Market (Overall)·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Newzoo
The global games market is projected to reach $189.3 billion in revenue by the end of 2021, supported by a permanent shift in consumer spending habits and a total player base of 2.8 billion people.
Cloud gaming is expected to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time in 2021, while 5G-ready active smartphones are forecasted to grow from 5% in 2020 to 16% (700 million units) by year-end.
Mobile titles such as PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire are increasingly challenging traditional PC giants in esports viewership, marking a significant shift toward mobile-first competitive gaming.
The removal of Apple’s Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) is disrupting mobile marketing strategies and intensifying industry pressure on traditional app store revenue-share models.
Gaming platforms are evolving into 'metaverse' social hubs for non-gaming events, while industry leaders are increasingly prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and reduced toxicity in response to player demand.
Significant market growth is emerging from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with the broader industry trajectory defined by platform convergence and the expansion of gaming IP into general entertainment media.
The global games market is projected to reach $189.3 billion in revenue by the end of 2021, supported by a permanent shift in consumer spending habits and a total player base of 2.8 billion people.
Cloud gaming is expected to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time in 2021, while 5G-ready active smartphones are forecasted to grow from 5% in 2020 to 16% (700 million units) by year-end.
Mobile titles such as PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire are increasingly challenging traditional PC giants in esports viewership, marking a significant shift toward mobile-first competitive gaming.
The removal of Apple’s Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) is disrupting mobile marketing strategies and intensifying industry pressure on traditional app store revenue-share models.
Gaming platforms are evolving into 'metaverse' social hubs for non-gaming events, while industry leaders are increasingly prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and reduced toxicity in response to player demand.
Significant market growth is emerging from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with the broader industry trajectory defined by platform convergence and the expansion of gaming IP into general entertainment media.