Market (Overall)

Reports in the Market (Overall) category.

297 documents

Global Games Market Report 2022

The global games market entered a corrective phase in 2022, with annual revenues projected to decline by 4.3% to $184.4 billion. This contraction follows a period of unsustainable pandemic-driven expansion and is further exacerbated by macroeconomic inflation, supply chain disruptions, and a sparse release schedule for major titles. Despite this short-term dip, the industry maintains a massive engagement base of 3.2 billion players and is expected to resume an upward trajectory, reaching an estimated $211.2 billion by 2025. While mature markets like North America and Asia-Pacific are experiencing revenue declines, emerging mobile-first regions such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa continue to show positive growth. The industry is currently undergoing a structural shift toward platform-agnostic ecosystems and hybrid monetization strategies. As traditional mobile advertising faces challenges from privacy policy changes like Apple’s IDFA, console and PC developers are increasingly adopting programmatic in-game advertising to monetize the hundreds of millions of players who do not make direct purchases. This shift is supported by major platform holders like Sony and Microsoft, who are integrating non-intrusive, blended advertisements to create recurring revenue streams. Furthermore, the rise of user-generated content, cloud gaming, and blockchain-based models is redefining how players interact with and derive value from digital environments. Future market stability is increasingly tied to ecosystem-based analysis rather than hardware-specific metrics, reflecting a broader trend of cross-platform play and industry consolidation. Regulatory shifts in China have also prompted a strategic pivot toward global expansion in other emerging markets. As the industry evolves, success will likely depend on balancing diverse monetization models with authentic player experiences, while leveraging new technologies in virtual reality and cloud infrastructure to maintain long-term engagement across a diversifying global audience.

market-analysis market-forecast global

NewzooJan 2022

Report

Key Insights into Brazilian Gamers

Brazil represents a significant force in the global gaming industry, ranking as the 10th largest market worldwide by revenue and 5th by total player count as of 2022. The region is characterized by high levels of engagement, with 80% of the online population identified as game enthusiasts. This engagement extends beyond play, as 60% of the audience both plays and watches gaming video content, while only 25% play without viewing. The demographic profile of Brazilian gamers is diverse, though it skews toward younger males. Approximately 51% of players are male and 48% are female, with the 21–35 age bracket forming the largest segment at 43%. Mobile gaming is the dominant platform, utilized by 60% of the gaming population, followed by console and PC at 31% and 30% respectively. Despite the prevalence of mobile, average weekly play times are consistent across platforms, ranging from roughly four and a half to five hours. Monetization trends indicate a healthy spending culture, with 43% of players classified as payers. The primary drivers for spending include unlocking exclusive playable content and personalizing in-game characters. Popular titles in the region include competitive and social games such as League of Legends, Fortnite, and Roblox. The findings are based on a survey of 2,063 active internet users aged 10–65 in residential developed areas of Brazil. The methodology utilizes a "Residential Developed Approach," ensuring the data is representative of the connected population within these specific geographic zones. The research was conducted by Newzoo as part of their 2022 Global Games Market Report and Consumer Insights series.

player-demographics market-analysis brazil

NewzooJan 2022

Report

Key Insights Into UK Gamers

The United Kingdom represents a major global gaming hub, ranking as the sixth-largest market by revenue and tenth by player population as of late 2022. Research conducted among the online population aged 10 to 65 indicates that gaming is a primary entertainment pillar in the region, with 71% of the population identifying as game enthusiasts. This engagement is split between active play and content viewership, with 36% of the population exclusively playing games and another 35% both playing and viewing gaming video content. The demographic profile of UK gamers is nearly balanced by gender, consisting of 52% male and 47% female players. While gaming spans all age groups, the 21-35 bracket is the most active. Motivation for play is driven primarily by the desire to unwind and relax, followed by the pursuit of achievement and social interaction. When categorized by persona, Time Fillers—those who play casually to pass the time—represent the largest segment, followed by Mainstream Gamers who engage deeply with both play and viewership. Platform preferences show that mobile gaming has the highest reach at 46%, followed by console at 41% and PC at 29%. However, PC and console players demonstrate higher average weekly time commitments compared to mobile users. Financial engagement is also significant, with 63% of players identified as payers. The primary driver for spending is the availability of sales or special offers, though social motivations, such as spending to play with friends or family, also influence purchasing behavior. The findings are based on a 2022 survey of 2,010 respondents in the United Kingdom, part of a broader global study covering 36 markets. The methodology utilizes a representative sample of the online population to track dozens of key performance indicators, including audience profiles, platform behavior, and monetization trends.

market-analysis player-demographics esports+1

NewzooJan 2022

Report

The 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.

market-analysis blockchain nft+3

NewzooJan 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

Mobile App Trends 2022: A Global Benchmark of App Performance

The global mobile ecosystem experienced significant expansion throughout 2021 and into 2022, characterized by record-breaking consumer spending of $170 billion and a projected ad spend of $336 billion. Despite initial concerns regarding privacy changes following the release of iOS 14.5, the industry demonstrated remarkable resilience as App Tracking Transparency opt-in rates reached 25% globally, far exceeding early market expectations. This growth was distributed across key verticals including fintech, e-commerce, and gaming, with mobile e-commerce sales alone reaching $3.56 trillion. The fintech sector emerged as a primary driver of engagement, with installs and sessions rising by 34% and 53% respectively. While traditional banking and payment apps maintain the highest market share, cryptocurrency and stock trading platforms saw the most intense user activity, with session lengths nearly doubling. However, this heightened interest triggered a sharp increase in acquisition costs, with fintech eCPIs rising from $1.05 to $3.40 over the course of a year. Similarly, e-commerce apps saw a 46% surge in in-app revenue despite rising costs and declining retention, signaling a shift where users are spending more money and time per session even as new user acquisition becomes more expensive. Mobile gaming remains the dominant force in the app economy, accounting for 52% of total consumer spend. Global game installs grew by 32%, led by the hyper-casual subvertical, though action and adventure titles commanded the highest levels of engagement and session frequency. While Day 30 retention rates for games nearly doubled to 9%, the industry faces a growing divide between high-volume downloads and long-term stickiness. As user acquisition costs continue to climb across all regions—particularly in LATAM and EMEA—the focus for developers has shifted from pure volume to maximizing lifetime value and implementing sophisticated re-engagement strategies to sustain growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

market-analysis global user-acquisition+2

AppLovinJan 2022

Financial

Gaming Deals Activity Report H1'22

The first half of 2022 marked an unprecedented surge in gaming‑sector transactions, with 455 deals closed and a total value of $43.3 billion, rising to $113.6 billion when including announced but not yet finalized agreements. This activity set a new industry benchmark, reflecting heightened investor confidence and a broadening appetite for both mature and emerging gaming assets. Deal activity spanned the full spectrum of financing structures. Control‑oriented mergers and acquisitions dominated, while minority‑stake purchases, early‑stage venture capital, late‑stage venture capital, corporate strategic investments, IPOs and SPAC listings, fixed‑income instruments, and hybrid private‑public offerings each contributed to a diversified capital landscape. The data, compiled from public filings, market‑insight providers, and partner research, cover global markets and encompass all major video‑games subsectors, from console and PC titles to mobile and cloud‑based platforms. The analysis underscores that the record‑setting volume and value were driven not only by traditional M&A but also by an expanding ecosystem of venture and corporate funding, indicating a maturing market where both established publishers and nascent developers attract substantial capital. The report’s methodology emphasizes transparency and non‑advisory intent, positioning the findings as a reference point for industry participants rather than a basis for specific investment decisions. Access to the underlying deal tables and community insights is tiered across subscription levels, ranging from free access to comprehensive expert‑grade data, with sponsorship from Hiro Capital and Naavik noted as independent of the analytical conclusions.

investment mergers-acquisitions market-analysis+1

InvestGameJan 2022

Report

Newzoo’s Global Gamer Study 2022

Gaming has evolved into a multi-dimensional entertainment ecosystem that extends far beyond traditional play, encompassing viewing, socializing, and content creation. Research conducted between February and April 2022 across 36 global markets reveals that 79% of the online population are game enthusiasts. This engagement is most profound among younger generations; for Gen Alpha, gaming has surpassed social media and streaming as the primary source of entertainment. The study utilized a representative sample of 75,930 respondents aged 10 to 65 to analyze behaviors across five distinct generational cohorts. Data indicates that gaming is increasingly a platform for social connection, with 75% of players engaging in game worlds for social purposes without playing the primary game. This trend is a significant driver of the emerging metaverse. Financial engagement is also high, with approximately half of Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials spending money on games. Total consumer spending in the sector was projected to exceed $200 billion in 2023. Furthermore, the rise of blockchain gaming and play-to-earn models shows significant future potential, with 34% of players in the United States expressing interest in these technologies. The findings emphasize that gamers are a highly attractive demographic for brands, as players generally hold 36% more positive attitudes toward brands compared to non-players. However, the diversity of the audience necessitates a nuanced approach to engagement. Using a proprietary segmentation model, the research identifies various personas ranging from Ultimate Gamers to Time Fillers. For instance, while both Apex Legends and Fortnite are battle royale titles, their player bases differ significantly in age, gender, and brand preferences, illustrating that effective marketing requires deep insights into specific game communities and generational motivations.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

NewzooJan 2022

Report

Key Insights Into French Gamers

France represents a significant gaming market, ranking seventh globally in terms of revenue and fifteenth in total player count as of 2022. The French gaming population is highly engaged, with 71% of the online population aged 10 to 65 identifying as game enthusiasts. While 38% of this group only plays games, a substantial 34% also views gaming video content, and 15% are classified as esports enthusiasts who watch professional competitive gaming at least once a month. The demographic profile of French players is nearly balanced by gender, consisting of 52% men and 48% women. The largest age cohort is the 21-35 bracket, representing 31% of the player base. In terms of behavior, Time Fillers and Mainstream Gamers are the most common personas. Time Fillers use games primarily to pass the time and show less interest in viewing content, whereas Mainstream Gamers are deeply invested in both playing and watching gaming media. Mobile is the most popular platform, utilized by 44% of the online population, followed by console at 41% and PC at 30%. Despite mobile's reach, PC players record the highest average weekly playtime at four hours and forty minutes. Monetization data indicates that 56% of French players are payers, driven primarily by value-based incentives such as sales or special offers. Other significant spending motivators include unlocking exclusive content and the desire to play with friends or family, underscoring the social nature of the market. This analysis is based on a 2022 survey of 2,080 online consumers in France, part of a broader global study covering 36 markets and over 75,000 respondents.

player-demographics market-analysis france

NewzooJan 2022

Report

Shooter Games

Shooter games represent the fifth highest-revenue generating genre globally as of 2022. This genre, defined by the primary mechanic of defeating enemies via firearms or projectiles, maintains a massive footprint across PC, console, and mobile platforms. While historical titles like Doom and Halo established the genre's foundation, modern success is driven by online competitive play and live streaming engagement. Notably, this analysis excludes Battle Royale and Vehicular Combat titles, which are classified as independent genres. Data from August 2022 indicates that shooters command high engagement, ranking as a top genre for monthly active users on both Steam and consoles. The player base is predominantly male (63%) and young, with 38% of players falling between the ages of 10 and 20. High-intensity "Ultimate Gamers" and "All-Round Enthusiasts" show the strongest affinity for the genre, with 82% of the former group having played a shooter in the six months prior to the study. Beyond the core genre, shooter fans show significant cross-genre overlap with adventure and battle royale titles, while showing the least interest in simulation and strategy games. The genre's ecosystem is heavily influenced by specific themes and monetization strategies. Contemporary war is the most popular theme, utilized by 68% of the player base, while levels and maps remain the dominant gameplay mechanic. In terms of monetization, the market is characterized by a high prevalence of both pay-to-play models and in-app purchases, with 97% of players engaging with titles that feature microtransactions. Geographically, the research covers 37 markets, excluding China and India, and utilizes a sample of over 19,000 active gamers to identify these behavioral and demographic trends.

market-analysis global shooter+1

NewzooJan 2022

Report

Key Insights Into German Gamers

Germany represents a significant pillar of the global gaming industry, ranking as the largest games market in the European Union and the fifth largest worldwide by revenue. As of 2022, the German gaming landscape is characterized by a high level of engagement, with 71% of the online population aged 10 to 65 identifying as game enthusiasts. This engagement extends beyond active play to include viewing gaming video content, social interaction, and community participation. The demographic profile of German players is nearly balanced by gender, consisting of 52% males and 48% females. While gaming is popular across all age groups, the 21-35 age bracket represents the largest segment at 31%. Motivation for play is primarily driven by the desire to relax and unwind, followed by the pursuit of achievement and social connection. Among the various gamer personas, Time Fillers and Mainstream Gamers are the most prevalent, reflecting a mix of casual mobile play and more dedicated multi-platform engagement. Platform preferences show that mobile gaming has the highest reach, utilized by 43% of the online population, followed by console and PC at 34% each. Despite the higher reach of mobile, PC and console players demonstrate higher average weekly play times, exceeding five hours. Popular titles in the market include Minecraft, Roblox, and Grand Theft Auto V, with Adventure and Action genres leading in popularity. Monetization remains strong, with 63% of players spending money on games. The primary driver for spending is the availability of sales or special offers, though a significant portion of consumers also pays to unlock exclusive content or to personalize their in-game experience. These findings are based on a 2022 survey of 2,057 online consumers in Germany, forming part of a broader global research initiative covering 36 markets.

market-analysis player-demographics germany+1

NewzooJan 2022

Report

State of the Game Industry 2022

The global game development landscape in 2022 is defined by a tension between technological tradition and evolving labor standards. PC remains the primary platform for 63% of developers, while the PlayStation 5 has established itself as the leading console for both current and future development cycles. Despite the industry’s technical foundations, there is profound skepticism regarding decentralized technologies; over 70% of studios express no interest in cryptocurrency or NFTs, and a third of professionals believe the metaverse concept will fail to materialize. Conversely, accessibility has reached a critical milestone, with 39% of developers now integrating features for impaired players, marking the first time such initiatives have outpaced non-implementation. Labor dynamics are undergoing a significant transformation as professionals increasingly prioritize social activism and workplace equity. While a record 60% of developers now work 40 hours or less per week, the industry continues to struggle with systemic cultural issues. Approximately 62% of companies failed to formally address widespread reports of toxicity and misconduct, and the workforce remains predominantly male and relatively inexperienced, with over half of all professionals having ten years or less in the field. Furthermore, the rise of unionization discussions, reported by 23% of professionals, suggests a growing movement toward formal collective bargaining. The industry’s geographic footprint remains heavily concentrated in the West, with 54% of developers based in the United States and 16% in Western Europe. Although remote work has become more prevalent, this shift has not yet decentralized the industry’s core hubs, as regions like Asia, Canada, and South America each represent 6% or less of the global workforce. This distribution reflects a Western-centric bias in current industry data and highlights the continued dominance of North American and European studios in shaping global development trends and labor standards.

market-analysis diversity-inclusion employment+1

Game Developers ConferenceJan 2022