Library

Digital 2026: Global Overview Report

The global digital landscape continues to expand, with internet penetration reaching nearly two-thirds of the world’s population as of early 2025. This growth is driven primarily by the increasing accessibility of mobile devices and the expansion of high-speed infrastructure in developing economies. Total internet users have surpassed 5.5 billion, representing a steady year-over-year increase that underscores the near-universal integration of digital connectivity into daily life. Mobile remains the primary gateway for this connectivity, accounting for the vast majority of time spent online and influencing consumer behavior across social media, e-commerce, and entertainment sectors. Social media adoption has reached a significant milestone, with active user identities now exceeding 5.2 billion globally. This segment reflects a high degree of platform diversification, as users increasingly spread their time across multiple services rather than relying on a single ecosystem. Video-centric platforms and short-form content continue to dominate engagement metrics, significantly impacting how brands interact with audiences. The average daily time spent on social media remains high, though there is a noticeable shift toward more purposeful and utility-driven usage, such as search and product discovery, rather than passive scrolling. The digital economy is characterized by a robust transition toward mobile-first commerce and integrated financial services. E-commerce adoption remains strong, with a growing percentage of the global population making weekly online purchases. This trend is supported by the rise of social commerce and the integration of seamless payment systems within non-retail applications. Geographically, the most rapid growth is concentrated in South Asia and parts of Africa, while mature markets in North America and Europe show signs of saturation, shifting their focus toward deepening user engagement and increasing average revenue per user through advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and personalized content delivery.

market-analysis player-behavior marketing

We Are SocialJan 2026

Whitepaper

OmniGrowth Playbook

The OmniGrowth Playbook outlines a strategic framework for integrating e-commerce capabilities into broader business operations to drive significant expansion through 2026. The central thesis posits that traditional retail and digital sales channels must converge into a unified ecosystem to capture shifting consumer behaviors and maximize revenue potential. By prioritizing omnichannel agility, organizations can better navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic marketplace where the distinction between physical and digital touchpoints has largely evaporated. Key findings suggest that businesses adopting integrated e-commerce strategies are projected to see a substantial increase in market share over the next three years. Data indicates that seamless cross-channel experiences lead to higher customer lifetime value and improved retention rates compared to siloed operational models. The analysis emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, highlighting that companies utilizing advanced analytics to personalize the shopping journey can expect a measurable lift in conversion rates. Furthermore, the strategic focus extends to supply chain optimization and the implementation of scalable technology stacks that support rapid international expansion. The scope of this strategic outlook covers global markets with a particular emphasis on North American and European retail trends from 2023 through 2026. It addresses multiple industry segments, including consumer packaged goods, electronics, and apparel, providing a comprehensive view of the digital transformation landscape. The methodology relies on a synthesis of market performance data, consumer sentiment surveys, and longitudinal studies of high-growth firms. Ultimately, the findings conclude that the transition to an omnigrowth model is no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly digital-first global economy.

market-analysis global marketing

CircanaJan 2026

Report

Mobile Game Market Review January 2026

The global mobile gaming market demonstrated significant resilience and strategic shifts during the opening month of 2026, characterized by a stabilization of consumer spending across major app stores. Following a period of post-pandemic correction, the industry has entered a phase of sustainable growth driven primarily by advancements in hybrid-casual monetization and the continued expansion of cross-platform integration. Total monthly revenue across iOS and Google Play reached approximately $7.4 billion, representing a 4.2% year-over-year increase. This growth is largely attributed to the Tier-1 markets in North America and East Asia, though emerging regions in Southeast Asia and Latin America showed the highest percentage gains in unique installations. Genre performance indicates a notable resurgence in mid-core strategy and RPG titles, which benefited from sophisticated live-ops events tied to the lunar new year. Conversely, the hyper-casual segment continues to face headwinds due to evolving privacy regulations and rising user acquisition costs, leading many developers to pivot toward deeper progression systems and integrated social features. Data suggests that average revenue per daily active user has climbed by 6% as publishers successfully leverage personalized in-game offers and battle pass subscriptions. The competitive landscape remains concentrated, with the top ten publishers accounting for nearly 55% of total market revenue, though independent studios are finding success through niche genre innovation. Technological integration played a pivotal role in January’s performance, as more titles incorporated cloud-based features to reduce initial download sizes and improve retention on mid-range devices. The methodology for these findings relies on a comprehensive analysis of store telemetry, proprietary tracking of in-app purchase data, and sentiment analysis from major social platforms. Looking ahead to the first quarter, the industry is expected to maintain this upward trajectory as major intellectual properties prepare for seasonal launches. The shift toward high-fidelity mobile experiences suggests that hardware capabilities are no longer a primary bottleneck for market expansion, allowing for more complex gameplay loops that rival traditional console experiences.

market-analysis global mobile+2

GameRefineryJan 2026

Whitepaper

2026 Media Trends: Five Media Catalysts Shaping What's Next

The media landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift driven by five distinct catalysts that will redefine consumer engagement and industry structures by 2026. As traditional boundaries between entertainment formats dissolve, the industry is moving toward a model defined by hyper-personalization, immersive technologies, and the decentralization of content creation. This evolution is characterized by the rise of generative artificial intelligence, which is transitioning from a novelty tool to a core infrastructure component capable of producing high-fidelity, interactive experiences at scale. A primary driver of this transformation is the integration of gaming as a central social and commercial hub. Virtual environments are increasingly serving as the primary venue for social interaction among younger demographics, with significant growth projected in cross-platform ecosystems that blend commerce, live events, and gameplay. Data suggests that the convergence of these sectors will lead to a more fragmented yet interconnected market where user-generated content rivals professional studio output in both reach and monetization potential. Geographically, the impact of these trends is global, though adoption rates vary significantly between established Western markets and emerging digital economies in Asia and Latin America. The methodology behind these projections involves a synthesis of consumer behavioral data, investment patterns in emerging tech, and longitudinal studies of media consumption habits across diverse age groups. Ultimately, the industry is pivoting toward a "creator-first" economy where the value lies not just in the content itself, but in the community and utility built around it, forcing legacy media entities to adopt more agile, platform-agnostic strategies to remain competitive.

market-forecast ai cross-platform+1

CircanaJan 2026

Report

How to Build an Effective Offer System in Your Game

A well‑designed in‑game offer system is presented as the most potent driver of lifetime value and average revenue per paying user. By integrating a limited set of synergistic offer types—login bonuses, triggered prompts, endless streams, “1 + X” bundles, battle‑passes, stamp‑cards, and curated bundles—and optimizing their frequency, timing, pricing, segmentation, and economic balance, developers can achieve conversion rates as high as ninety‑six percent on login offers and lift repeat‑purchase value by roughly twenty percent through endless offers. Conversion is shown to be a function of repeated exposure rather than a single impression; players typically require about seven viewings before taking action. The most effective moments to surface offers are at login, during “out‑of‑currency” events, after level failures, or in high‑momentum gameplay phases. A dynamic, tiered pricing ladder that escalates after each purchase and regresses after periods of inactivity—exemplified by a seven‑tier structure ranging from under one dollar to ninety‑nine dollars—enables precise alignment with player spend propensity while avoiding both under‑monetization of high‑potential users and alienation of low‑spenders. Segmentation must extend beyond basic recency and frequency metrics to incorporate geographic tier, acquisition source quality, and player progression. Lower‑tier regions demand adjusted price ladders and reduced offer frequency, whereas high‑quality acquisition channels justify more complex bundles. Early‑game players respond best to inexpensive, simple offers, while mid‑ and late‑game users can be presented with higher‑value packages. Anchoring the entire shop around a stable, low‑priced entry pack establishes a reference point that shapes perceived value across all offers. Collectively, these principles apply to mobile and casual games operating globally, reflecting current industry practices and data from recent case studies. Implementing the outlined framework promises measurable improvements in monetization efficiency, player satisfaction, and overall revenue performance.

monetization live-ops market-analysis+2

Sensor TowerJan 2026

Financial

Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2025 (Under Japanese GAAP)

Capcom Co., Ltd. reported significant growth in its consolidated financial results for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025. Net sales reached 115,315 million yen, a 29.8% increase year-on-year, while operating profit surged 75.1% to 54,302 million yen. This performance was driven by a robust human resources investment strategy and a focus on digital sales expansion within the global market. The company maintained its full-year forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, projecting net sales of 190,000 million yen and an operating profit of 73,000 million yen. The Digital Contents business remained the primary earnings driver, with unit sales increasing to 34.64 million units across 238 countries and regions. Performance was bolstered by the release of titles like Street Fighter 6 and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess on new hardware, alongside strong catalog sales of the Resident Evil and Monster Hunter series. Notably, Monster Hunter Wilds surpassed 11 million cumulative units following its February 2025 release. The segment recorded net sales of 73,411 million yen, up 25.4% from the previous year. Other business segments also showed positive momentum. Arcade Operations benefited from new store formats and experiential facilities, while the Amusement Equipments business saw a 73.5% increase in net sales due to the success of smart pachislo machines like Shin Onimusha 3. Additionally, the company leveraged its intellectual property through eSports tournaments, a new Devil May Cry animated series on Netflix, and preparations for a live-action Street Fighter film. Despite a decrease in total assets to 290,869 million yen due to lower cash balances and receivables, net assets rose to 250,245 million yen, supported by strong profit attributable to owners of the parent.

investment market-analysis japan

CapcomJan 2026

Financial

FY2026 2Q Financial Results Briefing Material

Bushiroad Inc. achieved a steady financial performance through the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, reporting net sales of 14,072 million yen for the period and cumulative first-half sales of 27,839 million yen. This 4.6% year-over-year increase reflects a resilient business model that balances traditional entertainment segments with expanding global reach. While the core Trading Card Game segment experienced a minor dip due to a lighter release schedule, the successful launch of the hololive OFFICIAL CARD GAME and a rising overseas sales ratio of 43.5% provided a stable foundation. Growth was further bolstered by high attendance in the Sports segment, particularly for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and STARDOM, alongside a significant foreign exchange gain. The company has already reached 64.6% of its full-year operating profit forecast, supported by the expansion of the PalVerse figure brand and consistent console game releases. Strategic focus remains on the worldwide mobile launch of HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×SURVIVOR in early 2026 and major product updates for flagship titles like Weiβ Schwarz and Cardfight!! Vanguard. Although the third quarter is expected to be a transitional period characterized by higher marketing expenditures and product specification updates, the full-year consolidated forecast remains unchanged. Long-term growth initiatives are centered on international IP utilization and capital efficiency. A strategic alliance with GENDA Inc. aims to accelerate global expansion, while the planned cancellation of 6,000,000 treasury shares in late 2025 underscores a commitment to enhancing shareholder returns. By integrating live events, digital gaming, and physical merchandise across domestic and international markets, the organization is positioning itself to navigate short-term transitional costs while securing a broader global footprint.

investment market-analysis market-forecast+3

BushiroadJan 2026

Other

Nordic Game 2026: Participant Profiles and Platforms

Nordic Game 2026 serves as a primary hub for the Northern European video game industry, emphasizing a high density of developers and international attendance. The event facilitates business development and networking through a comprehensive speaker program, an expansive expo floor, and the annual Nordic Game Awards, which honors excellence among regional studios. The gathering targets a diverse range of industry professionals, including game startups, established studios, and service providers, with a specific focus on fostering connections between growing companies and global partners. The participant base is heavily weighted toward production and leadership, with developers and artists making up the largest segment at 40% of all attendees. This is followed by professionals in sales and marketing at 12.6%, management at 9.3%, and service providers at 4.3%. Smaller contingents include exhibiting indies and various support roles. In terms of platform focus, PC remains the dominant sector for participants at 57.5%, followed by console development at 34.2% and mobile gaming at 27.7%. Web and other emerging platforms represent a smaller portion of the ecosystem at 6.7%. The event infrastructure is designed to maximize return on investment through scalable exhibition options, ranging from small four-square-meter booths to large custom pavilions. Private meeting facilities are a core component of the offering, providing flexible spaces for four to fifty people to accommodate different business needs, from formal lectures to casual networking. By integrating sponsored content opportunities and specialized events like the Discovery Contest, the conference aims to support the entire lifecycle of game development within the Nordic region and beyond.

market-analysis europe pc+1

Nordic GameJan 2026

Report

State of African Games 2026

The analysis delivers a data‑driven overview of African‑developed video games, concentrating on performance across global platforms—primarily Steam, with supplemental PlayStation and Xbox data—from 2015 through 2025. Its central thesis is that the continent’s game‑development ecosystem is emerging rapidly yet remains highly concentrated, especially in South Africa, and is transitioning from volume‑driven growth to a focus on higher‑quality, strategically positioned titles. South Africa accounts for the overwhelming share of both developers and commercial success, supplying all titles in the top‑ten sales list and driving the continent’s 2 % share of Steam unit sales—higher than the Middle East and comparable to Oceania. Releases peaked in 2023 with 23 Steam titles before falling to 11 in 2025, suggesting a shift toward longer development cycles. Genre analysis reveals a mismatch: simulation games achieve the highest median sales (≈372 k units), followed by adventure and RPGs, while action titles dominate the release count. Pricing follows global indie norms, with most games priced between $5.99 and $19.99; premium pricing above $21.99 appears in only a small fraction of titles. Unity is the leading engine (≈18 % of releases), Unreal accounts for about 7 %, and the remaining 73 % use a diverse set of smaller tools, reflecting a decentralized technical landscape. Methodologically, the study relies on Video Game Insights estimations for games launched after 1 January 2015, employing internal sales‑estimation algorithms that convert review counts and apply the Boxleiter method to infer unit sales and revenue. The scope encompasses all major platforms, covers the entire African continent, and isolates trends in genre, pricing, engine choice, and geographic distribution. Conclusions point to a transitional phase where success will depend less on release volume and more on distinctive cultural content, genre diversification, and broader support structures beyond South Africa. If these dynamics persist, the African game‑development sector is poised to evolve from an emerging participant to a recognized creative force within the global industry.

market-analysis game-development

Sensor TowerJan 2026

Legal

Raport Bieżący Nr 47/2025

PCF Group S.A., the parent company of the game development studio People Can Fly, has officially entered negotiations with a renowned global publisher to establish a new production partnership. This development follows the receipt of a formal Statement of Work and a framework Service Agreement on December 20, 2025. The proposed collaboration centers on the development of a video game under a work-for-hire business model, where the studio provides development services in exchange for agreed-upon remuneration while the publisher retains project oversight and rights. This strategic move aligns with the company’s updated corporate strategy announced in early 2023, which emphasizes pursuing attractive work-for-hire opportunities alongside internal intellectual property development. By engaging with a high-profile partner, the studio aims to leverage its technical expertise and production capacity to generate steady revenue streams. The terms currently under discussion are described as consistent with standard industry practices for large-scale service agreements in the gaming sector. While the commencement of these negotiations marks a significant step toward securing a major new project, the leadership of PCF Group S.A. notes that a final agreement has not yet been executed. The successful conclusion of these talks would represent a continuation of the studio's efforts to balance its portfolio between original titles and collaborative projects with major industry publishers. Further public disclosures are expected once the negotiations reach a definitive conclusion or if a formal contract is signed.

game-publishing mergers-acquisitions europe

PCF GroupDec 2025

Legal

Current Report No. 46/2025: Fulfillment of the Condition Precedent in the Agreement with Square Enix Limited

The filing announces that the conditional clause attached to the November 19 2025 agreement between PCF Group S.A., headquartered in Warsaw, and Square Enix Limited, based in London, has been satisfied. PCF’s capital group delivered the “Closing Kit” – the development assets for the Gemini project – within the stipulated deadline, and Square Enix confirmed the kit’s contents on the same day, triggering the contractual consequences outlined in the agreement. As a result, both parties are now bound to complete the final financial settlements for Gemini according to the pre‑agreed schedule. The production‑publishing contract for Gemini dated August 12 2020 has been mutually terminated, and the earlier production‑publishing contract for the Madness project dated February 16 2016 has also been dissolved by agreement. Additionally, Square Enix and PCF Group have mutually waived any further claims arising from their prior collaboration. The announcement references earlier interim reports (numbers 14/2025 and 44/2025) and cites Article 17(1) of the MAR Regulation as the legal basis. The scope is limited to the two corporate entities involved, covering contractual obligations and settlements for two specific game development projects, with all actions occurring within the European Union and United Kingdom jurisdictions during the 2025 reporting period.

mergers-acquisitions game-publishing investment+1

PCF GroupDec 2025

Digital 2026: Global Overview Report

OmniGrowth Playbook

Mobile Game Market Review January 2026

2026 Media Trends: Five Media Catalysts Shaping What's Next

How to Build an Effective Offer System in Your Game

Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2025 (Under Japanese GAAP)

FY2026 2Q Financial Results Briefing Material

Nordic Game 2026: Participant Profiles and Platforms

State of African Games 2026

Raport Bieżący Nr 47/2025

Current Report No. 46/2025: Fulfillment of the Condition Precedent in the Agreement with Square Enix Limited

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