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Market Sizing & Forecasts

Market Sizing & Forecasts

How big the games market is, where it is heading, and what drives the growth.

140 documents

Cover of 2020 Global Games Market Report

Newzoo · 2020

2020 Global Games Market Report

The 2020 Global Games Market Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the video game industry during a landmark year defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to next-generation consoles. The central thesis posits that gaming has evolved beyond simple entertainment to become a primary social network and a precursor to the "metaverse," with interactive virtual spaces increasingly replacing traditional social media for younger generations. Key findings indicate that the global games market was projected to generate $159.3 billion in 2020, representing a 9.3% year-on-year increase. Mobile gaming remained the largest segment, accounting for $77.2 billion (48% of the market), driven by low barriers to entry and the rise of hypercasual titles. Console and PC segments followed with $45.2 billion and $36.9 billion respectively. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region dominated the landscape, generating $78.4 billion—nearly half of all global revenues—while the Middle East and Africa emerged as the fastest-growing region. By the end of 2020, the global player base was expected to reach 2.7 billion, with forecasts suggesting the market would surpass $200 billion and 3 billion players by 2023. The scope of the analysis covers 30 key markets representing over 90% of global revenues, with data segmented by region (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East/Africa) and platform. Methodology relies on a top-down predictive model integrating macroeconomic data, financial reports from over 100 public companies, and primary consumer research involving 62,500 respondents. The report concludes that while lockdown measures provided a short-term surge in engagement and revenue, the industry faces long-term shifts toward platform-agnostic cloud gaming and subscription models. Additionally, it highlights the successful globalization of Chinese gaming firms, which pivoted to international markets following domestic regulatory freezes, now leading the industry in mobile development and cross-border investment.

Cover of Global Mobile Market Report 2019

Newzoo · 2019

Global Mobile Market Report 2019

The mobile gaming industry reached a significant inflection point in 2019, characterized by the emergence of 5G technology and its potential to redefine hardware performance and user engagement. With global mobile game revenues climbing to $68.5 billion, representing a 26.7% year-on-year increase, the sector demonstrated robust financial health. This growth was supported by a global base of 3.2 billion smartphone users, reflecting the deepening integration of mobile devices into daily life. The industry’s trajectory is increasingly defined by the transition toward cloud gaming, which promises to lower hardware barriers and expand the reach of high-fidelity experiences to a broader audience. Market leadership remained concentrated among established hardware giants, with Samsung securing a 25.4% share of the global smartphone market and Apple maintaining a commanding 67.6% dominance in the tablet sector. Geographically, China continued to serve as the primary engine of the industry, hosting 851.2 million active smartphone users and acting as a hub for innovative development trends. Developers globally have begun adopting the "mixed-mechanic" gameplay models pioneered in Asian markets, signaling a shift toward more immersive, mid-core experiences designed to capture the attention of diverse player segments. Consumer behavior analysis highlights that "Time Fillers" currently constitute the most prevalent gamer persona, yet the anticipated proliferation of 5G and cloud-based platforms is poised to catalyze the growth of the "Cloud Gamer" segment. By facilitating access to sophisticated gaming experiences without the necessity of high-end local hardware, these technological advancements are expected to drive the next phase of industry innovation. As manufacturers continue to experiment with foldable devices and larger screens, the mobile ecosystem is evolving to accommodate a more demanding and technically sophisticated user base.

Cover of 2019 Global Games Market Report

Newzoo · 2019

2019 Global Games Market Report

The global games market is experiencing robust expansion, with total revenues projected to reach $152.1 billion in 2019, representing a 9.6% year-on-year increase. This growth trajectory suggests a long-term valuation of $196 billion by 2022. Mobile gaming serves as the primary engine of this industry, consistently accounting for nearly half of all global revenue. While the Asia-Pacific region maintains its status as the largest geographic market, the United States is poised to overtake China as the leading individual country for gaming revenue, bolstered by significant strength in the console sector. Meanwhile, Latin America is emerging as the fastest-growing region, signaling a broader diversification of the global player base. Industry evolution is increasingly defined by the games-as-a-service model and a transition toward social-centric experiences. Platforms facilitating instant, social-integrated gameplay are driving higher retention rates, while the rise of cloud gaming and high-quality remakes of classic titles are reshaping consumer engagement strategies. The financial health of the sector remains concentrated among major players, as the top 35 public game companies generated $114 billion in 2018. Despite regulatory headwinds in specific territories, the industry continues to prioritize deep consumer insights to navigate these shifts. To better capture the nuances of this changing landscape, a new gamer segmentation framework categorizes consumers into eight distinct personas based on their hardware ownership, viewing habits, and playing behaviors. This analytical approach reflects a broader industry shift toward understanding the multifaceted nature of modern players. By synthesizing macroeconomic data with primary consumer research, these findings underscore a market that is not only growing in total value but is also becoming more sophisticated in how it monetizes and retains its global audience.

Cover of Global Esports Market Report 2019

Newzoo · 2019

Global Esports Market Report 2019

The global esports industry reached a significant financial milestone in 2019, surpassing $1 billion in total revenue for the first time. This represents a robust 26.7% year-on-year growth, fueled primarily by a heavy reliance on brand investments. Sponsorships, advertising, and media rights collectively account for 82% of total market earnings, signaling a shift toward professional sports monetization strategies. As the industry matures, stakeholders are increasingly prioritizing the development of unique team brand identities, the revitalization of local offline events, and the strategic integration of betting services to deepen fan engagement. The global esports audience expanded to 453.8 million people during this period, reflecting a broad and highly loyal consumer base. Engagement patterns reveal a distinct divide between competitive esports viewership and general gaming content. While PC-based titles such as League of Legends maintained dominance in live esports viewership across major streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, newer console-oriented releases including Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and FIFA 19 demonstrated rapid growth in non-esports viewership. Meanwhile, Fortnite solidified its position as a cultural phenomenon, leading the non-esports category with more than double the hours of its nearest competitor. These findings underscore a period of rapid professionalization and diversification within the global gaming landscape. By leveraging high-value media rights and sponsorship deals, the industry has successfully transitioned from a niche digital subculture into a mainstream entertainment powerhouse. The data suggests that future growth will continue to depend on the ability of publishers and event organizers to balance the high-stakes competitive ecosystem with the broader, highly popular casual gaming content that currently drives the majority of platform traffic.

Cover of Game Industry Policy Recommendations for 2019‑2024: Finland

Neogames Finland · 2019

Game Industry Policy Recommendations for 2019‑2024: Finland

Three ways to bring Finland to the forefront of the digital shift............. 3 More than half of Finns and nearly a third of the global population 4 play games actively............................................................................... The Finnish game industry 5 is the success story of the 21st century.....

Cover of Evolution of Mobile Esports for the Mass Market

Niko Partners · 2019

Evolution of Mobile Esports for the Mass Market

Mobile esports is positioned to become the primary catalyst for growth in the digital games industry over the next five years, leveraging a global player base of 2.53 billion that already surpasses the combined reach of PC and console gaming. In 2018, mobile esports titles generated $15.32 billion in revenue, representing over a quarter of the total mobile market. This expansion is driven by high smartphone penetration and a fundamental shift from high-profile spectator events toward a pervasive ecosystem of regional and online-only competitions. By lowering barriers to entry, the sector has successfully attracted a more diverse and gender-balanced audience than traditional competitive gaming platforms. The industry is currently transitioning from a publisher-funded marketing tool into a scalable mass-market powerhouse. While professional PC esports historically dominated revenue, mobile esports is rapidly closing the gap, fueled by sophisticated monetization strategies including media rights, sponsorships, and microtransaction-based models like season passes. Asia serves as the epicenter of this evolution, with China and Southeast Asia hosting the most concentrated markets for competitive mobile titles. Significant investments from traditional sports franchises and the expansion of media rights into mainstream cable television further signal the professionalization and maturation of the sector. Technological advancements in 5G and cloud gaming are disrupting the historical dominance of PC titles by delivering high-quality competitive experiences on accessible hardware. This technological shift, combined with strong government support in Asian markets, has led to explosive growth, exemplified by a 44.5% revenue increase in top Belt and Road markets during the first half of 2019. As industry leaders establish franchised leagues and record-breaking prize pools, the mobile esports model is proving more sustainable and participatory than its predecessors. Ultimately, the sector’s massive reach and superior monetization capabilities ensure its trajectory to overtake PC esports as the dominant global competitive gaming format.

Cover of Global Mobile Market Report 2018

Newzoo · 2018

Global Mobile Market Report 2018

The global mobile market is undergoing a significant transformation characterized by a shift toward immersive, competitive gaming experiences and the integration of high-engagement subscription services. With global app store revenues reaching $92.1 billion in 2018, mobile gaming remains the primary economic driver, accounting for 76 percent of total expenditures. This financial growth is supported by hardware manufacturers who are increasingly developing dedicated gaming smartphones to meet the demands of high-performance software, particularly within the expansive Chinese market. Simultaneously, major media and technology firms are pivoting toward original video content to capture consumer attention, mirroring the subscription-based models popularized by leading streaming platforms. The industry’s expansion is underpinned by a robust increase in global smartphone adoption, which is projected to reach 3.8 billion users by 2021. This growth is heavily concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, which continues to serve as the primary catalyst for global market penetration. While Samsung and Apple maintain their status as the dominant hardware manufacturers, the software landscape remains highly competitive, with casual gaming publishers and video-streaming services leading their respective revenue categories. These insights are derived from a comprehensive analytical framework that monitors the top 100 global markets, representing 98.5 percent of the world’s smartphone users. By integrating historical data, socio-economic indicators, and telemetry from over 400 million active devices, this intelligence provides a precise view of evolving consumer behaviors. The continuous refinement of these predictive models ensures that stakeholders can effectively navigate the rapid technological and economic shifts defining the mobile ecosystem as it matures into a central pillar of global digital entertainment.

Cover of 2018 Global Esports Market Report

Newzoo · 2018

2018 Global Esports Market Report

The 2018 Global Esports Market Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the esports industry as it transitions toward a mature, multi-billion-dollar business model. The primary thesis posits that while the industry is experiencing rapid revenue growth and increased institutional investment, it remains in a critical phase of professionalization that will require five to ten years to fully stabilize. The report highlights a pivotal shift where sponsorship and media rights are moving from experimental budgets to continuous, long-term commitments. Key findings indicate that global esports revenues are projected to reach $906 million in 2018, representing a 38.2% year-on-year increase. Brands are the primary drivers of this economy, accounting for 77% of total market revenue. The global esports audience is expected to reach 380 million people, including 165 million dedicated enthusiasts. Media rights have emerged as the fastest-growing revenue stream, with a compound annual growth rate of 49.8% projected through 2021. Furthermore, the report identifies franchising as a transformative structural trend, noting that leagues like the Overwatch League and the North American League of Legends Championship Series are fostering stability by removing relegation and attracting major media and telecom investment. The scope of the report is global, covering ten distinct geographic regions and analyzing industry segments including sponsorship, advertising, media rights, and ticket sales. The methodology relies on a proprietary predictive market model that synthesizes macroeconomic data, public event metrics, and primary consumer research. This research program, which spans 28 countries and surveys over 60,000 consumers, serves as the foundation for audience projections. The analysis excludes capital investments, player salaries, and prize pools, focusing strictly on generated industry revenues to provide a clear view of the sector's financial health.

Cover of Casual Games Sector Report: 2017

Newzoo · 2017

Casual Games Sector Report: 2017

The global games market is undergoing a period of rapid expansion and structural transformation, with total revenues projected to exceed $100 billion by 2017. This growth is driven by the globalization of business models, such as free-to-play, and the increasing ubiquity of mobile devices. While mature markets in North America, Western Europe, and Oceania currently account for 51% of global revenue, emerging regions—including Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East—are expected to drive a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% over the forecast period, eventually shifting the majority of market share toward these developing territories. Mobile gaming serves as a primary catalyst for this expansion, with smartphone and tablet usage becoming essential for global consumers. By 2017, mobile gaming is expected to capture 34% of the total market, up from 23% in 2013. Simultaneously, the industry is evolving as games transition into broader entertainment brands that span multiple media platforms. This cross-media presence, supported by the rise of eSports and digital content consumption, allows developers to increase engagement and monetize non-paying users more effectively. China represents a significant focal point for industry growth, with revenues quadrupling between 2008 and 2013. Despite challenges related to piracy and strict censorship, the Chinese market is characterized by a robust mobile app ecosystem and high engagement with both domestic and foreign titles. Success for international companies in this region increasingly depends on local partnerships, effective localization, and the integration of in-game monetization models. The analysis relies on a combination of primary consumer research, transactional data, and financial analysis to provide a comprehensive view of these shifting global dynamics.

Cover of Global Esports Market Report: 2017

Newzoo · 2017

Global Esports Market Report: 2017

The 2017 Global Esports Market Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the esports industry’s transition into a mainstream global business. The primary thesis posits that esports is accelerating the convergence of gaming, media, and traditional sports, driven by significant investments from non-endemic brands and major media conglomerates. The report identifies this convergence as a strategic necessity for media companies seeking to engage digital natives and Millennials, as well as for traditional sports leagues looking to revitalize an aging fan base. Key financial findings indicate that the global esports economy reached $696 million in 2017, representing a 41.3% year-on-year growth. Sponsorship remains the largest revenue stream at $266.3 million, while media rights are identified as the fastest-growing segment, projected to reach $340 million by 2020. The report forecasts total market revenues to hit $1.488 billion by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of 35.6%. Audience metrics show a global reach of 385.5 million viewers in 2017, consisting of 191 million dedicated enthusiasts and 194 million occasional viewers. The scope of the analysis covers global markets across 10 subregions, utilizing a proprietary forecasting model that integrates primary consumer research from 27 countries, census data, and engagement metrics from streaming platforms and event organizers. The methodology distinguishes between "Esports Enthusiasts"—defined as frequent viewers and active participants—and occasional viewers, while excluding revenues from betting, fantasy leagues, and in-game transactions to maintain a focus on the professionalized esports economy. The report concludes that while esports is currently not a profitable venture for most game publishers, their continued investment is justified by the positive impact on game engagement and the long-term potential of esports as a standalone business. The integration of traditional sports clubs into the ecosystem, particularly through FIFA-branded leagues, further validates the industry's shift toward mainstream acceptance and professionalized competition.

Cover of Global Mobile Market Report 2017

Newzoo · 2017

Global Mobile Market Report 2017

The global mobile market is undergoing a period of rapid expansion, with the total number of smartphone users projected to climb from 2.3 billion in 2016 to 3.6 billion by 2020. This growth is primarily fueled by the Asia-Pacific region, which serves as the central engine for device adoption. As the ecosystem matures, the competitive landscape for hardware is shifting; while Apple and Samsung maintain their status as industry leaders, Chinese manufacturers are aggressively increasing their market share and influence. Simultaneously, the app economy is experiencing significant financial growth, with total revenues expected to reach $85 billion by 2020. Although mobile games currently dominate the sector, accounting for 82% of the $56.4 billion in projected 2017 revenue, non-game applications are steadily capturing a larger portion of the market. The distribution of mobile content is also evolving as the traditional duopoly held by Apple’s App Store and Google Play faces mounting pressure. Alternative app stores, the rise of instant apps, and various geopolitical factors are forcing a diversification of distribution models. While mobile virtual reality remains a point of interest, its commercial viability is currently constrained by hardware fragmentation and a scarcity of high-quality, event-based content. These challenges underscore the necessity for developers to leverage sophisticated technical tools to maintain a competitive edge. To navigate this complex environment, publishers are increasingly relying on specialized service providers for app intelligence, player analytics, and SDK management. Platforms such as Priori Data, DeltaDNA, Pushwoosh, and SafeDK provide the essential infrastructure required to optimize engagement and monetization. By utilizing these data-driven insights and technical management solutions, stakeholders can better address the demands of a global user base and improve the performance of their mobile applications in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Cover of 2017 Global Games Market Report

Newzoo · 2017

2017 Global Games Market Report

The 2017 Global Games Market Report analyzes the state of the interactive entertainment industry, identifying a pivotal shift toward a "games-as-a-service" model. The primary thesis posits that the traditional distinction between developers, publishers, and consumers is dissolving as gaming evolves into a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem. This transformation is characterized by the rise of "game enthusiasts"—a broader demographic that engages with content through playing, viewing, and creating, rather than solely through active gameplay. The industry reached a significant milestone in 2017, with global revenues surpassing $100 billion to reach $108.9 billion. Mobile gaming remains the dominant segment, accounting for 42% of total market revenue and 2.1 billion players, with projections indicating it will capture 50% of the market by 2020. Conversely, PC browser and boxed/downloaded PC games are experiencing a slight decline as consumers transition toward mobile platforms. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region leads the market, generating $51.2 billion—nearly half of the global total—followed by North America at $27 billion. Methodologically, these findings are derived from a proprietary predictive analytics model that synthesizes data from over 100 public and private companies, continuous behavioral tracking of 10 million PC gamers, and device usage metrics from over one billion mobile devices. The research also incorporates primary consumer surveys across 28 countries involving 80,000 respondents. The report concludes that as game companies increasingly adopt service-based business models and integrate interactive elements into broader media landscapes, they are effectively positioning themselves as the primary architects of the world's most popular form of entertainment.

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