavy requirement of designing entirely new maps. Notable titles launched in 2020, such as Kingdom Wars Defense and Rush Royale, exemplify these trends by blending traditional defense mechanics with innovative strategy and merging elements to maintain high user ratings and market relevance.
IDC · 2023
ReportGaming Spotlight 2023
Mobile gaming continues to dominate the industry’s growth trajectory, yet recent regulatory tightening and rising acquisition costs are poised to curb spend by roughly 2 % in 2023. The analysis underscores that creative optimization, diversified monetization models—including ads, subscriptions, and battle‑passes—and data‑driven partner insights are essential to counter ad fatigue and maintain daily active users, stickiness, and revenue in an increasingly fragmented market. Contextual market data is highlighted as a critical tool for staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and macroeconomic headwinds. First‑half 2023 data reveal that free‑to‑play titles remain the most influential drivers of downloads and in‑app purchase (IAP) revenue. “Monopoly GO” led mobile downloads with over 45 million installs and $232 million in IAP, attracting a slightly higher female audience and players aged 25‑34. “Honkai: Star Rail” achieved 62 million downloads and $457 million in spend, largely fueled by a high‑price bundle that accounted for 61 % of May revenue; it appeals more to male players but enjoys strong traction among Gen‑Z gamers. “Royal Match” secured the second spot in global spend with $1.7 billion, driven by a 20 % female skew and significant engagement from players aged 45 and older. These findings illustrate a demographic shift: match‑3 games are increasingly monetized by female and older players, while high‑ticket RPGs continue to attract Gen‑Z consumers. Survey results indicate a sharp decline in U.S. mobile gamers’ positive sentiment toward in‑game video ads—from 50 % “like” in Q3 2020 to 30 % by Q3 2022—while rewarded‑video ads maintain a more favorable reception at around 40 %. The drop aligns with the rollout of Apple’s ATT framework, yet ad fatigue and oversaturation are identified as primary drivers rather than regulatory causation. The recommendation is to diversify ad formats, prioritizing rewarded videos and playable ads, and to tailor these experiences to specific demographic segments to mitigate fatigue and sustain growth.
Market (Mobile)
175 documentsReports in the Market (Mobile) category.
Sensor Tower · 2021
ReportAn Analysis of the Card Battler Sub‑Genre 2021
The card battler mobile sub-genre experienced significant growth and market shifts during the first half of 2021. While representing five percent of player spending within the broader strategy genre, card battlers reached a new revenue baseline exceeding $55 million per month. This growth was punctuated by a 17 percent quarterly revenue increase in early 2021, driven largely by established "forever franchises" and the successful mobile launch of legacy intellectual properties. The geographic landscape of the sub-genre is diversifying. Although Asian markets like Japan and China historically dominated the space, the United States emerged as a critical growth region, accounting for 27 percent of player spending in the first half of 2021. The U.S. market also demonstrated the highest growth in revenue per download among strategy sub-genres, rising 53 percent. This trend suggests the market is maturing and becoming increasingly lucrative for developers targeting Western audiences. Market leadership remains concentrated among titles leveraging powerful intellectual properties. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links and Hearthstone continue to lead in lifetime earnings, while Magic: The Gathering Arena rapidly ascended to the top ten following its March 2021 release. The success of these titles, alongside niche performers like WWE SuperCard and the high download volume of Mighty Party, indicates a healthy appetite for both established tabletop conversions and new gameplay concepts. The analysis utilizes data from Sensor Tower’s Game Intelligence and Store Intelligence platforms, covering global App Store and Google Play performance. Findings highlight that while the sub-genre is smaller than 4X strategy or MOBA categories, its increasing average revenue per user and the success of aggressive user acquisition strategies by new contenders point to significant ongoing opportunities for expansion.
Apptica · 2023
ReportState of the Market: Puzzle Games Q1 2023
This analysis examines the performance of the mobile puzzle game category during the first quarter of 2023, utilizing data from the Apptica platform across 35 countries. The study focuses on the Apple App Store and Google Play, evaluating market trends, subgenre popularity, and advertising activity to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector’s economic and engagement landscape. The puzzle category remains a significant driver of mobile gaming, accounting for approximately 20% of all gaming downloads on iOS and 11% on Android. While Android dominates in total download volume—capturing 80% of the market share compared to 20% on iOS—the revenue distribution favors iOS, which generates 56% of total puzzle game earnings. Candy Crush Saga emerged as the leading title for combined revenue, while Royal Match demonstrated exceptional performance on iOS. Match 3 games represent the dominant subgenre, accounting for roughly one-third of all downloads and between 56% and 86% of revenue across the analyzed markets. Other subgenres, such as Trivia, Merge, and Word games, show varying levels of regional success; for instance, Merge puzzles are particularly profitable in Japan, while Bubble Shooters maintain a strong download presence in India and Pakistan. Advertising remains a critical component of the category’s strategy, with puzzle games representing over 50% of ad traffic on iOS and more than 33% on Android. Despite this high volume of traffic, the number of unique creatives is slightly higher on Android (32%) than on iOS (30.2%). The United States leads in both total downloads and revenue, followed by major markets including India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany, confirming the global reach and sustained commercial viability of the puzzle genre.
Country Reports
42 documentsReports in the Country Reports category.
UK Interactive Entertainment · 2025
ReportUK Interactive Entertainment Japan Market Report 2025
The report examines Japan’s interactive entertainment market for 2025, aiming to guide UK game developers and publishers in entering or expanding within a culturally distinct yet lucrative region. Japan accounts for only 2.2 % of the global player base but generates 9.1 % of worldwide game revenue, underscoring high per‑player spend—$223 in Japan versus $145 in the UK. The PC and console segment, excluding mobile and Nintendo platforms, represents a $2.5–3.0 billion opportunity. Key market dynamics include an older player demographic than the US and Europe, a strong preference for single‑player role‑playing games with deep narratives, and a dominance of domestic publishers—70 % of console hardware sales are controlled by Japanese firms. Nintendo’s presence is particularly pronounced, while sports titles remain marginal. Revenue growth has been robust, with PC revenue rising 16.2 % YoY in 2024 versus a global 4.4 % increase, though the pace is expected to decelerate as the Japanese yen weakens against the dollar. Methodologically, insights derive from Newzoo’s flagship global gamer study and proprietary market intelligence tools, sampling 73 000 gamers across PC and console platforms. The analysis covers player overlap, retention, and engagement metrics (DAU/MAU), and includes forecasted growth through 2027. The report concludes that strategic localization—emphasizing narrative depth, fantasy and science‑fiction themes, and solo play experiences—will be critical for success in Japan’s competitive landscape.
Dataspelsbranschen · 2021
ReportSwedish Games Industry 2021
The Swedish games industry experienced a transformative period of growth in 2020, reaching a record revenue of EUR 3.3 billion. This 43% increase significantly outpaced global market trends, marking the sector's twelfth consecutive year of profitability. The landscape is increasingly defined by corporate consolidation and international expansion, with 667 active companies and 19 listed entities commanding a combined market capitalization of EUR 10.7 billion. Major players such as Embracer Group, King, and Mojang have transitioned Sweden from a target for foreign acquisition into a dominant global investor, with Swedish-owned firms now employing more personnel abroad than domestically across 126 international studios. Despite this commercial success, the industry faces a critical bottleneck regarding skilled labor. While domestic employment rose to over 6,500 positions, a severe talent shortage and a cumbersome work permit process hinder further expansion. These systemic issues are compounded by a lack of early-stage financing and tax incentives for smaller developers, who must also navigate digital regulations often tailored for larger tech platforms. Furthermore, while Swedish-developed titles like Minecraft and Candy Crush have achieved over six billion downloads, the sector continues to grapple with internal demographic challenges. Women currently represent only 21% of the workforce, and over 100 companies remain entirely male-operated, prompting a surge in diversity initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field. Geographically, while Stockholm remains the primary hub with over 4,000 employees, regional development clusters and educational programs are expanding throughout Sweden to support the growing ecosystem. The industry is also pivoting toward long-term sustainability, addressing workplace culture and the environmental implications of energy-intensive cloud gaming. As the sector matures, its primary challenges have shifted from achieving market viability to managing rapid globalization, securing specialized talent, and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable professional environment.
eSports & Streaming
16 documentsReports in the Esports & Streaming category.
Stream Hatchet · 2022
ReportVideo Game Streaming Trends Report: 2022 First Quarter
The primary aim of the analysis is to map the state of global video‑game streaming in the first quarter of 2022, linking audience behavior to platform performance, game releases, and advertising potential. While overall viewership growth has begun to temper—total hours watched fell 6 % from the previous quarter—it remains 66 % higher than the same period in 2020 and 140 % above Q1 2019, underscoring the sector’s continued expansion despite pandemic stabilization. Twitch retains overwhelming dominance, delivering roughly three‑quarters of all streamed hours and accounting for 80 % of esports viewership, which itself showed only a 0.3 % dip year‑over‑year but rose 63 % since 2019. Emerging competitors such as AfreecaTV, Trovo and NaverTV posted double‑digit growth, yet YouTube and Facebook together contributed less than 10 % of total hours. Core viewers—just 7.8 % of the audience—generated two‑thirds of watch time, averaging 276 minutes per day and proving 24 times more receptive to repeated advertising than casual viewers, who average 12 minutes daily. Game‑level insights reveal that legacy titles like Grand Theft Auto V and League of Legends remain top‑draws, while new releases such as Elden Ring and Lost Ark captured strong core‑viewer engagement, each accounting for over half of their streaming hours. Mobile game streaming is heavily core‑oriented, with 78 % of hours coming from core fans despite casual dominance in downloads. Content creators mirror these patterns: xQcOW led live streams with 62.8 million hours, while VOD‑first creators like Rubius generated twice as many video‑on‑demand views per concurrent viewer, highlighting divergent monetization pathways.
Newzoo · 2022
ReportGlobal Esports & Live Streaming Market Report 2022
The global esports and live streaming industry is undergoing a period of robust expansion, with total esports revenue projected to reach $1.38 billion in 2022 and an audience base of 532 million people. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with market valuations potentially hitting $1.86 billion by 2025. While sponsorship remains the dominant revenue stream, accounting for nearly 60 percent of total earnings, the industry is actively diversifying its financial models. Organizations are increasingly pivoting toward direct-to-fan strategies, including digital merchandise, loyalty programs, and educational initiatives, to mitigate risk and transition toward sustainable, lifestyle-oriented business models. The live streaming sector serves as a critical pillar of this ecosystem, with its audience projected to grow to 1.41 billion by 2025. Market dominance is currently split between major platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming, each leveraging distinct regional strengths. Twitch maintains a stronghold in Western PC and console markets, whereas YouTube and Facebook are capitalizing on the rapid proliferation of mobile gaming in emerging economies. These platforms are further evolving by integrating non-gaming content and interactive features to enhance user retention and broaden monetization opportunities. Despite the positive outlook, the industry must navigate potential volatility stemming from shifting media consumption habits, evolving publisher investment strategies, and the lingering economic effects of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the sector remains highly attractive to stakeholders due to its core demographic of young, high-income professionals. As the market matures, the integration of co-streaming and the expansion into emerging regions—supported by localized platforms—will be essential for maintaining long-term growth and fostering deeper engagement with a global, digitally native audience.
Financial Reports
32 documentsReports in the Financial Reports category.
CD Projekt · 2025
FinancialCD Projekt Group FY 2024 Earnings
CD Projekt Group presents its FY 2024 earnings, outlining financial performance, operational milestones and a long‑term growth outlook for the studio and its portfolio. The report emphasizes the commercial impact of The Witcher 4, which captured 53 % of press coverage in the 72 hours after The Game Awards 2024, generating 2 150 articles and becoming the most discussed title among peers such as Elden Ring and Final Fantasy. Development capacity expanded to 411 staff, with 650 developers allocated across The Witcher 4, Orion, Sirius, Hadar, the Witcher Remake and several unannounced projects. Revenue for the year fell 20 % year‑on‑year to PLN 1.23 billion, while cost of sales decreased to PLN 377.9 million, delivering a gross profit of PLN 852.2 million and EBIT of PLN 469.0 million. Net profit reached PLN 481.1 million, reflecting a net‑profit margin of roughly 39 % in 2023 and an expected rise to 47.7 % in 2024, with a target of 58.5 % by
PitchBook · 2024
FinancialGaming Public Comp Sheet and Valuation Guide
The analysis presents a snapshot of the U.S. public‑equity environment for the gaming industry in the second quarter of 2024, contrasting overall technology strength with sector‑specific performance. While the S&P 500 Information Technology index surged 14 percent, the broader gaming segment failed to keep pace, delivering only modest gains for most publishers. In contrast, the gambling sub‑category generated a robust 29 percent year‑to‑date return, underscoring divergent dynamics within the industry and suggesting that betting‑related businesses are currently the primary drivers of market outperformance. A parallel valuation component evaluates three publicly listed gaming‑related entities—Guild, Simplicity Esports, and EBET—using multiples sourced from PitchBook and Morningstar as of June 30 2024. The data reveal a scarcity of reliable pricing metrics, with several multiples either unavailable or markedly negative. EBET, in particular, exhibits extreme negative multiples (‑62.7×, ‑5.0×, ‑8.1×, ‑3.8×), reflecting either severe earnings shortfalls or market skepticism about its valuation. These anomalous figures highlight the challenges of applying conventional valuation frameworks to niche or underperforming gaming firms. Overall, the findings suggest that, despite a bullish backdrop for U.S. technology equities, the gaming sector’s heterogeneous performance and the paucity of credible valuation multiples limit investors’ ability to benchmark and price companies effectively. The evidence points to a need for more granular analysis of sub‑segments, especially gambling, and for alternative valuation approaches when traditional multiples prove unreliable.
Investment & M&A
8 documentsReports in the Investment & M&A category.
Drake Star · 2025
ReportGlobal Gaming Report Q2 2025
Public gaming equities surged in the first half of 2025, with the Drake Star Gaming Index climbing 28 % compared to a modest 5 % gain in the S&P 500. Leading performers included Square Enix, Roblox and Konami, underscoring a robust rebound in the sector. M&A activity remained steady at 46 deals, highlighted by Krafton’s $516 million purchase of ADK and Epic Games’ acquisition of AI studio Loci. Private‑market financing reached $3 billion across 110 placements, driven by high‑profile exits such as Dream Games’ $2.5 billion minority stake sale to CVC and Apple’s acquisition of RAC7 for its arcade portfolio. Projections indicate a continued rise in M&A and IPO activity through 2026, with artificial intelligence and technology platforms identified as primary growth catalysts. Private‑placement capital in Q2 2025 totaled $2.6 billion across 24 deals, with the largest transaction—a $5 billion minority stake sale—valuing its target at nearly $5 billion. Deal distribution spanned mobile ($1.5 billion), PC/console ($0.8 billion), platform/tools ($0.4 billion), esports ($0.3 billion) and blockchain/VR‑AR ($0.2 billion). Key investors included CVC, Blackstone, Tencent and Bessemer Venture Partners. Notable exits such as Dream Games’ $2.5 billion minority sale and Arrowhead’s $80 million investment provided significant liquidity for early‑stage venture capitalists. Valuation analysis reveals a pronounced divergence between high‑growth Asian titles and mature Western peers. Tencent (EV/EBITDA ≈ 5.7x, revenue growth 10%) and Sea Limited (EV/EBITDA ≈ 4.1x, revenue growth 30%) command premium multiples and robust double‑digit growth, reflecting investor appetite for fast‑growing Asian firms. In contrast, U.S. hardware and platform players such as NVIDIA (EV/EBITDA ≈ 17.9x, revenue growth 43%) and Unity (EV/EBITDA ≈ 6.2x, revenue growth –17%) exhibit lower multiples and mixed performance, indicating more modest valuations amid fluctuating earnings. This geographic and segmental disparity underscores the continued premium placed on rapid growth in emerging markets while mature Western companies face a more cautious valuation environment.
Drake Star Partners · 2026
ReportGlobal Gaming Report Q1 2026
LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO | NEW YORK | LONDON | PARIS | MUNICH | BERLIN | DUBAI PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN GAMING M&A AND GROWTH FINANCING ADVISORY PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN GAMING M&A AND GROWTH FINANCING ADVISORY MICHAEL METZGER JULIAN RIEDLBAUER Linkedin - Free social media icons MOHIT PAREEK Linkedin - Free social media icons MICHAEL METZGER JULIAN RIEDLBAUER ...
Market (PC & Console)
34 documentsReports in the Market (PC & Console) category.
Nintendo · 2024
FinancialConsolidated Financial Highlights: Six Months Ended September 30, 2024
Nintendo’s consolidated financial results for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, reveal a significant year-on-year contraction in performance across all major financial metrics. Net sales fell by 34.3% to 523.2 billion yen, while operating profit declined by 56.6% to 121.5 billion yen. Profit attributable to owners of the parent saw a 59.9% decrease, totaling 108.6 billion yen. These results reflect a challenging comparison to the previous year, which benefited from the high-profile release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the global success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The downturn is primarily driven by declining hardware and software volumes as the Nintendo Switch enters its eighth year. Hardware sales reached 4.72 million units, a 31% decrease, while software sales fell 27.6% to 70.28 million units. Despite the overall decline, the platform maintained engagement with nine million-seller titles during the period, led by The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Digital sales also saw a 26.5% reduction, and mobile/IP-related revenue dropped 43.3% due to the absence of movie-related income that bolstered the prior year’s figures. Geographically, the business remains heavily export-oriented, with international sales accounting for 74.7% of total revenue. The financial position remains stable with a capital adequacy ratio of 82.6%, though total assets decreased slightly to 3.07 trillion yen. In response to first-half performance falling below initial expectations, full-year forecasts have been revised downward. The updated outlook projects annual net sales of 1.28 trillion yen and an operating profit of 360 billion yen, representing year-on-year decreases of 23.4% and 31.9%, respectively. Management intends to mitigate these trends by focusing on upcoming software releases and maintaining the "multiple systems per household" strategy.
Rokky · 2025
ReportThe State of PC Game Distribution
The study aims to map the contemporary PC game distribution ecosystem and evaluate whether Steam functions as a de‑facto monopoly, while outlining alternative channels, associated risks, and growth opportunities for developers and publishers. It positions Steam’s dominance against emerging storefronts, physical media, and gray‑market platforms, offering strategic guidance for navigating a fragmented market beyond 2025. Steam’s market power is evident: 2024 revenue reached $10.8 billion and concurrent active users rose from 25.4 million in 2021 to 40.5 million by September 2025. Eighty‑eight percent of surveyed studios report that Steam delivers over 75 % of their revenue, with 37 % relying on it for more than 90 %. Consequently, 72 % of respondents view Steam as a monopoly and 53 % express concern over this reliance. Nonetheless, diversification is growing—48 % have launched titles on the Epic Games Store, a similar share on the Xbox PC store, while 10 % and 8 % have used GOG and itch.io respectively. Physical releases persist, with 32 % of developers still issuing boxed copies and 72 % of consumers indicating a continued appetite for them. Alternative distribution via e‑stores (e.g., Humble, Fanatical) and marketplaces (e.g., G2A, Kinguin) is gaining traction: 38 % of developers sell through e‑stores and 30 % through marketplaces. Seventy‑five percent anticipate at least a 10 % revenue uplift from these channels, and 80 % expect them to become
Marketing
40 documentsReports in the Marketing category.
SocialPeta · 2024
ReportInsight into 2024 Marketing Trends for Japanese Mobile Games
The Japanese mobile gaming market is characterized by a conservative but highly specialized marketing landscape, where local companies maintain a dominant revenue position. Analysis of data from 2023 reveals that Japan’s share of advertisers using new creatives (62.23%) and the overall volume of new creatives (29.77%) sit significantly below global averages. Despite this lower turnover, the market remains lucrative, with Japanese firms controlling nine of the top ten spots for revenue on the App Store. Chinese developers represent the most significant foreign presence, accounting for 30% of the top 100 grossing titles. Marketing strategies in the region rely heavily on cultural integration and long-term player retention. Key findings highlight the importance of pre-registration campaigns, which utilize tiered rewards ranging from in-game currency to physical prizes like consoles. Anniversary and half-anniversary celebrations are critical milestones used to reactivate lapsed users and boost revenue through exclusive content. Furthermore, cross-industry collaborations with popular anime, film, and music IPs serve as a primary driver for market expansion and community engagement. Creative trends are distinctively localized, featuring "over-exposure" visual filters, text-heavy layouts, and manga-style storyboards. Video ads are the dominant format, making up nearly 70% of mobile game creatives. Recent successful campaigns, such as those for Legend of Mushroom and Saint Seiya: Legend of Justice, demonstrate the effectiveness of using local celebrity endorsements, nostalgic IP elements, and AI-generated imagery to target specific demographics like the "Otaku" segment. The data, compiled by SocialPeta, draws from a global database of 1.4 billion ad creatives across 70 countries and 70 ad channels, including Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. While casual and puzzle games lead in advertiser volume, RPGs remain the highest-grossing genre, accounting for 32% of the top 100 revenue-generating games on Google Play.
Sensor Tower · 2024
ReportThe State of AAA Game Advertising
The analysis demonstrates that 2023 marked a peak in AAA game advertising, with live‑service titles such as Fortnite commanding the highest spend (US$57 M) and blockbuster launches—Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo IV, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III—each exceeding US$25 M. YouTube remained the dominant channel (35 % of spend), yet Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram captured significant shares, indicating a broadened media mix compared to 2022. Activision Blizzard and Epic Games led the market, each allocating over US$70 M to U.S. campaigns that supported both new intellectual properties and established franchises. Hogwarts Legacy’s strategy centered on PlayStation branding, with “PS5” references dominating pre‑launch and launch creatives across TikTok, Facebook, and other social platforms. The campaign’s largest spend outside social media was on OTT (US$1.8 M), supplemented by Twitch, Reddit, and niche sites such as fandom.com and Pluto TV. The title relied heavily on the PlayStation partnership and traditional OTT channels rather than extensive brand collaborations. Diablo IV leveraged a “hellish” fantasy narrative, consistently using terms like *devour*, *violence*, and *gore* throughout its campaign. The title partnered with diverse brands—from Mountain Dew to SteelSeries, Secretlab, and First We Feast—to extend reach across gaming hardware, lifestyle, and food sectors. In contrast, Starfield capitalized on its Xbox Game Pass launch, offering a $70 full price or a $10/month subscription model that attracted new players. Its spend focused on YouTube and TikTok 15‑second video ads (94 % of creative), blending gameplay and live‑action content across Hulu, YouTube, and Twitch. Brand partnerships spanned retailers like Target, hardware makers such as Seagate, and food brands like yfood, underscoring a multi‑channel approach that blended platform promotion with cross‑industry collaborations. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III executed a highly integrated, multi‑phase advertising strategy that blended pre‑order, beta, launch, and holiday campaigns into a single continuous push. Forty percent of spend was allocated to post‑launch activities, with creative focus shifting from celebrity endorsements to esports influencers. Ad formats diversified—reducing YouTube 15‑second ads from 92 % to 69 % and increasing Instagram video posts—while high‑profile collaborations (e.g., with 21 Savage and Monster) positioned the title as a leading example of modern AAA advertising. The campaign’s aggressive, format‑diverse approach drove strong post‑launch engagement and brand visibility. Fortnite remained the top‑spending game in U.S. PC/console advertising, supported by a broad brand partnership ecosystem that includes Nike, LEGO, and Disney. The year’s most significant launches—Hogwarts Legacy (highest sales and ad spend, capitalizing on the Harry Potter IP) and Diablo IV (the biggest 2Q launch with robust live‑service performance)—illustrate how new titles continue to drive high‑profile marketing campaigns. Major publishers such as Activision Blizzard and Epic Games dominate ad spend, while diversified media strategies and cross‑industry collaborations underpin the sector’s continued growth.
Investment
0 documentsReports in the Investment category.
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Country & Regional Reports
39 documentsReports in the Country & Regional Reports category.
Niko Partners · 2020
ReportAsia Spotlight Report: The Impact of COVID-19 on China’s Video Game Market in Q1 2020
The report examines how the COVID‑19 lockdowns in China during Q1 2020 altered gaming behaviour, revenue, and industry dynamics. It finds that overall game revenues rose by roughly 30 % compared with Q1 2019, driven largely by a surge in mobile and PC play during the Lunar New Year holiday. An April 2020 survey of 1,057 Chinese gamers shows that 97 % spent more mobile‑gaming hours and 81.6 % increased spending, while 94.6 % of PC gamers logged more time and 76.3 % spent more on PC titles. Mobile in‑app purchases grew sharply, with casual games seeing 3–4 times the usual monthly visits. However, ad revenue fell as advertisers cut spend and fewer ad slots were filled, hurting smaller titles. Internet cafés closed nationwide, eliminating 115 million regular users; 57 % of former café gamers said they would not return. Console sales benefited from high‑profile titles such as *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* and *Ring Fit Adventure*, but supply chain disruptions delayed new console launches. Esports shifted online, with major leagues resuming within a month, yet concerns over cheating and bandwidth persisted. The survey also reveals behavioural shifts: 75 % of respondents tried new platforms, 63 % reported increased household gaming, and 39.7 % streamed for the first time. Overall, the pandemic accelerated digital consumption while exposing vulnerabilities in advertising, physical venues, and supply chains.
Interactive Games & Entertainment Association · 2023
FinancialAustralian Game Development Survey FY2023 Industry Snapshot
The Australian Game Development Survey: FY2023 Industry Snapshot reveals a sector experiencing significant maturation and financial expansion. During the 2023 fiscal year, the local industry generated $345.5 million in revenue, marking a 21% increase over the previous year. This growth is mirrored in the workforce, which expanded by 17% to reach 2,458 full-time equivalent employees. The industry remains heavily export-oriented, with 87% of revenue derived from markets outside of Australia. The data indicates a diverse ecosystem where 32% of studios have operated for over a decade, while 45% are relatively new, having existed for five years or less. Despite the presence of established firms, the sector is primarily composed of small businesses, with 79% of studios employing fewer than 20 people. Geographically, Victoria remains the primary hub, accounting for 29% of studios and 41% of the total workforce. Diversity metrics show a shift in the labor force, with women representing 26% of employees and gender-diverse individuals making up 5%. Conducted by Bond University on behalf of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), the survey gathered voluntary data from 111 Australian development studios between September and November 2023. The findings suggest that growth is heavily underpinned by government support, such as the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) and state-level rebates, with 49% of respondents receiving some form of government funding. While 68% of studios predict continued income growth, the industry faces notable headwinds. The primary challenges identified include difficulty hiring staff with specialized skills, attracting early-stage development funding, and securing international publishing deals amidst tightening global economic conditions. Nevertheless, the sector maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, with 63% of studios planning to hire additional staff in the coming year.
Web3 & Blockchain
12 documentsReports in the Web3 & Blockchain category.
Blockchain Game Alliance · 2021
ReportMember Survey & Report 2021
The blockchain gaming industry experienced a transformative period of expansion in 2021, driven primarily by the emergence of play-to-earn mechanics and the implementation of true digital asset ownership. Industry professionals identify these features as the most significant catalysts for growth, with a vast majority anticipating that traditional gaming entities will integrate blockchain technology within the next two years. This momentum is further evidenced by approximately $4 billion in capital inflows from venture firms and decentralized autonomous organizations, signaling strong institutional confidence in the sector’s long-term viability. Despite this rapid financial and technological acceleration, the industry faces substantial structural headwinds. Regulatory uncertainty remains the most pressing concern for over half of the organizations operating in the space, followed closely by a general lack of public understanding regarding core blockchain concepts. Additionally, the sector must navigate technical challenges related to user-friendliness and a shortage of specialized engineering talent. While environmental sustainability has been a point of external criticism, the industry is actively transitioning toward carbon-neutral protocols and Proof of Stake networks to mitigate its ecological footprint. The ecosystem is characterized by a diverse and collaborative landscape that spans game studios, major traditional publishers like Ubisoft, and specialized firms in decentralized finance, legal, and infrastructure. While financial incentives have been the primary driver of initial adoption, long-term sustainability is widely believed to depend on the development of high-quality gameplay that can compete with traditional titles. This cross-sector synergy suggests that the future of the industry relies on balancing innovative monetization models with the fundamental entertainment value required for mainstream appeal.
Newzoo · 2022
ReportThe Metaverse, Blockchain Gaming, and NFTs: Navigating the Internet’s Uncharted Waters
The metaverse represents a fundamental shift from a two-dimensional internet toward a persistent, three-dimensional social ecosystem driven by gamified virtual spaces. This evolution is currently led by "game as a platform" models, most notably Roblox, which leverages tens of millions of daily active users to host diverse commercial and social experiences. While major global brands in fashion, luxury, and finance are increasingly investing in "direct-to-avatar" economies and digital real estate to reach younger, digital-native demographics, the sector faces significant economic and technical hurdles. High developer take rates, consistent net losses among platform leaders, and networking limitations that prevent massive simultaneous user scaling remain primary obstacles to long-term growth. The integration of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has introduced new economic paradigms, such as the "Play-to-Earn" model. Although these games accounted for nearly half of all decentralized application wallet activity by late 2021, their growth is largely concentrated in emerging markets where users treat gaming as an income-generating activity. The sustainability of these ecosystems is currently challenged by high entry barriers and a prioritization of financial speculation over core gameplay quality. For the industry to mature, it must transition toward higher-quality experiences and more robust virtual economies that offer genuine utility beyond profile-picture status symbols. Mass adoption of these decentralized virtual worlds is currently constrained by technical and regulatory friction. Interoperability across different platforms remains a theoretical goal rather than a functional reality, while high transaction fees on networks like Ethereum and environmental concerns create additional barriers. Furthermore, the industry must navigate complex legal landscapes regarding digital privacy, content moderation, and the protection of intellectual property. Despite a cooling of initial market hype following a crypto correction in 2022, the long-term trajectory points toward a transmedia future where digital assets and virtual identities are central to global commerce and social interaction.
People Management
7 documentsReports in the People Management category.
Skillsearch · 2023
ReportGames & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey 2023
The 2023 Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey establishes that financial compensation has emerged as the primary catalyst for professional mobility within the global gaming industry. Driven largely by the prevailing cost of living crisis, employees are increasingly prioritizing salary increases when evaluating career moves. While monetary remuneration remains the dominant factor, non-monetary benefits such as flexible working arrangements, private healthcare, and robust pension schemes are essential for talent retention. The data indicates a high degree of industry volatility, with a significant portion of the workforce—particularly among programmers and artists—actively considering new employment opportunities throughout the year. Geographically focused on the UK, Europe, and broader global markets, the findings underscore a fundamental shift in workplace expectations. Remote work has transitioned from a temporary accommodation to a standard requirement, with the vast majority of professionals now expecting at least one day of remote work per week. Despite this, a disconnect persists between employee needs and employer support. Many workers report inadequate institutional backing regarding mental health, neurodiversity accommodations, and financial pressures. Furthermore, project completion cycles serve as a major inflection point for retention, as employees frequently initiate job searches immediately following the conclusion of their current assignments. Ultimately, the industry faces a complex retention landscape where high mobility is tempered by a desire for stability and work-life balance. Although a large percentage of the workforce is open to changing employers, many candidates decline offers that fail to meet specific salary thresholds or project-based interests. To remain competitive, organizations must reconcile the demand for flexible, remote-first environments with the necessity of addressing the financial and psychological well-being of their staff, particularly as project-based turnover continues to threaten long-term team cohesion.
InGameJob & Values Value · 2025
ReportBig Games Industry Employment Survey 2025: Salaries, Compensation Trends and State of the Games Sector in Europe
The European games industry entered 2025 in a state of significant distress, characterized by widespread layoffs, stagnant wages, and a sharp decline in employee well-being. Approximately 26% of professionals across the continent experienced layoffs, with junior-level talent bearing the brunt of the instability as 39% exited the sector entirely. This contraction has shifted the labor market from a growth-oriented environment to one focused on cost optimization. Consequently, employee engagement scores have plummeted, and over half of the workforce reports suffering from professional burnout. Financial stability has replaced company mission as the primary motivator for 87% of workers, many of whom are now accepting inferior contract terms or pay cuts to remain employed. Compensation trends reveal a deepening divide based on geography, seniority, and specialization. While median salaries remain highest in the Fighting and MMO genres, reaching up to €90,000 in the EU and UK, a persistent gender pay gap continues to affect technical and C-level roles. Programmers have seen a downward trend in compensation due to increased competition and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. AI adoption has surged, with over 60% of professionals now using these tools regularly, particularly in analytics and management. However, creative fields like art and quality assurance remain more resistant to AI integration, even as these specific roles face the highest risks of unemployment and long-term job searches. Workplace culture is currently defined by a regression in structured support and a rise in management inefficiency. The number of companies lacking dedicated diversity and inclusion specialists has increased to 67%, while nearly one-third of developers report stagnant professional growth. Although remote flexibility remains a high priority, the shift toward pragmatic relocation suggests that workers are increasingly making career decisions based on cost-of-living calculations rather than traditional ambition. This environment of instability has doubled the rate of long-term unemployment, leaving the European games industry with a workforce that is increasingly disillusioned and prioritized toward survival over innovation.
Blockchain
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Investments
58 documentsReports in the Investments category.
Advertising & Monetization
6 documentsReports in the Advertising & Monetization category.
Apptica · 2025
ReportCreative Analytics
The mobile advertising landscape in the third quarter of 2023 reveals a shifting environment characterized by a decline in total advertisers but a significant surge in video-centric content. Data indicates that the total number of advertisers fell to 54,900, a 7% year-over-year decrease compared to the 59,000 recorded in the third quarter of 2022. Despite this overall contraction, the gaming, entertainment, and lifestyle verticals maintained upward momentum in advertiser activity. In the United States specifically, the market saw 4.68 billion downloads and $6.5 billion in revenue, with gaming securing the top position in both metrics despite slight year-over-year market drops. Creative strategies have pivoted heavily toward video formats, which now account for 80% of all creatives, up from 69% in the previous quarter. This growth comes at the expense of static images, while playable ads remain a niche segment at 2% of the market. Analysis of the 15.2 million total creatives shows a heavy platform bias toward Android, which hosts 68% of ad content compared to 32% on iOS. In the competitive US market, top-tier advertisers maintain a massive scale, averaging nearly 54,000 creatives across nine different ad networks. The rise of User-Generated Content (UGC) has become a central pillar of modern mobile UA strategy. Effective creative execution now relies on organic trends, charismatic creators, and native storytelling techniques. Key findings suggest that successful UGC ads utilize "problem-solution" narratives, text overlays to accommodate sound-off viewing, and sketches that align with brand values. By leveraging creators who mirror the target audience and utilizing cliffhangers or popular music, advertisers are increasingly focusing on engagement and virality to offset the broader downward trend in the number of active market participants.
AAA Agency · 2025
ReportState of Gaming & Influencer Marketing 2025
The global gaming industry has entered a period of stabilization, with 2024 revenues reaching $187.7 billion and a projected player base of 4 billion by 2027. While mobile gaming remains the dominant sector, accounting for nearly half of all revenue at $92.6 billion, the market is undergoing a structural shift. PC gaming has emerged as a primary growth driver, evidenced by Steam’s record $10.8 billion revenue in 2024 and a historic surge in indie game sales, which surpassed AA and AAA titles for the first time. This evolution is supported by a transition toward hybrid monetization, cross-platform experiences, and a hardware market projected to reach $120 billion by 2028. Influencer marketing has become an indispensable pillar of this ecosystem, with spending expected to hit $32.55 billion by 2025. The landscape is moving away from raw traffic metrics toward "influence quality," where authentic storytelling and niche engagement take precedence over total follower counts. Nano-influencers, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Twitch, are achieving engagement rates exceeding 10%, significantly outperforming larger creators. While Instagram remains the preferred platform for 90% of brand partnerships, the rise of AI-driven optimization and virtual influencers is reshaping how content is produced and consumed across YouTube and emerging platforms like Kick. Successful game launches now rely on sophisticated, multi-platform influencer funnels that utilize early access marathons and Twitch Drops to convert awareness into long-term community advocacy. As social commerce expands globally, particularly following its success in Asian markets, the industry is prioritizing long-term strategic planning over short-term user acquisition. The integration of AI tools, augmented reality, and direct-shopping features indicates a future where gaming and creator content are inextricably linked, requiring brands to adopt agile, data-driven strategies to maintain loyalty in an increasingly fragmented global market.
Marketing (Mobile)
1 documentReports in the Marketing (Mobile) category.
Web3 & Metaverse
4 documentsReports in the Web3 & Metaverse category.
Adaverse · 2024
ReportState of Web3 in Saudi Arabia: 2024 KSA Report
Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a premier regional hub for Web3 innovation, propelled by the strategic objectives of Vision 2030 and a demographic profile characterized by a young, digitally native population. The Kingdom has secured a dominant position in the MENA venture capital landscape, capturing over 50 percent of regional funding in early 2024. This financial momentum is bolstered by robust government support, significant investments in gaming and esports, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem that is increasingly applying blockchain technology to sectors such as fintech, environmental sustainability, and secure ticketing. Despite this rapid expansion, the ecosystem faces structural challenges that must be addressed to achieve mass-market adoption. Industry stakeholders identify regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and a persistent shortage of specialized talent as primary barriers to sustainable growth. Furthermore, the current technical complexity of decentralized applications remains a significant hurdle for the average user. Experts emphasize that for Web3 to integrate successfully into the broader economy, developers must prioritize the creation of intuitive, value-driven user interfaces that abstract away technical complexities, shifting the focus from decentralization for its own sake to practical, real-world utility. The long-term success of the Saudi Web3 sector depends on the continued alignment of technological development with national economic diversification goals. By fostering deeper collaboration between government regulators, academic institutions, and private industry, the Kingdom aims to create a stable and business-friendly environment. As the ecosystem matures, the transition from foundational infrastructure to sophisticated, user-centric applications will be critical in cementing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global leader in blockchain innovation and digital transformation.
Adaverse · 2024
ReportState of Web3 in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the dominant hub for Web3 investment in the Middle East and North Africa, capturing 51 % of Q1 2024 venture‑capital funding with $429 million across 163 deals. This concentration reflects a supportive ecosystem that blends proactive government initiatives, a growing pool of local founders, and active participation from international investors. The market is presently skewed toward consumer‑facing applications such as DeFi, GameFi and SocialFi, while foundational protocol development remains limited, highlighting a clear opening for infrastructure builders. Founders of Saudi‑based Web3 ventures underscore the rapid maturation of the sector, citing high‑profile partnerships—including Animoca Brands with NEOM, collaborations with Hedera, and alignment with Vision 2030—as catalysts for growth. Yet they identify three persistent barriers: inadequate user‑friendly interfaces, insufficient public and investor education, and ambiguous regulatory frameworks that impede both builder activity and funding cycles. Sector‑specific use cases—blockchain‑enabled freelance payments, Sharia‑compliant insurance, and localized NFT platforms—are viewed as primary drivers of mass adoption. Government commitment reinforces this trajectory, with $37.7 billion earmarked for esports and $13.3 billion for gaming, complemented by sizable venture funds such as Wa’ed’s $500 million vehicle and 500 Global’s $2.4 billion under management. Notable projects illustrate tangible impact: Tharawat Green Exchange aims to plant ten million trees by 2030, while Ticket Souq has generated $3.3 million in gross merchandise value, serving 36 k users across 55 events in ten countries. Stakeholders agree that clear, supportive regulation, robust education, and targeted technology investment are essential to translate this momentum into sustainable, high‑pay‑off outcomes for the kingdom’s burgeoning gaming, fintech, e‑commerce and proptech sectors.
Non-Gaming (Mobile)
1 documentReports in the Non-Gaming (Mobile) category.
Blockchain & Metaverse
2 documentsReports in the Blockchain & Metaverse category.
Newzoo · 2022
ReportGames, Esports, Live Streaming, Cloud and the Metaverse: 2022
The global gaming industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation characterized by the convergence of traditional media, high-fidelity content, and emerging Web3 technologies. The primary thesis posits that the sector is shifting toward an interconnected, cross-platform ecosystem where revenue diversification and creator-driven engagement models are essential for growth. While consumer skepticism persists regarding blockchain-based assets and NFTs, publishers are successfully navigating this transition by prioritizing mobile esports, co-streaming strategies, and efforts to circumvent restrictive app store ecosystems to foster deeper fan loyalty. Technological infrastructure is evolving to support this expansion, with cloud-based solutions and Platform-as-a-Service models playing a critical role in mitigating hardware limitations. By integrating gaming experiences into smart TVs and leveraging cloud technology, companies are effectively broadening their reach to new demographics. Simultaneously, the metaverse has emerged as a significant focal point for venture capital and brand investment, as corporations increasingly utilize digital fashion and virtual real estate to capture the attention of younger, digitally native audiences. Geographically, the market remains dominated by the Asia-Pacific region, which generates $88.2 billion in annual revenue, representing over half of the global total. North America follows with $42.6 billion, maintaining a strong position in the industry landscape. However, the long-term trajectory of the market is increasingly influenced by emerging territories in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. These regions are currently expanding at rates exceeding the global average, signaling a gradual decentralization of revenue and a more diverse, globalized future for the interactive entertainment sector.
DappRadar · 2023
ReportState of Blockchain Gaming Q1 2023 Report
**Investment in Blockchain Games (Q4 2022 → Q1 2023)** | Quarter | Investment (USD) | Investment (Bn USD) | % Quarter‑over‑Quarter Change | |---------|------------------|----------------------|--------------------------------| | Q4 2022 | **≈ $654.5 million** | **≈ 0.655 Bn** | – | | Q1 2023 | **$739 million** | **0.739 Bn** | **+12.95 %** | **How the numbers were derived** - The report states that Q1 2023 saw a **12.95 % increase** over the previous quarter and that the Q1 2023 total was **$739 M**. - To back‑calculate the Q4 2022 figure: \[ \text{Q4 2022 Investment} = \frac{\text{Q1 2023 Investment}}{1 + 0.1295} = \frac{739\text{ M}}{1.1295} \approx 654.5\text{ M} \] - Converting to billions (1 Bn = 1,000 M): \[ 654.5\text{ M} \approx 0.655\text{ Bn} \qquad 739\text{ M} = 0.739\text{ Bn} \] **Key take‑away** - **Q1 2023** investment in blockchain gaming and metaverse projects reached **$739 M (0.739 Bn)**, marking a **robust 12.95 % quarter‑over‑quarter growth** from the **≈ $654.5 M (0.655 Bn)** invested in **Q4 2022**. This upward trajectory underscores the accelerating capital interest in the blockchain gaming sector.
VR & AR
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