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Mobile Games: State of the Market

The mobile gaming market in the first half of 2023 is characterized by a general decline in downloads and revenue across most genres, despite continued dominance in the broader application economy. Mobile games currently account for 29.6% of total app downloads and 51% of total revenue. The analysis, based on data from 37 countries across the App Store and Google Play, reveals a significant platform divergence: Google Play secures 88.6% of downloads, while the App Store generates 56.3% of total revenue. Geographically, India remains the largest market for downloads with a 15.29% share, followed by Brazil and the United States. In terms of revenue, the United States leads with $5.71 billion, followed by Japan and China. While the RPG genre remains the largest revenue generator, it has experienced a gradual decline over the past two years, falling from $5.9 billion in the first half of 2022 to $4.4 billion in the same period of 2023. Casual games maintain the largest download share in most Western markets, whereas Action and Strategy genres show higher resonance in regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The advertising landscape shows a shift toward video content, which now accounts for 72% of all gaming creatives. Although the total number of advertisers on Android saw a slight decrease, the gaming sector specifically experienced a 22% year-over-year growth in the number of advertisers. In total, gaming apps generated 8.9 million creatives during this period, representing 56% of all mobile advertising creatives. Top-performing titles like Subway Surfers and Roblox continue to lead in downloads, while Coin Master and Honor of Kings remain top revenue earners across their respective platforms.

market-analysis mobile global

AppticaJan 2023

Report

Mobile Growth & Monetization Report 2023

The mobile gaming landscape in 2023 reflects a strategic pivot toward operational efficiency as developers navigate softening in-app purchase (IAP) and advertising revenues. Success currently hinges on capturing player interest within the first 14 days, a critical window where 77% of all conversions occur. To capitalize on this timeframe, monetization strategies emphasize low-friction price points between $1.01 and $5.00, with high-performing assets such as virtual currencies, limited-time bundles, and sales generating over 56% of total IAP revenue. Beyond direct purchases, the integration of rewarded video ads and offerwalls has become essential for sustaining non-paying user bases. Strategic ad placement between levels or within game lobbies yields the highest engagement, particularly when incentivized by currency or gacha mechanics. Offerwalls, in particular, represent a significant growth lever, contributing 33% of total ad revenue for games utilizing multi-faceted monetization. These tools also serve as powerful retention drivers; players engaging with offerwalls demonstrate a 14% retention rate at Day 90, vastly outperforming the 3% rate seen among non-converters. From a global marketing perspective, hypercasual advertising remains the most effective conversion engine across the majority of gaming genres. Advertisers are increasingly looking toward high-value Tier-2 markets, noting exceptional click-through rates for sports titles in Japan and trivia games in South Korea. Furthermore, the adoption of Custom Store Pages is emerging as a vital tactic for improving return on investment, particularly within the puzzle, casino, and lifestyle segments. These findings underscore a broader industry trend toward data-driven personalization and diversified revenue streams to maintain long-term player lifetime value.

monetization user-acquisition player-behavior+2

UnityJan 2023

Report

Fashion & Beauty Trends: How Gen Z Express Themselves in Immersive Spaces

This analysis explores the evolving relationship between digital identity, fashion, and physical self-expression among Gen Z consumers. The primary thesis asserts that digital avatars have become a central medium for authentic self-expression, significantly influencing physical world style, brand affinity, and mental well-being. As immersive spaces transition from mere gaming environments to social hubs, the distinction between digital and physical identity continues to blur, with a majority of users now prioritizing their virtual appearance over their physical one. The findings are based on a dual methodology: behavioral data from the Roblox platform collected between January and September 2023, and a representative survey of 1,545 Gen Z users aged 14 to 26 in the United States and the United Kingdom. Key data points reveal a significant upward trend in engagement; total avatar updates grew 38% year-over-year to 165 billion, while purchases of digital fashion items rose 15% to 1.6 billion. Notably, 56% of Gen Z respondents stated that styling their avatar is more important than styling their physical selves, an increase from 42% in the previous year. The research highlights a symbiotic relationship between realms, with 84% of respondents noting that their physical style is inspired by their avatar’s look. This digital-to-physical pipeline extends to commerce, as 84% of users are likely to consider a brand in the physical world after trying its items virtually. The report also emphasizes the psychological benefits of these spaces, with 88% of users crediting immersive expression with helping them feel more comfortable in the physical world. Industry segments covered include digital fashion, beauty, and music, noting a growing demand for exclusivity through limited-edition digital goods and community-created content. Overall, the data suggests that the metaverse is functioning as a low-stakes laboratory for identity, driving broader trends in gender-fluid fashion and diverse representation.

market-analysis player-demographics global+1

RobloxJan 2023

Report

Game Development Report 2023

The global game development landscape is currently undergoing a fundamental transition driven by escalating project complexity and the widespread adoption of live service models. With 95% of studios now pursuing or planning live service strategies, the industry faces a critical mismatch between traditional production pipelines and the need for rapid, iterative release cycles. Rising development costs affect 77% of studios, fueled by consumer demands for AAA quality and the technical debt inherent in maintaining custom middleware. Consequently, 88% of developers are actively seeking new technological solutions to address systemic inefficiencies, particularly regarding long build times and fragmented collaborative 3D art pipelines. To mitigate these challenges, there is a significant shift toward a "buy vs. build" philosophy, with 65% of studios prioritizing off-the-shelf tools over proprietary systems to accelerate time-to-market. Modern development is increasingly adopting SaaS-inspired DevOps practices, modular architectures, and automated testing to improve developer velocity and ensure the stability required for live operations. These infrastructure investments are viewed as vital business drivers, as technical outages or defects in a live service environment result in immediate player churn and revenue loss. The industry's future growth depends on the integration of emerging technologies such as cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence to streamline content creation and enhance player experiences. As market saturation and production risks intensify, the move toward agile, software-centric engineering practices represents a necessary departure from legacy norms. Studios that successfully leverage these innovations to reduce technical debt and improve production sophistication are positioned to become the next generation of category leaders in an increasingly competitive global market.

market-analysis live-ops monetization+1

Rendered VCJan 2023

Report

5 Mobile App Predictions for 2024

The mobile app market is poised for a transformative year in 2024, characterized by the integration of artificial intelligence, a shift in social media monetization, and a rebound in gaming expenditures. This analysis, based on proprietary market estimates and historical data, identifies five critical trends that will define the industry landscape. The findings suggest that while macroeconomic headwinds have previously constrained growth, strategic pivots toward direct consumer monetization and AI-driven functionality are creating new avenues for revenue. A primary driver of 2024 growth is the proliferation of generative AI, with 2.3 billion downloads expected to feature AI-integrated functionality. This represents a 40% year-over-year increase, fueled by the rapid adoption of chatbots and photo-editing tools. Simultaneously, the mobile gaming sector is projected to recover from recent declines, with consumer spending expected to reach $111.4 billion—a 4% year-over-year increase. The United States, Japan, and South Korea are identified as the primary engines for this recovery, with RPG and match-based genres leading the growth. The social media landscape is undergoing a structural shift as microblogging platforms face declining daily active users in favor of video-first platforms. TikTok is positioned to become the highest-grossing app in history, projected to surpass $14.6 billion in lifetime consumer spend. This success is driving a broader industry trend where social networks are moving away from pure ad-based models toward in-app purchases and creator-tipping features. Media-sharing networks are expected to see a 152% increase in consumer spend, reaching $1.3 billion as platforms increasingly shift costs from advertisers to end-users. These trends collectively indicate a move toward more diversified, direct-to-consumer revenue streams across the global mobile ecosystem.

market-forecast market-analysis mobile+1

data.aiJan 2023

Report

Fashion & Beauty Trends: How Gen Z Express Themselves in Immersive Spaces 2023

The 2023 analysis of digital expression among Generation Z demonstrates that immersive platforms have become the primary arena for personal style and identity formation. Across the year, more than half of Gen Z respondents now prioritize styling their avatars over physical clothing, and a substantial majority regard digital fashion as at least somewhat important, with over half noting a marked increase in relevance since the previous year. This shift is reflected in a 38 percent rise in avatar updates, reaching 165 billion actions, and a 15 percent growth in the purchase of virtual fashion items, totaling 1.6 billion transactions. Monthly spending on digital looks clusters between ten and one hundred dollars, driven especially by limited‑edition pieces that command significant resale premiums. Customization behavior reveals a strong focus on clothing and hair, each selected by roughly half of users, while a sizable portion aligns skin tone and body type with their real‑world appearance. Daily or weekly avatar adjustments are reported by 70 percent of participants, with female‑identifying and non‑binary players leading the trend. Hairstyle purchases alone surged 20 percent to exceed 139 million items, underscoring the depth of aesthetic investment. Beyond consumption, Gen Z leverages these spaces for co‑creation and personal development. Collaborative projects such as a Fenty Beauty product that amassed over one million community votes and student‑driven translations of digital runway concepts into physical garments illustrate the platform’s role as an incubator for fashion innovation. Moreover, 88 percent of respondents claim virtual self‑expression enhances their offline identity, while notable percentages report improved social connections, mood, and confidence, suggesting tangible mental‑health benefits. Industry forecasts anticipate that leading fashion talent will increasingly emerge from these immersive environments, positioning digital platforms as pivotal to the future of fashion and beauty.

market-analysis global roblox+2

RobloxJan 2023

Whitepaper

Global Mobile Game & App (Non‑Game) Marketing White Paper 2022

The global mobile landscape in 2022 was defined by a 17.5% year-on-year increase in quarterly advertisers despite a 16% decline in total creative volume. This shift indicates a transition toward more dynamic, high-frequency marketing strategies, with over 90% of advertisers launching new creatives each quarter. While North America maintained the largest advertiser base, markets in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan exhibited the highest creative output per advertiser. Android remained the dominant platform for volume, often doubling the creative output of iOS, though iOS advertisers grew to represent 40% of the market by year-end. The gaming sector experienced a notable decoupling of engagement and monetization. Genres such as strategy, simulation, and casual games saw year-over-year download growth ranging from 8% to 10%, yet simultaneously faced revenue declines between 9% and 16%. To combat rising user acquisition costs and falling revenues, developers increasingly adopted "Casual + X" strategies. This trend involved integrating hyper-casual mini-games—such as "save the dog" puzzles or line-drawing mechanics—into the marketing funnels of complex RPG and strategy titles to lower costs and broaden appeal. Hybrid-casual titles also emerged as a significant force, utilizing Roguelike mechanics and high-volume video ads to bridge the gap between traditional casual play and deeper monetization. In the non-game sector, advertising activity peaked in the fourth quarter, driven largely by utility tools, shopping, and educational applications. Video content remained the primary medium, accounting for over 70% of creatives across most global regions. Major players like TikTok and Duolingo maintained market leadership through exceptionally high creative refresh rates, often exceeding 95% new content. Regionally, Southeast Asia and Turkey showed a heavy reliance on Android and localized "big hit" formulas, while the United States and Japan remained the primary drivers of global revenue. Looking forward, the industry is shifting toward story-centric strategies and user-generated content to navigate a privacy-first environment. With the implementation of SKAdNetwork 4.0 and the impending Android Privacy Sandbox, marketers are moving away from granular user-level targeting in favor of Media Mix Modeling. The prevailing conclusion is that long-term lifetime value and diversified monetization models are now essential to offset rising platform costs and tightening media budgets.

marketing market-analysis global+1

SocialPetaJan 2023

Report

Misleading (Non-Core) Gameplay Ads Research 2023

The prevalence and perception of non-core gameplay advertisements, often categorized as misleading, represent a significant shift in mobile gaming marketing strategies. Based on a 2023 survey of 5,212 respondents across the United States, Japan, Europe, and Brazil, findings indicate that a vast majority of gamers have encountered these ads. Recognition is highest in the United States at 91%, while other regions range between 71% and 77%. Despite the controversial nature of these promotions, approximately 75% of players in Western markets and 70% in Japan and Brazil admit that the mechanics showcased in these ads are often more fascinating than the actual core gameplay of the advertised titles. The research challenges the assumption that misleading ads lead to immediate user churn. Between 35% and 46% of gamers reported they would continue playing a game despite the discrepancy, choosing to evaluate the product on its own merits rather than the accuracy of the advertisement. Players generally understand that developers use these tactics to inflate download numbers and revenue or to revitalize interest in older titles. The most appealing elements of these ads are the specific gameplay mechanics and puzzles, while user interface and new features hold the least draw. Notable titles associated with this phenomenon include Hero Wars, various "Scapes" games, and Evony. Demographic data reveals that the modern gaming audience is maturing, with nearly 10% of U.S. gamers over the age of 60 and less than 2.5% of the global sample under 18. Regional preferences vary significantly; casual titles dominate the U.S. market, while RPGs and complex math-based mechanics are preferred in Japan. In Europe and Brazil, competitive RPG and MMORPG genres lead in popularity. While engagement is high in the West, with many playing over 18 hours weekly, nearly half of Japanese respondents play for less than four hours per week. Ultimately, the industry is seeing a blurring of lines as developers integrate these advertised mini-games into their products to transition from "misleading" to "non-core" content.

monetization in-game-advertising player-behavior+1

NextersJan 2023

Report

Gaming Report 2023

The global gaming industry in 2023 is defined by a strategic shift toward development efficiency and long-term player retention. Studios are increasingly prioritizing speed to market, with 62% of indie developers now shipping titles in under a year. This acceleration is largely fueled by the widespread adoption of premade assets and a reduction in average developer hours. While large studios are expanding their reach through a 16% increase in multiplatform development, indie studios remain predominantly focused on single-platform desktop releases. Simultaneously, there is a notable pivot toward mobile production, where global daily active users have risen by 8% despite a slight decline in the number of paying players. Monetization strategies are evolving to address this shift in player behavior, moving toward a balanced model where ad-supported structures and in-app purchases hold nearly equal weight. To ensure financial viability, 70% of studios now integrate monetization and LiveOps within the first 30 days of development. This early focus on the product lifecycle has contributed to a 33% increase in the average game lifespan, supported by frequent core content updates and a 27% rise in battle pass adoption. Emerging markets, particularly in regions like Kazakhstan, are driving a 15.7% year-over-year increase in total game builds, signaling a lower barrier to entry for new creators. Looking forward, the industry is embracing generative AI and user-generated content to streamline workflows and deepen engagement. The rise of "hybrid-casual" mobile games reflects a broader trend of blending accessible mechanics with sophisticated retention loops. Success in the current economic climate requires rigorous scope control and a transition from simple user acquisition to the maintenance of long-term player relationships. By leveraging achievements, community building, and real-time operational updates, developers are successfully extending the relevance and profitability of their titles in an increasingly competitive global market.

market-analysis global mobile+2

UnityJan 2023

Report

Hybrid Casual Games Playbook

The mobile gaming landscape is undergoing a significant shift as developers move from hypercasual to hybridcasual models. This evolution combines the simple, accessible mechanics of hypercasual titles with the sophisticated progression and monetization strategies typically found in mid-core games. The primary thesis is that hybridcasual games offer a more sustainable business model by prioritizing long-term user engagement and diversified revenue streams, specifically balancing advertisements with in-app purchases (IAPs). Data from 2022 highlights this trend, showing a 3% increase in hybridcasual downloads to 5 billion, while hypercasual downloads saw a 15% decrease. Hybridcasual titles demonstrate superior retention and engagement metrics; for instance, top-performing games in this category achieved a 54% Day 1 retention rate and a 9% Day 60 retention rate, significantly outperforming hypercasual benchmarks. Furthermore, average session lengths for hybridcasual games reached 372 seconds, nearly 75% longer than their hypercasual counterparts. The geographic scope is global, focusing on the mobile industry throughout 2021 and 2022. Methodology involves a comparative analysis of top-performing titles across various subgenres, including Arcade Idle, Tower Defense, and Battle games. Case studies, such as Zombie Defense and Aquarium Land, illustrate that successful hybridization can increase IAP revenue to 35% of total earnings and boost lifetime value (LTV) by optimizing game economies through rigorous A/B testing. Key conclusions suggest that developers must deepen the "metagame" by adding narrative elements, social features, and complex progression to maintain interest. The transition to hybridcasual requires a strategic shift in focus toward metrics like Day 30 retention and "whale" potential. By simplifying core mechanics while layering in strategic depth, developers can attract a broader audience and achieve higher profitability through a balanced 50/50 split between ad revenue and IAPs.

market-analysis game-design monetization+2

Sensor TowerJan 2023

Report

Insights into Marketing Trends of Global Mobile Apps

The global mobile app marketing landscape in the first half of 2023 was defined by intense competition and a decisive shift toward dynamic content. Over 93% of the approximately 170,000 active advertisers launched new creatives during this period, with emerging markets in Africa and South Asia exhibiting the highest creative density. Android emerged as the primary platform for this activity, accounting for over 70% of total creatives. Video content has solidified its dominance, representing 45% of total ad impressions globally and reaching as high as 72% in the Middle East, while traditional static image performance continues to decline. Sector-specific trends highlight a massive AI-driven boom in tool apps, which saw year-over-year advertiser growth exceeding 100% across all tracked regions. While entertainment and social apps continue to lead in revenue and downloads across North America and Southeast Asia, the Middle East has surfaced as a high-potential market characterized by a young demographic and high digital engagement. In contrast, the reading app sector has reached a stage of maturity, relying on high creative refresh rates and established intellectual properties to sustain market share in an increasingly crowded environment. Technological innovation, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality, is fundamentally altering user engagement. AI-integrated tools and "Social+" entertainment platforms are attracting heavy investment in Tier-1 markets, while AR is transitioning from a novelty to a core marketing medium. With over 300 million daily AR users already active on major social platforms, projections suggest that nearly 75% of the global population will be regular AR users by 2025. This shift is driven by the high visual attention and trust associated with immersive formats, which offer significantly higher receptivity compared to traditional digital advertising methods.

marketing advertising global+1

SocialPetaJan 2023

Report

Mobile Ad Creative Index

The mobile advertising landscape in 2023 is defined by a strategic shift toward high-performing creative formats as advertisers navigate macroeconomic pressures and evolving privacy regulations. Despite these challenges, mobile ad revenue continues to grow, driven by the efficiency of specific ad types tailored to distinct industry verticals. Native ads emerge as the most cost-effective format overall, boasting a $1.01 cost-per-install and delivering a leading 18% Day 7 return on ad spend within the gaming sector. Meanwhile, playable ads have established themselves as the premier tool for driving gaming installs, while banner ads remain the dominant force in e-commerce due to their low cost-per-action and high conversion rates. Performance metrics across finance, entertainment, and social applications further underscore the importance of format selection. Native and banner ads provide the lowest entry costs for social and dating apps, yet interstitial and video formats yield significantly higher short-term returns, reaching up to 44% Day 7 return on ad spend. Creative strategies are increasingly moving away from lifestyle imagery in favor of clean, user-interface-focused designs. Implementing multi-page ad experiences has proven particularly effective, resulting in a 20% increase in installs per mille. Optimization now relies on a sophisticated blend of interactivity and narrative depth. Interactive playable ads serve a dual purpose by engaging users and gathering valuable audience data, while longer video segments of 31 to 60 seconds drive 50% higher conversions by showcasing complex mechanics and storytelling. Furthermore, the integration of authentic user-generated content that focuses on problem-solving builds necessary trust with modern consumers. By aligning creative content with specific psychological motivations—such as competition or exploration—advertisers can maximize engagement and emotional connection across global mobile markets.

market-analysis advertising creative-ads+1

LiftoffJan 2023

Report

State of Mobile 2023

The global mobile landscape in 2022 was characterized by record-breaking engagement and a strategic shift in monetization despite a cooling macroeconomic environment. While total consumer spend experienced a slight 2% contraction to $167 billion—primarily due to a 5% decline in mobile gaming expenditures—user engagement reached an all-time high of five hours per day. This period marked a transition where non-gaming services, particularly short-form video, OTT streaming, and dating apps, demonstrated significant resilience. Mobile advertising continued its upward trajectory, reaching $336 billion, while the travel and food sectors fully recovered to or exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Geographically, the market remains bifurcated between established high-spend regions like the United States and high-growth emerging markets in APAC and LATAM. The U.S. continues to lead in health, fitness, and sports betting monetization, while Chinese publishers have expanded their global footprint to capture one-third of total gaming spend. Inflationary pressures significantly altered consumer behavior in the finance and retail sectors; while cryptocurrency adoption plummeted, there was a 44% surge in cash advance apps and a marked increase in "Buy Now, Pay Later" services and coupon-based shopping. Demographic trends reveal a diversifying user base where Gen Z and female users drive growth in social and simulation categories, while older demographics favor puzzle genres and telehealth services. TikTok emerged as a dominant economic force, becoming only the second non-game app to surpass $6 billion in lifetime spend. As the industry moves into 2023, the focus is shifting toward diversified revenue streams, with social platforms increasingly adopting subscription models and retail brands prioritizing digital loyalty programs to maintain momentum in a volatile global economy.

market-analysis monetization user-acquisition+1

data.aiJan 2023

Financial

Gaming Report: VC Trends and Emerging Opportunities 2023

The report examines global gaming venture capital activity in 2023, focusing on Q4 performance and broader industry trends. In the fourth quarter, 126 deals raised $1.0 billion, a modest 0.8 % increase in deal count and 10.4 % rise in value versus the prior quarter, yet both metrics fell sharply year‑over‑year by 17.6 % and 15.5 %. Cumulative 2023 activity reached $4.1 billion, the second‑lowest annual figure since 2017 and only slightly above 2019 levels. The data, sourced from PitchBook, cover all geographic regions and include studios, publishers, developer tools, SaaS platforms, and content segments. Key findings reveal that content‑related startups attracted the largest share of capital in Q4 ($438.4 million across 71 deals), followed by development firms ($288.7 million, 29 deals). Other segments—access, monetization, and gambling—experienced subdued activity. The report notes a shift in investor focus toward more mature business models such as SaaS and developer tools, reflecting the high capital intensity of game development. Methodologically, the analysis aggregates PitchBook’s deal database, reporting both quarterly and cumulative figures. It also highlights notable early‑stage deals (e.g., Stability AI, Leonardo.ai) and strategic acquirers (Unity, Sony Interactive Entertainment). The document concludes that while overall VC enthusiasm has cooled from the Web3 and metaverse peaks of 2020‑22, investment remains concentrated in content creation and developer tooling, suggesting a more realistic, sustainable growth trajectory for the gaming ecosystem.

market-analysis investment global

PitchBookJan 2023

Report

A New Era of Engagement in Media & Entertainment

The media and entertainment landscape is undergoing a fundamental generational shift toward active engagement, characterized by a seamless blend of physical and digital activities. Younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, are leading this transition by prioritizing interactive experiences over passive consumption. For the first time, Gen Z spends more time on video games and virtual worlds, averaging 12.2 hours per week, than on traditional broadcast or subscription television. This demographic also demonstrates a high level of creative participation, with 68% identifying as digital creators and spending three times more hours on user-generated content than Gen X. Video games have emerged as the primary driver of this engagement, commanding a 72% active participation rate among US consumers. While movies and series still lead in total weekly volume at 17 hours, the gap is narrowing as gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox evolve into holistic entertainment hubs. These virtual spaces now serve as venues for socializing, attending concerts, and digital commerce, effectively functioning as early iterations of a persistent metaverse. This shift is further evidenced by the success of transmedia franchises and cross-media intellectual property strategies that bridge the gap between gaming, film, and music. The future of the industry lies in the convergence of physical and digital worlds through interoperable 3D spaces that foster deeper fandom. Brands are increasingly integrating into these ecosystems through digital collectibles and in-game partnerships to capture the attention of younger consumers. High-profile investments in virtual fashion and NFTs underscore the growing economic value of digital assets within these environments. Ultimately, the industry is moving away from a model of passive viewership toward one defined by persistent, interactive, and creator-driven experiences that unify physical and virtual identities.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

NewzooJan 2023

Report

State of the Game Development Industry 2023: Workplace Health & HR Culture, Mental Trends

The global game development industry entered a period of profound instability throughout 2023, characterized by widespread layoffs affecting 28% of the workforce and a pervasive crisis of employee loyalty. This volatility is reflected in a negative Employee Net Promoter Score of -19%, signaling deep-seated dissatisfaction across the sector. While economic recalibration and management failures are the primary drivers of this distress, only 3% of job losses are currently attributed to AI automation. Instead, the workplace is increasingly defined by "quiet hiring" practices, where 37% of employees take on expanded responsibilities without additional compensation, often coupled with unpaid overtime and insufficient severance packages. Despite these hardships, remote and hybrid work models have become the industry standard, with 80% of professionals operating outside traditional office environments. Job seekers now prioritize salary, remote flexibility, and skill development above all else. However, a significant disconnect exists between employer expectations and worker reality. While 88% of firms prioritize industry expertise and portfolios over formal education, they simultaneously struggle to fill high-level specialist roles. This talent gap is exacerbated by a competitive market where 50% of professionals find suitable opportunities scarce, particularly entry-level candidates and marginalized groups who face heightened barriers to entry. The most critical factor for improving retention and workplace culture is managerial mindfulness, specifically ethical leadership and empathy. Despite its statistical importance to employee satisfaction, only 13% of companies provide leadership training in these areas. As 70% of professionals report general dissatisfaction and 34% of companies have scaled back hiring, the industry faces a structural imbalance. Success in the current landscape requires a shift away from traditional recruitment and toward fostering supportive environments that address the mental health and professional growth of a demoralized workforce.

employment salary diversity-inclusion+1

80 LevelJan 2023

Financial

H1'23 Gaming Deals Report: Navigating Turbulence

The analysis evaluates global gaming‑sector deal activity for the first half of 2023, contrasting it with the same periods in 2020‑2022 to gauge the impact of a deteriorating macro‑economic environment. Private capital contracted sharply, delivering only $1.5 billion across 239 transactions—a 24 % drop in deal count and a five‑fold reduction in total value relative to H1 2022, with early‑stage pre‑seed and seed rounds bearing the brunt of the decline. Late‑stage venture financing also cooled, as investors faced limited exit pathways and softer valuations, resulting in just 12 late‑stage deals and a cumulative $40 million in capital. Mergers and acquisitions mirrored the private‑investment slump, with deal volume falling to 71 closures and aggregate value collapsing to $0.9 billion, a 31‑fold decrease versus the prior year. Strategic buyers shifted focus to internal restructuring and asset carve‑outs, while public‑market activity remained muted; only 30 listings or PIPEs were recorded, though U.S. markets showed tentative recovery compared with persistently weak European activity. Geographically, North America dominated early‑stage financing (24 deals, $138.7 million) and Western Europe contributed a modest share, while Eastern Europe, MENA and Latin America saw limited participation. Corporate investors executed a comparable number of deals to 2022 (15 versus 17) but at markedly lower total spend, reflecting a strategic pivot toward cost optimisation. Data derive from InvestGame’s closed‑transaction database, supplemented by S&P Capital IQ, and exclude gambling, betting and non‑gaming entities. The scope covers global gaming firms across PC, console, mobile and emerging VR/AR platforms, tracking deal types from seed rounds to control‑changing M&As for the period Q1‑Q2 2023.

investment market-analysis global

InvestGameJan 2023

Report

Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry: Power of Play 2023

The global video game industry, represented by various national trade associations, highlights the multifaceted benefits of gaming beyond mere entertainment. Drawing on a 2023 survey of nearly 13,000 players across 12 countries—including the United States, Brazil, South Korea, and several European nations—the findings demonstrate that video games serve as vital tools for mental health, social connection, and cognitive development. The data is further supported by approximately 15 academic studies that validate player experiences with scientific research on psychological and physiological well-being. Key findings indicate that while fun remains the primary motivator for play, 71% of global players use games to relieve stress and 62% use them to reduce anxiety. The social dimension of gaming is equally significant; 67% of respondents believe games bring people together, and nearly half have met a significant other or close friend through gaming platforms. Beyond emotional support, players report improvements in creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive skills. Academic research cited in the report corroborates these claims, suggesting that action games can improve reading skills and attention control, while specific titles like Tetris or "exergames" can mitigate trauma symptoms or reduce loneliness in older adults. The scope of the research is global, covering diverse markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Methodology involved an interactive online survey conducted by AudienceNet, utilizing demographically representative samples of active gamers aged 16 and older who play at least one hour per week. By combining large-scale consumer data with peer-reviewed academic literature, the analysis concludes that video games provide a unique, high-quality environment for social interaction and mental stimulation that is not easily replicated by other forms of media.

player-behavior market-analysis global

Entertainment Software AssociationJan 2023

Report

Mobile Games: State of the Market & Playtime Benchmarks Q3 2023

The analysis of Q3 2023 mobile gaming activity reveals a global market that contracted 14.4 % year‑over‑year, with total downloads falling to 1.54 billion. iOS and Android account for roughly one‑fifth and three‑tenths of the download share, respectively. Revenue follows a similar split: iOS generated $5.91 billion (56 % of total), while Android contributed $4.64 billion (44 %). The most lucrative genres on both platforms are RPG, strategy and casual titles. Geographically, the United States dominates downloads (1.28 billion) and revenue ($2.92 billion), while Japan and South Korea exhibit the strongest growth, with South Korea’s revenue reaching $2.03 billion—constituting 59 % of the combined six‑country revenue ($6.25 billion). In the UK, US and Japan together account for 59 % of global mobile gaming income. Country‑specific insights highlight the cross‑platform appeal of “Monopoly GO!” and “Coin Master.” In France, “Monopoly GO!” leads downloads on both Android (1.4 M) and iOS (1 M), whereas “Coin Master” dominates revenue. Germany’s top downloaders are “Subway Surfers” and “Monopoly GO!,” but revenue is driven by “Coin Master” and “Royal Match.” The UK mirrors France’s download pattern, with “Monopoly GO!” again topping the charts and “Coin Master” leading earnings. Playtime data, though not fully detailed in the download/revenue tables, indicate that iOS users spend 5–10 minutes more per session than Android users. Card games emerge as the most engaging genre, averaging approximately 42 minutes of daily play, with “Candy Crush Saga” consistently ranking highest in playtime across all markets.

market-analysis player-behavior mobile+1

AppticaJan 2023

Financial

Gaming Deals Report: 2023

The Gaming Deals Report for 2023 documents a pronounced contraction in the sector’s deal activity. Private investment fell to $2.7 billion, with 403 deals executed—down from a peak of 567 in 2021. M&A activity, while still substantial at $78.2 billion, experienced a 43 % drop in closed transactions (121 versus 221 in 2022). Public offerings rebounded modestly to $4.2 billion after a sharp dip in 2021, largely driven by the Microsoft‑Activision acquisition. Late‑stage rounds and corporate co‑investments remain the most active segments, underscoring a shift toward consolidation and strategic partnerships. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a steady growth driver rather than a disruptive shock. From 2020 to 2023, AI‑related deals totaled 29 transactions with a combined value of $5.6 billion, surpassing blockchain and esports investment volumes. The data indicate that AI is increasingly viewed as a long‑term productivity enhancer and strategic growth lever, while web3 ventures remain niche and esports continues to struggle with monetisation. The report’s scope covers global gaming industry transactions over the 2023 calendar year, encompassing private equity, venture capital, M&A, and public offerings across all major market segments. It highlights key trends in deal flow, capital allocation, and sectoral investment priorities, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s evolving financial landscape.

mergers-acquisitions investment market-analysis+1

InvestGameJan 2023