Market (Overall)

Reports in the Market (Overall) category.

248 documents

Hyper to Hybrid: Mobile Gaming Market Trends 2023

The mobile gaming landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift as developers transition from hyper-casual to hybrid-casual business models. This evolution is driven by a significant downward trend in ad revenue profitability, influenced by Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework, shifting post-pandemic user behaviors, and increased selectivity from major publishers. To maintain sustainability, developers are increasingly adopting self-publishing strategies and integrating sophisticated meta-gameplay components alongside in-app purchases to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. Data from the 2022 calendar year reveals a cooling market for ad-centric models, characterized by declining ad impressions and effective cost per mille (eCPM) across both Android and iOS platforms. Conversely, the volume of in-app purchases grew on both operating systems, signaling a successful pivot toward hybrid monetization. Geographically, India emerged as the leader for Android installs, while the United States maintained its position as the primary market for both ad revenue and in-app purchase value across all devices. The competitive landscape for ad networks and monetization channels shows distinct platform preferences. Apple Search Ads dominates iOS rankings for installs, retention, and lifetime value, while AppLovin and ironSource lead the Android market. AppLovin currently stands as the top monetization channel by total ad revenue on both platforms. These findings are based on anonymized data from the full 2022 period, utilizing a weighted average methodology for performance metrics and focusing on networks and regions that exceeded a threshold of 25 million installs. The analysis underscores a broader industry movement toward deeper player engagement and more complex economic structures in mobile gaming.

market-analysis monetization user-acquisition+3

TenjinJan 2023

Report

The Xsolla Report: The State of Play

The global gaming market is undergoing a structural transformation driven by multiplatform integration and the rapid evolution of financial technologies, with total revenues projected to reach $211.2 billion by 2025. A significant catalyst for this growth is the rise of real-time payments, which are expected to account for 28% of global electronic transactions by 2027. This shift is particularly pronounced in emerging markets across the MEA and LATAM regions, where systems like India’s UPI and Brazil’s PIX are facilitating new revenue streams. To bypass traditional platform commissions and rising acquisition costs, developers are increasingly adopting mobile web shops and hybrid monetization models, including Buy Now, Pay Later services, which are forecasted to reach a $309 billion market value by 2030. Technological advancements in cloud gaming and artificial intelligence are further reshaping the industry landscape. Cloud gaming is anticipated to reach 2.5 billion users by 2024, though it continues to face technical challenges regarding latency and infrastructure. Simultaneously, generative AI is becoming a fundamental development pillar, with over 50% of top studios expected to utilize the technology by 2024 to improve efficiency by up to 30%. Within the next decade, AI is projected to support more than half of the entire game creation process, significantly reducing production timelines and costs. The industry is also pivoting toward a more interconnected ecosystem where cross-platform capabilities are a primary consumer demand, supported by 87% of multiplayer gamers. This integration, combined with advancements in virtual reality and blockchain, is fueling the expansion of the metaverse, which is forecasted to reach a $710 billion valuation by 2027. As privacy regulations and shifting ad efficiencies challenge traditional growth strategies, the sector is prioritizing flexible payment solutions and immersive, cross-play environments to maintain global momentum.

market-analysis monetization cloud-gaming+1

XsollaJan 2023

Report

Sustainability Report 2023

Room 8 Group transitioned toward a formal Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework in 2023, achieving Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) compliance while scaling its global operations. The organization expanded its workforce to 1,300 professionals across diverse geographic regions, including Brazil and Romania, while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction ratings to 8.7 out of 10. This growth was accompanied by a strategic focus on leadership seniority and the implementation of a "Green Office" policy designed to mitigate the environmental footprint of its physical and digital infrastructure. Environmental performance remains a low-impact area for the group, with total Scope 1 and 2 emissions estimated at under 1,000 tCO2. These results are supported by a shift toward green-energy data centers and high renewable energy usage in specific regional hubs, such as Brazil’s 100% renewable energy mix. Social responsibility initiatives are anchored by a significant commitment to Ukraine, totaling over $8 million in donations. These efforts provided critical humanitarian aid, including water purification for 15,000 people and technology hardware to support remote education for displaced students. Internal governance and workforce development saw measurable progress through a 50/50 gender split at the board level and a 34% female representation across the total workforce. The establishment of a compliance hotline and an updated Code of Ethics resulted in zero reported discrimination incidents during the period. Moving into 2024, the strategic focus shifts toward formalizing a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility strategy that prioritizes mental health, enhanced e-waste management, and rigorous data protection through mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees.

sustainability environment global+1

Room 8 GroupJan 2023

Report

Hyper-Casual Games Benchmark Report: Q4 2022

The benchmark focuses on hyper‑casual mobile games during the fourth quarter of 2022, comparing performance metrics across iOS and Android and highlighting shifts from the previous quarter. Data are drawn from GameAnalytics, which tracks more than 100 000 titles and reaches roughly one‑third of the global mobile player base, providing a broad, cross‑regional view of the segment. Cost‑per‑install (CPI) reached an all‑time high of $0.20 median on both platforms, with the overall median CPI rising to $0.42. Android’s median CPI grew by $0.05 while iOS saw a larger increase of $0.17. Among the top ten ad‑spending countries, the United States posted the highest iOS median CPI at $0.80, overtaking France and Germany, while Brazil dropped out of the ranking. South Korea and Canada recorded the steepest CPI hikes on Android, each climbing $0.06 from Q3 2022. The report covers major markets in North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific and Latin America, reflecting a worldwide scope. Retention benchmarks reveal a consistent advantage for iOS. In the top‑2 % of games, Day 1 retention was 45 % on iOS versus 38 % on Android, and Day 7 retention stood at 19 % versus 14 %. For the top‑25 % tier, Day 1 rates were 33 % (iOS) and 28 % (Android), with Day 7 at 10 % and 6 % respectively. Across all titles, median Day 1 retention was 24 % on iOS and 23 % on Android, while median Day 7 retention was 7 % versus 4 %. The gap between elite, good and average games is pronounced, underscoring the importance of early‑stage player engagement. Overall, Q4 2022 saw rising acquisition costs and modest but platform‑dependent retention

market-analysis monetization user-acquisition+3

TenjinDec 2022

Report

UK Games Jobs Summary: November 2022

The United Kingdom games industry experienced a notable contraction in recruitment activity during November 2022, continuing a downward trend observed throughout the second half of the year. Open vacancies decreased by several hundred positions compared to the previous month, leaving the market with over 500 fewer available roles than in June 2022. This decline aligns with broader global and domestic technology sector layoffs. While major development hubs such as London, Guildford, Leamington Spa, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Manchester remain the primary centers for recruitment, these locations have seen a significant reduction in active job postings. The downturn has impacted various industry segments and disciplines unevenly. Mobile studios recorded the highest proportional reduction in open roles, often attributed to the fulfillment or removal of positions following major corporate mergers. Despite the general decline in volume, the market shows resilience in specific areas; two less prominent geographic regions bucked the national trend by increasing their job offerings. Furthermore, while senior and experienced roles remain prevalent, there was a recorded increase in advertised junior positions, suggesting a continued interest in developing entry-level talent despite broader economic headwinds. Data indicates that Software Engineers, Producers, and Senior Environment Artists are among the most sought-after titles. Programming, Art, and Design remain the dominant hiring categories, though most disciplines have seen a net loss in postings. The age of available jobs suggests a mix of immediate needs and long-term vacancies, with over 600 new jobs added in the month preceding the summary. This analysis is based on a comprehensive database of UK game studios, which expanded by eight new companies during this period, providing a representative snapshot of the hiring landscape across AAA, AA, mobile, indie, and service-based sectors.

employment market-analysis salary+1

Games Jobs LiveNov 2022

Report

Analyzing the Consumer and Market Impacts of Chinese Games Market Policies

China’s gaming market, the largest in the world by revenue and player count, is currently defined by a complex and increasingly restrictive regulatory environment. Primary governmental concerns center on minor protection and the mitigation of gaming addiction, which officials often characterize as a negative social influence. Key mandates include strict playtime limits for users under 18—restricted to one hour on weekend and holiday evenings—and the implementation of mandatory real-name verification systems. While minor spending accounts for less than 2% of revenue for major firms like Tencent and NetEase, these regulations threaten long-term market growth by reducing the future pipeline of engaged players and esports talent. The administrative process for securing game licenses has become a significant barrier to entry. Following a nine-month freeze on approvals ending in early 2022, the government has adopted a rigorous scoring system that evaluates titles on societal values, cultural propagation, and original design. Foreign entities face additional hurdles, as they must partner with local publishers and navigate an approval process that is often slower than that for domestic titles. Consequently, many developers have shifted focus toward multi-platform releases, as a single license now covers mobile, PC, and console versions, streamlining the path to market. Despite these restrictions, a robust grey market persists. Players frequently utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) and game accelerators to access international platforms like Steam, while console users often purchase hardware and software from overseas markets to bypass local content limitations. Additionally, some mobile developers utilize ad-based monetization models to operate without formal licenses, though regulators have recently begun cracking down on this practice. In response to domestic pressures, Chinese gaming giants are aggressively expanding internationally. This strategy involves establishing overseas development studios, acquiring global talent, and launching international publishing labels. By leveraging their expertise in free-to-play mechanics and live operations, Chinese companies are successfully capturing market share in Western and other Asian markets, effectively diversifying their revenue streams away from the unpredictable regulatory landscape at home.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

NewzooNov 2022

Report

2022 Blockchain Gaming Report: New Frontiers And The Path Forward

The blockchain gaming industry underwent a significant market correction in late 2022, signaling a transition from speculative "Play-to-Earn" (P2E) models toward more sustainable, gameplay-focused ecosystems. While unique active wallets stabilized at approximately one million, NFT transaction volumes fell 30% to $500 million, and major project market capitalizations plummeted by over 90%. Despite a 19% year-over-year decline in total deal value to $875 million in the third quarter, the sector saw a 2.6x increase in the number of funding deals. This shift indicates a move away from infrastructure-heavy "picks and shovels" investments toward seed-stage funding for game studios and user-friendly wallet solutions. The collapse of unsustainable economic designs has catalyzed a pivot toward "Free-to-Own" (F2O) and "Play-and-Own" (P&O) models. These frameworks prioritize fun-first gameplay and lower entry barriers by offering free initial digital assets, moving away from the yield-focused mechanics that previously dominated the space. This evolution is supported by a significant talent migration from traditional AAA and mobile gaming companies, which is professionalizing development and introducing more sophisticated tokenomics. Furthermore, the industry is expanding its reach through casual genres and the integration of established intellectual properties from major Asian studios like Square Enix and SEGA. Mass adoption efforts are increasingly focused on distribution and technical scalability. Notable milestones include the launch of blockchain titles on mainstream platforms like the Epic Games Store and the clarification of NFT guidelines within the Apple App Store. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges, including a crisis in the gaming guild model and intensifying regulatory scrutiny. As the SEC investigates major entities regarding the classification of digital assets as securities, developers are balancing innovation in on-chain mechanics and AI-driven content with the need for compliance in an increasingly complex global legal landscape.

market-analysis blockchain nft+2

CMC ResearchOct 2022

Report

Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry 2022

The 2022 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry provides a comprehensive analysis of the American gaming landscape, asserting that video games have become a vital tool for social connection, skill-building, and mental well-being. The central thesis posits that the high levels of engagement sparked during the pandemic have become permanent fixtures of American life, with 90% of players maintaining or increasing their playtime since the pandemic's peak. The findings are based on a February 2022 study conducted by The NPD Group, which surveyed approximately 4,000 Americans. The data reveals that 66% of Americans—roughly 215.5 million people—play video games at least weekly. The player base is diverse and aging, with an average age of 33; 48% of players identify as female and 52% as male. While smartphones remain the most popular device (70%), the majority of players utilize multiple platforms. Puzzle and arcade games lead in popularity, though preferences shift by generation, with older adults specifically valuing games for cognitive stimulation. Social connectivity is a primary driver of modern gaming habits. The research shows that 83% of players engage with others, and 46% have met a significant other or close friend through gaming. Beyond entertainment, 97% of Americans see games as beneficial, citing stress relief and the development of cognitive and teamwork skills. Parents also view the medium favorably, with 77% playing games with their children weekly and 84% expressing awareness of ESRB ratings to manage household gaming habits. Economically, the industry reached $60.4 billion in total U.S. sales in 2021, driven largely by content spending. Purchase decisions are primarily influenced by game quality and price, with 67% of players engaging in in-game purchases. The scope of the report covers the 2021-2022 period, focusing on U.S. demographics, market trends, and the evolving social role of interactive entertainment.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

Entertainment Software AssociationJun 2022

Report

Gaming Spotlight: 2022 Review

Mobile gaming has emerged as the primary engine of the global games market, projected to reach $136 billion in 2022 and accounting for over 60% of the industry's total $222 billion valuation. This segment is expanding 3.3 times faster than the home console market, driven largely by the Asia-Pacific region and the sustained popularity of core titles such as Genshin Impact and Roblox. While macroeconomic instability and geopolitical conflict have caused localized spending declines in Eastern Europe, the broader global trend points toward a more inclusive player base. Female gamers and Gen Z cohorts are increasingly influential, serving as primary drivers of monetization and shifting the demographic focus of the industry. The monetization landscape is undergoing a significant transformation toward hybrid models, with 42% of top-grossing U.S. games now combining in-app purchases with advertising. Although global audiences generally accept advertisements in exchange for free content, privacy concerns regarding individual tracking have intensified. In a post-IDFA environment, success depends on leveraging contextual third-party data rather than granular user tracking. Player sentiment varies significantly by format; rewarded video and playable ads enjoy the highest levels of acceptance, while standard video ads remain divisive, particularly among the high-growth female and Gen Z demographics. Strategic intelligence for this evolving market relies on extensive global research infrastructure, utilizing data from over 1,100 analysts across 50 countries. By surveying more than 350,000 end users annually, market analysts provide the necessary framework for developers, publishers, and hardware manufacturers to navigate shifting consumer behaviors and technological transitions. This comprehensive oversight ensures that stakeholders can adapt to the rapid pace of innovation and the diversifying needs of the global gaming community.

market-analysis global mobile+1

data.ai & IDCMay 2022

Report

Mobile Gaming Market Outlook 2022

The global mobile gaming landscape has entered a period of stabilization following pandemic-era surges, with quarterly downloads maintaining a steady baseline of 14 billion. Although total revenue experienced a 6% year-over-year decline to $21.2 billion in early 2022, the market remains significantly larger than its pre-pandemic state. Casual games continue to lead in volume, representing 80% of all downloads, yet Mid-Core titles remain the primary economic engine, generating 60% of total player spending. While the United States maintains its position as the leading consumer market, the Asia-Pacific region exerts increasing influence, evidenced by Taiwan’s rise to the fifth-largest global market and the region's dominance in high-monetization genres like MMORPGs and Card Battlers. Strategic advertising and intellectual property integration have become essential for navigating this competitive environment. Strategy and RPG titles are increasingly prioritizing YouTube for share of voice, while the acquisition of MoPub by AppLovin has shifted the advertising landscape for strategy games. Success in the rapidly growing Card Battler sub-genre, which earns 62% of its revenue from the APAC region, is largely driven by high-performing titles like Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel and the effective use of Live Ops and Season Passes. Furthermore, cross-media synergies, such as the impact of the Netflix series Arcane on game downloads, demonstrate the power of multimedia IP in driving user acquisition. The market outlook suggests a temporary correction phase with a projected return to growth by 2023. While Asian markets currently account for 80% of MMORPG revenue, Western interest is growing, as seen with the successful U.S. launch of Diablo Immortal. Similarly, the Real-Time Strategy sector is seeing a geographic shift, with China overtaking the U.S. as the top market for the sub-genre. Future expansion across these segments will likely depend on localized IP collaborations and sophisticated user acquisition strategies tailored to specific regional preferences.

market-analysis market-forecast player-demographics+2

Sensor TowerMay 2022

Report

Multiplayer Report 2022

The 2022 Multiplayer Report examines the evolving preferences, behaviors, and technical expectations of online gamers across major global markets. The primary thesis suggests that while traditional genres like Battle Royale and First-Person Shooters remain dominant, the success of multiplayer titles increasingly depends on social connectivity and technical reliability. The findings indicate that 77% of the global gaming population engages in multiplayer play, with overall engagement across all genres increasing by an average of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Key data points highlight that genre is the primary factor for game selection (49%), followed closely by social drivers such as the ability to chat in-game (31%) and having friends already active in the title (34%). Technical performance is equally critical, with 35% of players prioritizing quick matchmaking and 33% requiring skill-based pairing. Regarding monetization, the data shows a 5% year-over-year increase in players purchasing downloadable content. While core gamers are 58% more likely to spend over $20 on additional content, casual audiences remain active spenders in lower price brackets. The scope of the research covers four major gaming markets—the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea—representing a significant portion of global gaming revenue. The analysis segments the industry into various categories, including mobile, PC, and console platforms, while distinguishing between casual and core gamer demographics. Internal data from Unity reveals a 150% growth in PC multiplayer development and a 40% increase in mobile multiplayer projects since early 2021. Methodology for these insights involved a survey of approximately 1,500 multiplayer gamers conducted in Q3 2021 and Q3 2022. The sample was split evenly between casual players, defined by a minimum of 30 minutes of weekly multiplayer play, and core players, who engage for at least four hours weekly in competitive genres. This survey data was supplemented by anonymized, aggregated internal metrics from Unity’s live gaming solutions.

market-analysis player-behavior global+1

UnityJan 2022

Report

For the Game

The global gaming industry is undergoing a transformative shift into a primary mass medium, projected to reach 3.5 billion players and $225 billion in revenue by 2025. This evolution is characterized by gaming’s role as a central pillar of culture and social connection, with over a third of players utilizing the medium specifically for socialization. Analysis across 21 global markets reveals that gamers are highly engaged "super-consumers" who spend nearly 60 hours a week across television and internet platforms, making them a critical demographic for brand attention. To effectively reach this audience, the industry must move beyond traditional demographic stereotypes and adopt a motivation-based segmentation. This approach identifies six distinct player types, allowing for more authentic engagement. However, a significant gap remains between the diverse player base and the industry’s internal demographics, which remain predominantly male and white. Prioritizing equity, inclusion, and accessibility is essential for future growth, as evidenced by the commercial success of titles that prioritize inclusive design and representation. Successful brand integration requires a departure from standard advertising in favor of intrinsic in-game experiences and value-driven partnerships. Strategies such as gamified commerce, immersive virtual events, and the utilization of original intellectual property yield higher attention and recall rates than traditional social media formats. By fostering mutually beneficial relationships and respecting established gaming codes, brands can leverage the medium not just for visibility, but as a sophisticated tool for long-term community building and commercial innovation.

market-analysis player-demographics marketing+2

dentsuJan 2022