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PCF Group S.A. announced on 27 September 2021 that its board adopted an updated development strategy for the company and its capital group. The update builds on a prospectus approved by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority in November 2020 and introduces three key expansion directions. First, the group plans to broaden its game portfolio by adding AA titles that can be produced more quickly and at lower budgets while maintaining quality comparable to Triple‑A releases. Second, it aims to develop AAA and AA games in new genres beyond its current focus on shooters and action titles, incorporating RPG elements. Third, the strategy includes acquiring or partnering with new production teams or companies that operate in these newly targeted segments.

The overarching objective is to position the group as one of the world’s leading independent development studios, with a target of releasing at least one new title annually from 2024 onward under either publisher collaboration or self‑publishing models. The update does not alter the existing strategic goals; it confirms the continued dual model of producing multiple Triple‑A games in partnership with major global publishers while expanding self‑publishing efforts for AAA titles based on existing or newly created intellectual property. The strategy therefore seeks to diversify genre offerings, streamline production pipelines for AA titles, and strengthen the group’s global competitive standing through both external partnerships and internal publishing capabilities.

The report announces that PCF Group S.A., headquartered in Warsaw, entered into a non‑binding Letter of Intent on 17 June 2023 with a prominent U.S. entertainment company to develop a virtual‑reality action/combat video game under the code name “Dolphin.” The intent is to negotiate a production agreement with a publisher or its affiliate, under which PCF will act as a work‑for‑hire developer. The publisher’s total budget for the project is estimated between 16 million and 24 million USD, with intellectual property rights ultimately belonging to the publisher within contractual limits. Development is projected to conclude in 2025, with release planned for current and future leading VR hardware platforms. The report clarifies that signing the Letter of Intent does not guarantee a final production contract, and further details will be disclosed in a separate public update. The scope covers the U.S. entertainment partner and global VR platforms, focusing on action/combat gameplay. No survey or statistical methodology is cited; the information derives from corporate governance announcements and contractual estimates.

The report announces the official release date for the virtual‑reality title “Bulletstorm VR,” previously known by its code name “Thunder.” The announcement, issued by the board of PCF Group S.A. on 22 August 2023, confirms that the game will launch on 14 December 2023. Distribution channels include the META Oculus Store, Sony PlayStation Store, and Steam, ensuring multi‑platform availability across major VR ecosystems. The release decision follows a prior interim report dated 13 December 2021, indicating that the company has maintained a consistent communication cadence regarding its VR portfolio. The document cites Article 17(1) of the MAR Regulation as the legal basis for the disclosure, underscoring compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. No additional data on sales projections, target demographics, or regional rollout specifics are provided; the focus remains strictly on the release date and platform distribution. The concise nature of the communication suggests that the primary objective is to inform stakeholders, regulators, and potential consumers of the finalized launch schedule. The report’s brevity and formal tone reflect standard corporate disclosure practices for product release announcements within the gaming industry.

The report announces a postponement of the release date for the virtual‑reality title “Bulletstorm VR.” Originally slated for 14 December 2023, the launch has been rescheduled to 18 January 2024. The decision was taken by the board of PCF Group S.A., Warsaw, on 17 November 2023, following consultations with the development team at Incuvo S.A. and the company’s publishing staff. The primary rationale for the delay is to grant additional development time, ensuring that the final product meets player expectations and maximizes commercial potential. The announcement is framed within the legal context of Article 17(1) of Regulation MAR, underscoring compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. The scope is limited to the Polish market and pertains specifically to the VR gaming segment, with no broader geographic or temporal coverage indicated. No quantitative data or survey methodology is provided; the communication focuses solely on the administrative decision and its intended impact on product quality and sales prospects.

The updated strategy for People Can Fly (PCF Group) marks a transition toward a self-publishing model while maintaining its core expertise in developing high-end shooter games. Having successfully completed its post-IPO objectives, including the expansion of production capacity and the establishment of multiple creative studios across Europe and North America, the company now aims to scale its operations to support the simultaneous development of several ambitious projects. The primary thesis centers on leveraging internal intellectual property and proprietary technology, specifically the PCF Framework and Unreal Engine 5, to deliver high-quality gaming experiences while capturing a larger share of revenue through self-publishing.

Key operational findings highlight a shift from a single-project focus to a multi-project production model supported by over 600 employees. The company has implemented agile methodologies and Centers of Excellence to improve efficiency and risk management. Financial targets are aggressive, with a goal of reaching 3.0 billion PLN in total revenue between 2023 and 2027. To achieve this, PCF plans to release six games over the next four years, focusing on the Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model to ensure long-term player engagement and recurring revenue. Projects currently in development include Gemini, Dagger, Bifrost, Victoria, and Thunder, with a mix of work-for-hire and self-published titles.

The scope of this strategy covers global operations across seven studios, including locations in Warsaw, Rzeszów, Kraków, Katowice, Newcastle, Montreal, and New York. To fund this expansion, the company intends to raise between 205 million and 295 million PLN through a new share issuance. This capital will be directed toward scaling development teams and supporting the production of its self-published portfolio, with no dividend payments expected before 2025.

The BANDAI NAMCO Group develops entertainment-related products and services in a wide range of fields, including toys, arcade game machines, home video game software, visual software, network content, and amusement facilities. In April 2012, we started a Mid-term Plan that includes the vision of “Empower, Gain Momentum, Accelerate Evolution.” Aiming to be No. 1 with strong conviction, we are committed to being the “Leading Innovator in Global Entertainment” and recording strong growth.

FUN AND OUR MISSION “Dreams, Fun and Inspiration” are the Engine of Happiness. Through our entertainment products and services, BANDAI NAMCO will continue to provide “Dreams, Fun and Inspiration” to people around the world, based on our boundless creativity and enthusiasm. As an entertainment leader across the ages, exploring new areas and heights in entertainment.

“Dreams, Fun and Inspiration” are the Engine of Happiness. Through our entertainment products and services, BANDAI NAMCO will continue to provide to people around the world, based on our boundless creativity and enthusiasm. The BANDAI NAMCO Group develops entertainment-related products and services in a wide range of fields, including toys, network content, home video games, arcade games, amusement facilities, and visual and music content.

I N T E G R AT E D R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 develops entertainment-related toys, network content, home video games, amusement machines, amusement facilities, and visual and music content. Under the Mid-term Plan, which was launched in April 2018, the Group aims to achieve “CHANGE” to progress to the next stage, with a Mid-term Vision of CHANGE for the NEXT: Empower, Gain Momentum, and Accelerate Evolution. “Dreams, Fun and Inspiration”are the Engine of Happiness.

01 Consolidated Business Performance / 03 Sales by IPs / Toys and Hobby Unit 05 Network Entertainment Unit 06 Real Entertainment Unit / Visual and Music Production Unit / IP Creation Unit 08 Plastic Model Market / Figure Market / Capsule Toy Market / Card Product Market 09 Candy Toy Market / Children’s Lifestyle (Sundries) Market / Babies’ / Children’s Clothing Market Top Publishers in the Global App Market BANDAI NAMCO Group 10 Home Video Game Market 10 Amusement Machine Market /...

1 BANDAI NAMCO Group Outline 01 Consolidated Business Performance / 03 Sales by IPs / Facts & Figures Entertainment Unit (Digital Business) / Entertainment Unit (Toys and Hobby Business) 06 IP Production Unit (Visual and Music Business / Creation Business) / IP Production Unit (Visual and Music Business) / IP Production Unit (Creation Business) / Amusement Unit Entertainment Unit (Digital Business) 07 Game App Market / Top Publishers in the Global App Market / Home Video Game Market ...

www.bandainamco.co.jp TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Bandai Namco Group Outline 01 Consolidated Business Performance / Entertainment Unit (Digital Business) 04 Entertainment Unit (Toys and Hobby Business) 06 IP Production Unit (Visual and Music Business / Entertainment Unit (Digital Business) Entertainment Unit (Toys and Hobby Business) 09 Plastic Model Market / Figure Market / Capsule Toy Market / Card Product Market Children’s Lifestyle (Sundries) M...

www.bandainamco.co.jp TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Consolidated Business Performance / 03 Sales by IPs / Entertainment Unit (Digital Business) 04 Entertainment Unit (Toys and Hobby Business) 06 IP Production Unit / Amusement Unit Entertainment Unit (Digital Business) 07 Game App Market / Home Video Game Market Entertainment Unit (Toys and Hobby Business) 09 Plastic Model Market / Figure Market / Capsule Toy Market / 10 Candy Toy Market / Children’s Lifestyle (Sundries) Mar...

The global PC and console gaming market is projected to reach $92.7 billion by 2027, driven by a significant recovery in the console sector. While PC growth remains modest at a 2.6% CAGR, the console segment is expected to expand by 7.0%, fueled by the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and blockbuster releases such as Grand Theft Auto VI. Despite a revenue dip in 2024 due to a lighter premium release schedule, total playtime grew by 6%, signaling robust engagement even as market dynamics shift toward a "near zero-sum" competition for player attention.

Player behavior is increasingly characterized by "calcification," where engagement is concentrated into a shrinking pool of established "forever games." Titles aged six years or older now command over 60% of playtime on PC and nearly half on consoles. This consolidation is most visible on PC, where just five legacy titles account for 30% of annual hours. While PlayStation has emerged as a growth leader with a 21% increase in playtime since 2021, the broader trend across all platforms shows players becoming more "unreachable," with a rising share of the audience engaging with only one to three games per year.

To combat stagnation, publishers are increasingly leveraging "recursive nostalgia" by reintroducing classic maps and mechanics. While this strategy yielded massive engagement spikes for Fortnite, its effectiveness varies, often serving as a short-term boost rather than a long-term retention tool unless structured as a permanent gameplay mode. Furthermore, the discoverability crisis has intensified as annual releases on Steam approached 19,000 in 2024. With the impact of traditional seasonal sales declining fourfold since 2019, success now requires a shift toward targeted global events, external traffic generation, and product differentiation to break through a market dominated by AAA franchises and entrenched free-to-play titles.

The survey, conducted by Aream & Co., gauges executive optimism regarding consumer spending on gaming in 2025 across multiple channels and functional areas. Overall, 49 % of respondents view spending as “more optimistic,” another 49 % see it as unchanged, and only 2 % are less optimistic. When broken down by platform, mobile spending is perceived as more optimistic (49 %) while PC and console views are split between “more” (15–33 %) and “about the same.” In‑app purchases are viewed as more optimistic (80 %) versus in‑app advertising (41 %).

Key challenges identified include content saturation and over‑supply, with 33 % citing these as concerns; marketing environment issues affect 49 %, and macro conditions are a worry for 17 %. Despite these, 54 % anticipate more new games in 2025, and 37 % expect higher average budgets. Marketing spend is expected to rise for 48 %, while engineering and game development are seen as more optimistic (71 % and 42 %).

The survey also highlights a strong appetite for mergers and acquisitions, with 71 % expecting more M&A activity. Advanced integration across multiple functions is viewed as more optimistic (49 %) but limited implementation remains a concern.

The data derive from a global sample of gaming CEOs, reflecting perspectives across mobile, PC, console, and various functional departments. The findings suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2025, tempered by supply‑side pressures and marketing challenges.

The global video game industry is currently undergoing a structural correction following a decade of rapid expansion that concluded in 2021. The primary thesis of this transition is that the industry’s previous growth engines—mobile expansion, live-service models, and pandemic-era engagement—have plateaued, leading to a 12% decline in real-term content spending. This downturn is characterized by widespread commercial underperformance, record-high layoffs, and a significant contraction in venture capital funding. As production budgets for AAA titles balloon toward $500 million, the market has become increasingly polarized, with player engagement and revenue heavily concentrated within a small cohort of long-standing, established franchises that effectively crowd out new releases.

Geographically and sectorally, the landscape is shifting as Chinese developers gain significant global market share, rising from 0.5% to 12.5% of non-domestic content spending over the last 13 years. While the mobile sector faces a 23% revenue drop due to privacy-related user acquisition costs and competition from social media, the industry is pivoting toward cross-platform accessibility and hardware-agnostic distribution. Platforms like Roblox and Steam continue to dominate engagement, though developers face increasing pressure from high platform commission fees and the necessity of navigating a saturated market where discovery is increasingly difficult.

Looking forward, the industry is attempting to mitigate these challenges through technological and business model innovation. Strategies include the integration of generative AI to enhance NPC behavior, the adoption of cloud-native simulations, and a strategic pivot toward programmatic advertising to supplement stagnant game pricing. Furthermore, regulatory pressures on app stores are expected to improve developer margins, while a resurgence in handheld hardware and cross-platform connectivity aims to unify fragmented ecosystems. Ultimately, the industry is moving toward a risk-averse, multiplatform approach, prioritizing long-term engagement and operational efficiency to survive an increasingly competitive and capital-intensive environment.

The global video game industry experienced a notable resurgence in growth during the third quarter of 2025, driven by a rebound in mobile in-app purchases and robust performance across PC and console platforms. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 served as a primary catalyst for console sector strength, reinforcing the enduring value of established intellectual property. While the broader capital markets faced significant headwinds, characterized by multi-year lows in public fundraising and subdued early-stage venture activity, the industry’s transaction landscape was defined by high-value consolidation. The $55 billion public takeover of Electronic Arts stands as the definitive event of the period, signaling a strategic shift toward large-scale mergers and acquisitions as the primary mechanism for growth.

Market dynamics currently favor established entities, with diversified publishers and PC and console developers commanding significant valuation premiums due to their proven profitability and market stability. This environment has concentrated investment power among a select group of firms. BITKRAFT emerged as the most active participant in the early-stage ecosystem over the past twelve months, leading the sector with 16 deals totaling $113 million. Alongside other prominent investors like Bessemer Venture Partners and Menlo Ventures, these firms continue to deploy capital despite the broader contraction in private investment.

Ultimately, the industry is transitioning into a phase of maturity where scale and intellectual property ownership are paramount. While early-stage funding remains constrained, the surge in total transaction value through megadeals indicates that institutional confidence remains high for proven assets. The current landscape suggests a bifurcated market where high-growth, established publishers attract significant capital, while smaller, early-stage ventures face a more challenging environment for securing liquidity and growth funding.

The global games market is entering a period of moderate maturation, with total revenue projected to reach $188.8 billion in 2025, a 3.4% increase over the previous year. The industry now serves 3.6 billion players, reflecting a 4.4% year-over-year expansion. While mobile gaming maintains its dominance, accounting for $103.0 billion or 55% of total revenue, console gaming is poised for the strongest growth at 5.5%, reaching $45.9 billion. PC gaming remains a stable pillar with $39.9 billion in revenue. Despite the growth in player counts, average spend per payer is experiencing a slight decline, signaling a strategic pivot toward maximizing engagement and retention within saturated markets rather than relying solely on aggressive monetization.

Strategic success in this environment increasingly depends on long-tail engagement and the effective management of post-launch content. Data indicates that releasing single-player titles during the second quarter yields 34% higher engagement compared to the saturated holiday season. Furthermore, simultaneous multi-platform launches significantly outperform staggered releases, and titles exiting Early Access after a six-month window demonstrate superior acquisition results. Developers are also increasingly leveraging remakes and remasters to mitigate rising development costs, while user-generated content platforms like Roblox continue to expand as foundational ecosystems for daily active users.

Geographically, the market continues to diversify, with Latin America emerging as a notable growth region projected to reach $8.3 billion, driven primarily by mobile adoption. The industry’s analytical framework, which focuses on consumer spending on software and services, highlights that player attrition typically stabilizes after 12 weeks. Consequently, long-term commercial viability is now inextricably linked to aligning content updates and discounting strategies with this post-launch retention curve, ensuring that community support remains as critical as initial sales performance.

The Dragon Quest franchise continues to expand its global footprint, reaching over 95 million units in total shipments and digital sales as of June 2025. A central focus of the current release strategy is the reimagining of the foundational Erdrick Trilogy through HD-2D remakes. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is scheduled for a February 5, 2026, launch on a wide array of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. This multi-platform approach reflects a broader commitment to utilizing contemporary technology to modernize classic role-playing experiences for a global audience.

Beyond the core Dragon Quest series, the broader portfolio demonstrates significant market penetration across several flagship intellectual properties. The Final Fantasy franchise has surpassed 204 million units globally as of mid-2025, supported by the ongoing expansion of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail and the continued rollout of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth across various ecosystems. Additionally, the Kingdom Hearts series, a collaborative effort with Disney, has achieved over 38 million units in sales, with new entries currently in development for unspecified launch windows.

The strategic roadmap emphasizes cross-platform accessibility and the revitalization of legacy content. By targeting next-generation hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside established consoles and PC storefronts, there is a clear intent to maximize reach across diverse geographic markets. This strategy is complemented by a robust pipeline of mobile and niche titles, including Dragon Quest Tact and various entries in the Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler series, ensuring a steady cadence of content across the role-playing game segment through 2026.

The global video game industry is currently navigating a period of significant contraction and structural realignment following a decade of rapid expansion between 2011 and 2021. Real-term spending on game content has declined by approximately 12% since 2021, as the market shifts from a growth-oriented environment to a capital-constrained, zero-sum landscape. This downturn is marked by record-high layoffs, widespread studio closures, and a sharp reduction in venture capital funding. The industry is increasingly dominated by a small cohort of entrenched live-service titles that act as "black holes," consuming the vast majority of player time and financial resources, which makes the launch of new, independent titles increasingly difficult.

Market dynamics are further complicated by extreme resource inflation, with AAA production budgets frequently ballooning to between $200 million and $500 million. While mobile gaming remains the primary driver of global revenue, it faces its own challenges, including declining download volumes and rising user acquisition costs. Meanwhile, the console sector shows signs of stagnation, with current-generation hardware trailing its predecessors in total unit sales. As traditional growth models stall, the industry is pivoting toward new strategies, including the integration of programmatic advertising, the adoption of generative AI to improve production efficiency, and a push toward cross-platform accessibility to maximize player retention.

Geographically, the center of gravity is shifting toward Asian markets, where local developers are increasingly challenging Western incumbents with high-performing, globally resonant titles. Concurrently, the rise of user-generated content platforms like Roblox and the maturation of PC-based modding ecosystems are redefining how players engage with digital worlds. Looking forward, the industry is pinning its recovery on technological advancements in cloud computing and AI-driven development, alongside regulatory shifts that may allow developers to capture a larger share of revenue through alternative distribution channels. Success in this new era requires moving beyond traditional gameplay loops toward interconnected, persistent ecosystems that prioritize social infrastructure and long-term engagement.