Global games spending reached a record $199.4 billion in 2024, a 3.5% year-over-year increase, with projections stabilizing near $200 billion in 2025.
See it on page 10The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is projected to generate $7–8 billion in upside and reach 103 million units sold by 2030.
See it on page 16The delay of GTA VI is expected to reduce 2025 console spending by $2.7 billion, creating a strategic window for other publishers to capture holiday market share.
See it on page 11Publishers are mitigating slower growth by prioritizing high-margin, low-cost strategies such as remasters and remakes, alongside diversifying platforms and hybrid monetization models.
See it on page 32Emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, combined with untapped demographic cohorts like 16–24-year-old females and players aged 55+, represent the primary opportunities for future expansion.
See it on page 20The gaming sector currently maintains an economic footprint nine times larger than the recorded music industry, despite remaining smaller than the broader video-related entertainment market.
See it on page 14Global games spending reached a record $199.4 bn in 2024, rising 3.5 % year‑over‑year and projected to stabilize near $200 bn in 2025 with modest growth thereafter. The sector remains smaller than the broader video‑related entertainment market but is nine times larger than recorded music, underscoring its expanding economic footprint. Key growth levers include a $7‑8 bn upside from Nintendo’s Switch 2, which is expected to sell 103 million units by 2030, and an additional $1‑2 bn from enhanced in‑game monetisation. Emerging markets—particularly the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia—offer significant upside driven by youthful, mobile‑savvy populations.
The launch delay of GTA VI is anticipated to shave $2.7 bn from 2025 console spend, creating a sales window for other publishers and Nintendo to capture holiday‑season revenue. Untapped consumer cohorts, such as 16‑24 year‑old females and players aged 55+, represent further opportunities for market expansion.
Publishers are responding to slower growth by shifting toward higher‑margin, low‑cost strategies. Remasters and remakes—examples include *Resident Evil 4* and the *Final Fantasy VII* remake—are becoming primary revenue engines. Simultaneously, platform diversification across PC, console, and direct‑to‑consumer web stores, coupled with hybrid monetisation models that blend advertising, in‑app purchases, and subscriptions, are being tested to optimise returns. Expanding intellectual property into music, merchandising, and cloud‑gaming subscriptions further unlocks value from dormant franchises.
