Library

Global Games Market Report: August 2023

The global games market is entering a period of recovery in 2023, characterized by a projected revenue of $187.7 billion and a total player base of 3.38 billion. This 2.6% year-on-year growth signals a stabilization following the post-pandemic market correction of 2022. While mobile gaming remains the largest revenue segment, console gaming serves as the primary catalyst for this year’s expansion, rebounding significantly from previous development delays. Looking toward 2026, the industry is expected to maintain this upward trajectory, with total revenues forecasted to reach $212.4 billion. Regional performance remains uneven, as strong console demand in Western markets contrasts with slower growth in the Asia-Pacific region, where regulatory challenges in China continue to dampen momentum. To mitigate rising production costs and extended development cycles, studios are increasingly prioritizing live-service monetization models and integrating generative AI into their workflows. While these technologies offer potential for streamlined asset creation and prototyping, their long-term viability is complicated by unresolved legal and ethical concerns regarding copyright and intellectual property. The industry is undergoing a structural shift toward digital-first engagement, evidenced by the continued decline of physical media and the rise of transmedia strategies and influencer-led development. Hardware diversification is also accelerating, with the emergence of complementary handheld devices expanding the reach of traditional platforms. Despite these advancements, specific genres are experiencing shifting player preferences; while adventure and shooter titles remain dominant, the battle royale genre is losing traction. Furthermore, the mobile sector faces persistent headwinds in monetization and user acquisition, largely driven by evolving privacy policies that have impacted the performance of previously lucrative genres like RPGs.

market-analysis market-forecast global+3

NewzooJan 2023

Report

H1 2023 Gaming Deals Report: Navigating Turbulence

The gaming industry experienced a significant contraction in deal-making activity during the first half of 2023, characterized by a challenging macroeconomic environment and a cooling of investor sentiment. The primary thesis of this analysis is that the sector is navigating a period of turbulence where high-value exits and late-stage investments have stalled, forcing companies to prioritize profitability, cost optimization, and internal restructuring over aggressive growth. Key data points highlight a sharp decline across all major investment categories compared to the first half of 2022. Private investments fell to $1.5 billion across 239 deals, representing a substantial decrease in both volume and value. M&A activity saw an even more pronounced drop, with deal values plummeting as strategic investors shifted focus toward internal housekeeping and portfolio management. Public offerings remained largely muted, with companies increasingly opting to postpone listings due to unfavorable market conditions and valuation corrections. While early-stage venture capital remains the most resilient segment, it has also seen a shift in mindset, with startups moving away from "growth at all costs" toward sustainable business models. The scope of this analysis covers global gaming industry transactions, including private investments, M&A, and public offerings, throughout the first half of 2023. The methodology relies on tracking closed transactions involving companies with core operations in the video game sector, excluding pure gambling, betting, and non-gaming blockchain entities. Data is synthesized from public media, S&P Capital IQ, and market insights to provide a comprehensive view of the industry's financial health. Despite the current downturn, the report identifies emerging interest in artificial intelligence as a potential driver for future deal activity, even as the broader market continues to face headwinds.

market-analysis mergers-acquisitions investment+2

InvestGameJan 2023

Report

The State of Puzzle Games: 2023

The puzzle game sector is undergoing a significant structural evolution, characterized by a shift in product models and monetization strategies. This analysis, covering global mobile market data from January 2018 through mid-2023, examines the performance of various sub-genres, including Swap, Blast, Merge, and Pair. The primary objective is to evaluate how developers are leveraging meta-features and hybrid monetization to sustain growth in a maturing market. Key findings indicate that while traditional casual puzzle games continue to dominate total revenue, the hybridcasual model has emerged as a primary growth driver. Between early 2022 and early 2023, hybridcasual revenue surged by approximately 430%, signaling a departure from purely hypercasual, ad-supported frameworks. This transition is particularly evident in the Pair sub-genre, where hybridcasual revenue grew from 14.8% to 58.7% of the total within a single year. Conversely, many established sub-genres, such as Real-Time, Chain, and Bubble Shooter, experienced double-digit declines in both downloads and revenue during the same period. Methodologically, the findings rely on consumer spending and download estimates from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, excluding third-party Android marketplaces. The data highlights that successful titles increasingly integrate complex meta-features—such as narrative storytelling, decoration, and social clans—alongside diversified monetization tools like season passes and loot boxes. While casual games maintain the largest market share, the data suggests that future industry success depends on the ability to blend accessible gameplay with the deeper retention mechanics and hybrid revenue streams characteristic of the hybridcasual model.

market-analysis monetization mobile+2

Sensor TowerJan 2023

Report

The MENA Games Market: From Sand to Stardom

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) gaming market is experiencing a period of rapid expansion, characterized by significant government investment, a growing base of digital natives, and an increasing emphasis on cultural localization. As of 2022, the MENA-3 region—comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt—generated $1.8 billion in revenue and supported 67.4 million gamers. This growth is underpinned by a strong mobile-first ecosystem and a burgeoning esports sector that benefits from high engagement rates and substantial public sector backing, most notably through Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy. The industry’s trajectory is heavily influenced by the necessity of localized content. Data indicates that 86.6% of regional gamers prioritize language localization, and successful titles like PUBG Mobile have demonstrated that integrating regional celebrities, cultural themes, and Arabic-language support is essential for market penetration. Beyond content, the region is actively fostering a domestic development pipeline through workforce training, educational initiatives, and high-profile mergers and acquisitions, such as those led by the Savvy Games Group. These efforts aim to transition the region from a consumer market into a global hub for game development and esports. Esports serves as a primary driver of engagement, with 73% of regional gamers participating in competitive gaming. The rise of local influencers and streamers, coupled with massive prize pools and the development of dedicated infrastructure like esports cities, has created a self-sustaining cycle of fan engagement and corporate sponsorship. Furthermore, the market is increasingly viewed as a strategic partner for international firms, particularly those from China, which have successfully utilized the region as a growth market. By leveraging social gaming trends—where voice chat and online socialization are central to the player experience—and prioritizing gender-inclusive gaming spaces, the MENA region is positioning itself as a significant, high-growth player in the global gaming landscape.

market-analysis mena saudi-arabia+3

Niko PartnersJan 2023

Report

State of Mobile Gaming 2023

The State of Mobile Gaming 2023 report outlines a pronounced shift in genre performance and monetization patterns across key global markets. Hyper‑casual downloads fell 24 % year‑over‑year in Q4 2022, while hybrid‑casual titles grew 13 % and exclusive‑access games surged 54 %. Revenue mirrored this transition: action and tabletop genres posted positive growth, whereas shooter, RPG, and casino categories experienced double‑digit declines. In Asia, RPGs dominate revenue at 39 %, whereas North America and Europe show a more diversified mix with several genres contributing at least 12 % each. Hybrid‑casual games lead in meta‑feature adoption, with 30 % of top titles deploying at least one feature compared to only 5 % of hyper‑casuals. Character Collection, the most common meta, appears in 18 % of hybrid‑casuals and lifts average playtime by 122 %, raising it to roughly two hours versus under one hour for non‑feature titles. Download growth for hybrid‑casuals was strongest in Asia (+124 M installs, +4 %) and North America (+63 M, +17 %), while overall mobile downloads remained flat year‑over‑year. Live‑ops events continue to drive engagement and revenue. Marvel Snap’s “Warriors of Wakanda,” “The Power Cosmic,” and “Happy Winterverse” each generated between $670 k and $746 k on launch day, illustrating the high value of well‑timed in‑app events. Sensor Tower’s event‑tracking tool provides publishers with granular revenue insights, enabling benchmarking against competitors and fine‑tuning future event strategies. Geographically, Europe’s top five markets—Germany, the U.K., France, Russia, and Italy—experienced a collective 6 % revenue decline to $600 million in Q4 2022, with Russia alone falling 72 % year‑over‑year after the Ukraine war. Downloads fell 8 % overall and 11 % in Russia, yet Russia remained the largest European market by volume (673 million downloads, 24 % of EU downloads). In contrast, Asia’s quarterly gross revenue fell 15 % to $9.5 billion, largely due to a 20 % drop on Google Play; downloads stayed flat at over 5.5 billion per quarter, with India leading the region by a wide margin.

market-analysis mobile monetization+1

Sensor TowerJan 2023

Report

State of the Game Industry 2023

The global game development landscape in 2023 is characterized by a return to established platforms and a growing skepticism toward speculative technologies. PC remains the primary focus for the majority of developers, while the PlayStation 5 has emerged as the preferred console for both current projects and future interest. Conversely, enthusiasm for blockchain and the metaverse has waned significantly, with a vast majority of studios reporting no interest in the former and nearly half of the workforce doubting the long-term viability of the latter. This shift coincides with a workforce demographic that is increasingly concentrated in smaller indie studios and composed of professionals with a decade or less of experience. Operational priorities are shifting toward social responsibility and internal structural reform. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, alongside sustainability and accessibility measures, have become standard considerations for more than half of the industry. However, significant labor tensions persist, evidenced by a majority of developers supporting unionization and widespread concern regarding the impact of large-scale studio acquisitions on the market. While hybrid work models have become the norm, the industry continues to struggle with self-imposed pressure to work extended hours and a reliance on traditional discovery methods, such as word-of-mouth and storefront promotions, over emerging social media platforms. The industry also faces critical challenges regarding workplace safety and demographic representation. Player harassment remains a pervasive issue, affecting 40% of the workforce and disproportionately impacting community managers and marginalized groups. While most companies have issued statements addressing these incidents, developers are calling for more robust enforcement policies and mental health resources. Demographically, the industry remains largely white and male, though a significant 20% of respondents identify as LGBTQ+. These findings suggest an industry in a state of transition, balancing technological pragmatism with a heightened focus on cultural and structural accountability.

market-analysis diversity-inclusion employment+1

Game Developers ConferenceJan 2023

Report

Hyper-Casual Games Benchmark Report: Q4 2022

The benchmark focuses on hyper‑casual mobile games during the fourth quarter of 2022, comparing performance metrics across iOS and Android and highlighting shifts from the previous quarter. Data are drawn from GameAnalytics, which tracks more than 100 000 titles and reaches roughly one‑third of the global mobile player base, providing a broad, cross‑regional view of the segment. Cost‑per‑install (CPI) reached an all‑time high of $0.20 median on both platforms, with the overall median CPI rising to $0.42. Android’s median CPI grew by $0.05 while iOS saw a larger increase of $0.17. Among the top ten ad‑spending countries, the United States posted the highest iOS median CPI at $0.80, overtaking France and Germany, while Brazil dropped out of the ranking. South Korea and Canada recorded the steepest CPI hikes on Android, each climbing $0.06 from Q3 2022. The report covers major markets in North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific and Latin America, reflecting a worldwide scope. Retention benchmarks reveal a consistent advantage for iOS. In the top‑2 % of games, Day 1 retention was 45 % on iOS versus 38 % on Android, and Day 7 retention stood at 19 % versus 14 %. For the top‑25 % tier, Day 1 rates were 33 % (iOS) and 28 % (Android), with Day 7 at 10 % and 6 % respectively. Across all titles, median Day 1 retention was 24 % on iOS and 23 % on Android, while median Day 7 retention was 7 % versus 4 %. The gap between elite, good and average games is pronounced, underscoring the importance of early‑stage player engagement. Overall, Q4 2022 saw rising acquisition costs and modest but platform‑dependent retention

market-analysis monetization user-acquisition+3

TenjinDec 2022

Presentation

Results Presentation: First Nine Months 2022

This analysis outlines the financial and operational performance of PCF Group S.A. (People Can Fly) for the first nine months of 2022. The primary thesis centers on the company’s strategic transition toward a self-publishing model and the expansion of its global production capabilities, despite facing financial headwinds due to the termination of a major development agreement with Take-Two Interactive. Financial data indicates a year-over-year decline in key metrics. Revenue for the first nine months of 2022 reached 130.9 million PLN, compared to 131.8 million PLN in the same period of 2021. EBITDA fell from 54.9 million PLN to 40.3 million PLN, while net profit decreased from 46.4 million PLN to 42.1 million PLN. These declines are attributed largely to the conclusion of the Take-Two partnership. However, the balance sheet shows a significant increase in development work in progress, rising from 25.9 million PLN at the end of 2021 to 95.7 million PLN by September 30, 2022. This shift reflects higher internal resource allocation toward self-published titles. The geographic and operational scope covers nine locations across Europe and North America, including studios in Warsaw, New York, and Montreal. The workforce grew substantially from 425 employees in September 2021 to 614 by September 2022. The group’s portfolio currently consists of seven projects, including major IPs such as Gemini, Dagger, and Bifrost, alongside VR titles like Thunder and Red. Four of these projects are in the pre-production phase. Methodologically, the findings are based on consolidated financial results and internal management reporting. The data highlights a pivot from purely work-for-hire contracts to a hybrid model emphasizing intellectual property ownership and independent publishing, supported by a growing international team and the integration of specialized studios like Incuvo for VR development.

investment game-publishing mergers-acquisitions+1

PCF GroupNov 2022

Report

UK Games Jobs Summary: November 2022

The United Kingdom games industry experienced a notable contraction in recruitment activity during November 2022, continuing a downward trend observed throughout the second half of the year. Open vacancies decreased by several hundred positions compared to the previous month, leaving the market with over 500 fewer available roles than in June 2022. This decline aligns with broader global and domestic technology sector layoffs. While major development hubs such as London, Guildford, Leamington Spa, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Manchester remain the primary centers for recruitment, these locations have seen a significant reduction in active job postings. The downturn has impacted various industry segments and disciplines unevenly. Mobile studios recorded the highest proportional reduction in open roles, often attributed to the fulfillment or removal of positions following major corporate mergers. Despite the general decline in volume, the market shows resilience in specific areas; two less prominent geographic regions bucked the national trend by increasing their job offerings. Furthermore, while senior and experienced roles remain prevalent, there was a recorded increase in advertised junior positions, suggesting a continued interest in developing entry-level talent despite broader economic headwinds. Data indicates that Software Engineers, Producers, and Senior Environment Artists are among the most sought-after titles. Programming, Art, and Design remain the dominant hiring categories, though most disciplines have seen a net loss in postings. The age of available jobs suggests a mix of immediate needs and long-term vacancies, with over 600 new jobs added in the month preceding the summary. This analysis is based on a comprehensive database of UK game studios, which expanded by eight new companies during this period, providing a representative snapshot of the hiring landscape across AAA, AA, mobile, indie, and service-based sectors.

employment market-analysis salary+1

Games Jobs LiveNov 2022

Report

Analyzing the Consumer and Market Impacts of Chinese Games Market Policies

China’s gaming market, the largest in the world by revenue and player count, is currently defined by a complex and increasingly restrictive regulatory environment. Primary governmental concerns center on minor protection and the mitigation of gaming addiction, which officials often characterize as a negative social influence. Key mandates include strict playtime limits for users under 18—restricted to one hour on weekend and holiday evenings—and the implementation of mandatory real-name verification systems. While minor spending accounts for less than 2% of revenue for major firms like Tencent and NetEase, these regulations threaten long-term market growth by reducing the future pipeline of engaged players and esports talent. The administrative process for securing game licenses has become a significant barrier to entry. Following a nine-month freeze on approvals ending in early 2022, the government has adopted a rigorous scoring system that evaluates titles on societal values, cultural propagation, and original design. Foreign entities face additional hurdles, as they must partner with local publishers and navigate an approval process that is often slower than that for domestic titles. Consequently, many developers have shifted focus toward multi-platform releases, as a single license now covers mobile, PC, and console versions, streamlining the path to market. Despite these restrictions, a robust grey market persists. Players frequently utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) and game accelerators to access international platforms like Steam, while console users often purchase hardware and software from overseas markets to bypass local content limitations. Additionally, some mobile developers utilize ad-based monetization models to operate without formal licenses, though regulators have recently begun cracking down on this practice. In response to domestic pressures, Chinese gaming giants are aggressively expanding internationally. This strategy involves establishing overseas development studios, acquiring global talent, and launching international publishing labels. By leveraging their expertise in free-to-play mechanics and live operations, Chinese companies are successfully capturing market share in Western and other Asian markets, effectively diversifying their revenue streams away from the unpredictable regulatory landscape at home.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

NewzooNov 2022

Report

Female Gamers in Asia: Version for Women in Games Asia Panel

Female gamers represent a primary engine of growth within the Asian interactive entertainment market, accounting for 35% of the region's 1.46 billion total gamers as of 2021. This demographic is expanding at a faster rate than the general gaming population, with a year-over-year growth of 7.6% compared to the total market increase of 5.0%. The scope of this analysis covers China and the Asia-10 markets, which include Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Data was derived from a 2021 survey of over 6,500 randomized respondents who identified as active gamers across mobile, PC, and console platforms. Mobile gaming is the dominant platform for this demographic, utilized by 95% of female gamers, while 60% engage with PC games and 17% use consoles. In terms of genre, female players in Asia show a strong preference for role-playing, racing, and strategy games. Discovery of new titles is primarily driven by social recommendations from friends, followed by the visual quality of graphics and core gameplay mechanics. Monetization trends indicate that female gamers are highly engaged with in-game economies, with 84% of those willing to spend making in-game purchases. They are particularly inclined toward purchasing cosmetic items and participating in gacha mechanics. In 2021, female gamer spending reached $13.07 billion in China and $5.52 billion across the Asia-10 for mobile titles, while PC game spending reached $9.70 billion and $3.93 billion in those respective regions. These findings suggest that gender inclusivity and targeted development for diverse interests are essential for capturing the full economic potential of the Asian games industry.

player-demographics market-analysis diversity-inclusion+1

Niko PartnersOct 2022

Report

Blockchain Industry Report: October 2022

The analysis evaluates the health and dynamics of the blockchain ecosystem during October 2022, revealing a sector in transition marked by divergent growth patterns across applications, platforms, and asset classes. Overall user engagement rose, with unique active wallets for decentralized applications increasing 6.8 percent to just over two million, driven primarily by explosive adoption on Arbitrum, Optimism and a dramatic surge on NEAR following its partnership with Google Cloud. By contrast, the gaming segment and Ethereum’s core wallet base contracted, falling 2 percent and 4.5 percent respectively, underscoring a shift of activity toward emerging layer‑2 solutions. DeFi continued its rebound, with total value locked climbing 5.3 percent to $83 billion, though Ethereum retained a dominant 62 percent share of that capital. New entrants also made notable strides; the Aptos token achieved a $1 billion market capitalization within two weeks, entering the top‑50 cryptocurrencies, while Dogecoin posted the strongest price appreciation of the month at 50 percent. NFT markets displayed mixed signals: trading volume and sales declined 30 percent month‑on‑month, yet the number of unique NFT traders grew 18 percent to 1.11 million, and Polygon’s NFT volume surged 770 percent, largely propelled by Reddit‑hosted collections. Security vulnerabilities remained a critical concern, with cross‑chain bridges accounting for 82 percent of the month’s $3.57 million in exploit losses, including high‑profile attacks on Mango Markets, TempleDAO, the QANX bridge and Rabby Swap. The combined effect of rapid user migration, uneven asset performance, and persistent bridge exploits highlights both the growth potential and the systemic risk factors shaping the blockchain industry at the close of 2022.

market-analysis blockchain nft+1

DappRadarOct 2022

Report

Gaming Industry Report: Q4 2022

The analysis presents a comprehensive overview of the global gaming market in 2022 and its projected trajectory to 2027, emphasizing a modest expansion of the sector’s revenue base and a shifting investment landscape. The market reached $184.4 billion in 2022, a 2.3 % year‑over‑year increase, and is forecast to climb to $283 billion by 2027, reflecting an annual growth rate of roughly 9 %. Mobile platforms remain the dominant distribution channel, accounting for $116 billion of consumer spend in 2021, or 64 % of total gaming revenue, while console and emerging XR segments experience divergent pressures. Venture capital activity illustrates a pronounced contraction after a 2021 peak, with total funding falling from $8.8 billion to $5.3 billion in 2022 and growth‑stage deals declining despite a stable number of transactions. Funding for web3 gaming collapsed by 83 % in Latin America and saw a global downturn, driven by concerns over token utility, game quality, and high-profile fraud incidents. Concurrently, regulatory scrutiny intensified, particularly around data‑privacy measures such as Apple’s IDFA and Google’s AAID, which have raised user‑acquisition costs and forced developers to prioritize content depth over advertising efficiency. Corporate liquidity underscores a robust M&A environment: gaming firms collectively hold $47.7 billion in cash, while major tech companies with gaming divisions command $157 billion. Nevertheless, gaming‑focused ETFs underperformed, with ESPO and GAMR posting year‑to‑date declines of 35 % and 37 % respectively. The report draws on a blend of public market data, venture‑capital databases, and industry surveys from sources such as CB Insights, Newzoo, and major console manufacturers, covering all major regions and spanning the period from 2019 through Q4 2022.

market-analysis investment global+2

KonvoyOct 2022

Report

2022 Blockchain Gaming Report: New Frontiers And The Path Forward

The blockchain gaming industry underwent a significant market correction in late 2022, signaling a transition from speculative "Play-to-Earn" (P2E) models toward more sustainable, gameplay-focused ecosystems. While unique active wallets stabilized at approximately one million, NFT transaction volumes fell 30% to $500 million, and major project market capitalizations plummeted by over 90%. Despite a 19% year-over-year decline in total deal value to $875 million in the third quarter, the sector saw a 2.6x increase in the number of funding deals. This shift indicates a move away from infrastructure-heavy "picks and shovels" investments toward seed-stage funding for game studios and user-friendly wallet solutions. The collapse of unsustainable economic designs has catalyzed a pivot toward "Free-to-Own" (F2O) and "Play-and-Own" (P&O) models. These frameworks prioritize fun-first gameplay and lower entry barriers by offering free initial digital assets, moving away from the yield-focused mechanics that previously dominated the space. This evolution is supported by a significant talent migration from traditional AAA and mobile gaming companies, which is professionalizing development and introducing more sophisticated tokenomics. Furthermore, the industry is expanding its reach through casual genres and the integration of established intellectual properties from major Asian studios like Square Enix and SEGA. Mass adoption efforts are increasingly focused on distribution and technical scalability. Notable milestones include the launch of blockchain titles on mainstream platforms like the Epic Games Store and the clarification of NFT guidelines within the Apple App Store. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges, including a crisis in the gaming guild model and intensifying regulatory scrutiny. As the SEC investigates major entities regarding the classification of digital assets as securities, developers are balancing innovation in on-chain mechanics and AI-driven content with the need for compliance in an increasingly complex global legal landscape.

market-analysis blockchain nft+2

CMC ResearchOct 2022

Report

Store Intelligence Data Digest: Q4 2022

The fourth quarter of 2022 delivered a nuanced portrait of the mobile‑app ecosystem, tracking download activity across the world’s two dominant storefronts and highlighting shifts in consumer preference. Global install volume slipped marginally to 35.5 billion, a 0.1 % decline, while the Apple App Store posted a 2.4 % rise to 8.1 billion downloads and Google Play contracted 0.9 % to 27.5 billion. Instagram reclaimed the top‑ranked position worldwide, and Meta’s portfolio occupied half of the top‑ten list, underscoring the company’s entrenched influence. TikTok, CapCut and the newly launched game Stumble Guys emerged as the fastest‑growing titles, signaling continued appetite for short‑form video and casual gaming. In the Asian market, video‑centric applications remained dominant. TikTok delivered roughly 29 million installs despite a 19 % quarter‑over‑quarter dip, while Instagram led Google Play with more than 116 million downloads, driven largely by India’s sizable user base. The FIFA World Cup spurred a surge in football‑related games, with FIFA Mobile and Soccer Super Star posting 136 % and 112 % QoQ growth respectively. New releases such as Gas (7,102 % QoQ in the United States), Makeover Studio (2,035 % QoQ) and MARVEL SNAP broke into the top‑20, and Ludo King amassed over 36 million Asian downloads. Meta and Google continued to dominate the download landscape, with Meta recapturing the No. 1 slot on Google Play. Regional spikes, notably Stumble Guys’ peak performance in Indonesia, illustrate how localized trends can amplify global patterns. Overall, the quarter reflects a stable yet evolving market where established platforms retain supremacy while emerging titles and event‑driven spikes reshape the

market-analysis global mobile+1

Sensor TowerSept 2022

Report

DeNA Integrated Report 2022

DeNA is undergoing a strategic evolution to diversify its portfolio into two primary pillars: "Entertain," comprising Games and Live Streaming, and "Serve," focusing on Healthcare and Sports. This transition is supported by core competencies in artificial intelligence, agile in-house development, and a regional "Home Base" strategy centered in Yokohama. By leveraging high-potential technologies such as Web3 and health big data, the organization aims to balance stable cash flow from established entertainment properties with high-growth opportunities in medical data and global streaming markets. Financial performance in fiscal year 2021 reflects this transition, with profit attributable to owners reaching 30.5 billion yen and a return on equity of 13.2%. While the Game Business experienced a revenue decline to 74.7 billion yen due to a lack of new hits, the Live Streaming segment saw a 1.4x revenue increase, and the Healthcare segment achieved its first quarterly profit. Strategic capital moves, including the sale of approximately half of the company's Nintendo shareholdings and the acquisition of subsidiaries like IRIAM and DATA HORIZON, have been implemented to increase asset efficiency and expand the medical database to over 15 million insured individuals. Operational and governance structures have been modernized to support this multi-sector growth. The January 2022 establishment of a cross-departmental Product Development Department and a new Group Executive System aims to accelerate business execution and talent cultivation. Personnel strategies now emphasize specialized technical rankings to attract top-tier engineers, while executive compensation is increasingly linked to mid-to-long-term growth indicators. Looking ahead, the strategy focuses on releasing three to five global game titles annually, expanding the Pococha streaming service into the United States and India, and deepening the long-term strategic partnership with Nintendo to secure a robust global presence.

market-analysis japan mobile+1

DeNA Co.Sept 2022

Presentation

Financial Results Presentation: Half Year 2022

PCF Group S.A. presents its financial and operational results for the first half of 2022, highlighting a period of steady growth and strategic expansion. The primary objective is to maintain its trajectory toward becoming a leading global independent developer by implementing a dual-track production model. This strategy involves releasing at least one game annually starting in 2024, utilizing both traditional publisher-funded partnerships and a self-publishing framework. Financial performance for HY 2022 shows a 17.2% increase in revenue, reaching 90.6 million PLN compared to 77.3 million PLN in HY 2021. Net profit rose by 17.5% to 25.5 million PLN. EBITDA remained stable at 29.0 million PLN, while adjusted EBITDA, accounting for warrant valuations under IFRS2, grew by 7.6% to 29.7 million PLN. The group’s balance sheet remains strong with 134.6 million PLN in cash and a 9.1% increase in equity to 283.1 million PLN. Notably, investment in development work in progress surged by 152.9%, reflecting intensified production activity. The group’s portfolio currently consists of seven projects, including two VR titles. Key projects such as Gemini and Dagger are in pre-production, with others like Bifrost and Victoria also in development. Geographically, the company has expanded its footprint across Europe and North America, with offices in Warsaw, New York, Chicago, Montreal, and Newcastle. The total workforce grew from 495 at the end of 2021 to 580 by June 30, 2022, supported by the acquisition of Incuvo and the expansion of the PCF Framework, a proprietary software suite designed to streamline multi-studio game development.

investment market-analysis poland

PCF GroupSept 2022

Report

The State of Social Apps in Europe 2022

The European social application market in 2022 was characterized by a significant shift from rapid user acquisition toward aggressive monetization and the rise of niche, authenticity-driven platforms. While overall download volumes stabilized following the 2020 pandemic peak, consumer spending reached a record $830 million in the first ten months of 2022, representing an 86% year-over-year increase. This financial surge was primarily driven by TikTok, which maintained its position as the region's most downloaded app while diversifying its revenue streams through gaming, music, and high-value in-app purchases. Despite this dominance, TikTok’s revenue growth began to decelerate by the third quarter of 2022, signaling a maturing market. Competitive dynamics within the messaging and social networking subsectors revealed a diversifying landscape. Telegram emerged as a formidable challenger to WhatsApp, nearly closing the download gap and capturing significant market share in Russia. Simultaneously, BeReal disrupted the market by targeting Gen Z with dual-camera, privacy-focused content, forcing established giants like Instagram and TikTok to develop similar features to retain younger demographics. These shifts occurred against a backdrop of lower barriers to entry for new apps, as the download threshold required to reach the top of the App Store rankings declined by 30% compared to 2019. Despite the emergence of new competitors and shifting consumer preferences, legacy platforms maintained a strong foothold across the continent. Meta-owned applications, particularly Facebook, continued to lead in monthly active users across most European markets, with sustained dominance in Central and Eastern Europe. The industry's evolution reflects a broader transition where established leaders leverage massive existing user bases to pivot toward new monetization strategies, while newcomers focus on hyper-specific engagement models to challenge the status quo in an increasingly fragmented digital ecosystem.

market-analysis europe monetization+1

Sensor TowerSept 2022

Report

Video Game Streaming Trends: 2022 Third Quarter Report

The third quarter of 2022 reflects a period of stabilization for the live streaming industry as it transitions away from pandemic-era highs. While total hours watched and unique channels both decreased by 13% compared to the previous year, the market remains significantly larger than in 2019, with viewership levels nearly double those of the pre-pandemic era. Data indicates that while fewer creators are active, those remaining are broadcasting for longer durations, resulting in a 7.5% increase in total hours broadcast year-over-year. Twitch maintains a dominant market share, accounting for 72% of total gaming hours watched, followed by YouTube at 15% and Facebook Gaming at 12%. Notably, YouTube was the only major platform to see growth in hours watched, rising 4% as high-profile creators migrated to the service. Conversely, Facebook Gaming experienced a sharp 70% decline in viewership, likely influenced by the discontinuation of its standalone app. In contrast to the broader market slowdown, the esports segment grew by 40% year-over-year, with Twitch capturing 66% of this specific market. Content trends highlight the rising influence of VTubers and the strategic shift of esports organizations toward variety content. VTubers now represent 50% of the top ten female creators, with the top ten VTubers seeing an average viewership growth of 30% over the previous quarter. Additionally, eight of the top ten esports organizations now generate more than half of their total watch time through content creators rather than competitive matches. While established titles like Grand Theft Auto V and League of Legends continue to lead the charts, the quarter also saw a peak in gambling viewership on Twitch just prior to the implementation of new platform restrictions on unlicensed sites.

streaming market-analysis esports+1

Stream HatchetSept 2022

Report

Mobile Game Marketing: Insights & Trends of Popular Game Genres Q3 2022

The analysis examines mobile‑game marketing dynamics during the third quarter of 2022, concentrating on the performance of leading genres and the geographic distribution of traffic and revenue. By comparing download activity, user engagement, and monetisation across regions, it identifies where growth opportunities are emerging and which markets continue to dominate the ecosystem. Casual games recorded only modest increases in downloads, adding roughly five million installs versus the previous quarter and less than one percent year‑on‑year growth. Despite the limited acquisition surge, daily‑active‑user and monthly‑active‑user ratios remained stable, while revenue climbed seven percent year‑on‑year, an uplift of about thirty million dollars. The United States accounted for the largest share of earnings, generating more than $250 million—46 percent of total casual‑game revenue—and posted an eleven‑percent increase over the prior year. Meanwhile, less‑developed markets showed accelerating expansion, signalling untapped monetisation potential. Regionally, North America retained its position as the primary source of mobile‑game traffic, delivering a five‑percent year‑on‑year rise in downloads and a modest one‑percent quarter‑on‑quarter gain. Southeast Asia emerged as the fastest‑growing market, with download growth of eleven percent year‑on‑year and twelve percent quarter‑on‑quarter, underscoring its role as a catalyst for user‑base expansion. The contrast between the mature, revenue‑rich U.S. market and the rapidly scaling Southeast Asian audience highlights divergent strategic imperatives for acquisition versus monetisation. Overall, the findings suggest that while casual‑game revenue remains anchored by the United States, future growth will be driven by intensified marketing efforts in emerging regions, particularly Southeast Asia. Companies that balance retention‑focused tactics in established markets with aggressive user‑acquisition campaigns in high‑growth territories are likely to optimise both short‑term earnings and long‑term audience development.

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