The PC and console market generated $92.3 billion in 2022, representing a 2.2% year-on-year decline that signals a stabilization toward pre-pandemic levels rather than a long-term downturn.
See it on page 7Microtransactions and downloadable content now account for nearly 50% of total consumer spending, reflecting a fundamental industry shift from product-based sales to a service-oriented model.
See it on page 26Engagement metrics saw a significant contraction in 2022, with total playtime dropping 15% and hardcore player activity falling by 37%.
See it on page 4The industry maintains a massive reach of 1.1 billion PC players and 611 million console players, with 72% of users now engaging across multiple platforms.
See it on page 44Console gaming is projected to be the primary driver of market expansion over the next three years, supported by stabilized hardware supply chains and a dense pipeline of blockbuster releases.
See it on page 51Gaming has evolved into a social lifestyle ecosystem where 75% of players participate in content creation or social activities, and women now comprise 40% of the total audience.
See it on page 35Transmedia strategies and live-service titles like Fortnite and Roblox remain dominant, with media adaptations successfully revitalizing older intellectual properties.
See it on page 13The PC and console gaming market entered a corrective phase in 2022, generating $92.3 billion in revenue despite a 2.2% year-on-year decline and a 15% drop in playtime. This contraction represents a stabilization toward pre-pandemic levels rather than a long-term downturn, as the market still outperformed pre-COVID forecasts by more than $32 billion. While total engagement fell, particularly among hardcore players who reduced playtime by 37%, the industry maintains a massive global audience of 1.1 billion PC and 611 million console players. This foundation is increasingly defined by a shift toward recurring revenue, with microtransactions and downloadable content now accounting for nearly half of all consumer spending.
Market dynamics are currently shaped by the dominance of established live-service titles and the successful integration of transmedia strategies. Games like Fortnite and Roblox continue to lead in monthly active users, while media adaptations have proven effective at revitalizing older intellectual properties. The player base has also become more diverse and socially driven, with women comprising 40% of the audience and 72% of users engaging across multiple platforms. Beyond traditional gameplay, three-quarters of players participate in social activities or content creation, indicating that gaming has evolved into a broader lifestyle ecosystem where multi-platform "core gamers" represent the highest-value consumer segment.
The outlook for 2023 and beyond suggests a robust recovery fueled by stabilized hardware supply chains and a dense schedule of highly anticipated blockbuster releases. While PC revenue is expected to grow steadily, console gaming is positioned as the primary driver of market expansion over the next three years. High consumer awareness for upcoming major titles, combined with the continued pivot toward hybrid monetization and cross-media expansion, points toward a resilient industry capable of sustaining growth well above historical norms. This trajectory reinforces the transition of the sector from a product-based model to a service-oriented landscape defined by long-term engagement and social connectivity.
