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PC & Console Gaming Report 2025

Global PC and console revenues are expected to grow modestly through 2027, with consoles driving the majority of expansion at an estimated +13 % CAGR while PC revenue rises only in single digits. 2024 saw a plateau for PCs, dominated by free‑to‑play and in‑game monetisation, whereas console sales are set to rebound from 2025 thanks to strong releases such as GTA VI and the launch of Nintendo Switch 2. Player growth remains incremental, with PC players increasing at +2.3 % annually and console players at +3.5 %, driven largely by established franchises rather than breakthrough innovation. Playtime data confirm that 2024 experienced a 6 % YoY increase, with Pay‑to‑Play titles (e.g., Call of Duty) and free‑to‑play hits (Fortnite, Roblox) accounting for most of the lift. New releases captured only about 9 % of total playtime, underscoring that long‑running series dominate the market. Console audiences remain heavily slate‑dependent: 67 % of new‑release hours come from annual franchises, while PC players show a higher share of non‑annual titles. In the US and Western Europe, non‑annual franchise games contribute a smaller slice of console revenue (≈8–22 %) compared to annual franchises, which drive the bulk of earnings. Engagement patterns reveal a sharp decline in title diversity on PC and Xbox, with the average number of titles played per player falling 27 % on Steam in the US and up to 34 % in Russia and Brazil. PlayStation, by contrast, shows modest growth in title engagement. Genre preferences are shifting away from Battle Royale toward Adventure and Role‑Playing, reflecting a broader industry trend toward narrative‑rich, long‑form gameplay. Nostalgia and free‑to‑play models continue to sustain short‑term spikes, but long‑term retention hinges on continuous content updates and robust live‑service strategies. New IPs must prioritize originality, polished gameplay loops, and community‑first discovery to overcome the legacy brand advantage and achieve lasting commercial success.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

NewzooJan 2025

Report

Newzoo Hypercasual Mobile Game Genre Report: Eastern vs Western Markets

Hypercasual mobile games represent a significant and evolving segment of the global gaming industry, accounting for 36 of the top 100 downloaded mobile games in 2021. While the genre is characterized by simple mechanics and high accessibility, it has faced increasing competition, leading to a shift toward hybrid-casual models. These newer titles incorporate meta-features and live operations to improve player retention, which typically falls below 10% by the seventh day for standard hypercasual titles. The market demonstrates distinct regional variations, with hypercasual games enjoying significantly higher popularity in Western markets like the United States and United Kingdom compared to Japan and South Korea. In 2021, runner and racing subgenres overtook simulation and puzzle titles as the most downloaded categories. Demographically, hypercasual players across key markets skew male, are often full-time employees with mid-to-high incomes, and are younger than the average mobile gamer. Monetization remains primarily driven by in-game advertising, with interstitial video identified as the most adopted format, followed by rewarded videos and banner ads. However, hybrid monetization is rising, with developers increasingly offering in-app purchases for ad removal or exclusive content. Data from 2021 indicates that the hypercasual sector is highly dynamic; only eight of the top 36 hypercasual titles from 2020 remained in the top rankings the following year. To maintain growth, publishers are leveraging broad targeting strategies that are less affected by privacy changes like IDFA and are utilizing sophisticated retention optimization tools to acquire loyal users.

market-analysis player-demographics hypercasual+1

NewzooJan 2025

Report

Global Games Market Report 2025

The Global Games Market Report 2025 projects a steady expansion of the worldwide player base to 3.6 billion, with payers rising to 1.6 billion and total revenue reaching $188.8 billion, a 3.4 % increase year‑over‑year. Mobile dominates growth and revenue, contributing $103 billion (55 % of the market) and expanding 4.5 % YoY, while PC and console follow at 3.1 % and 2.5 %. The report notes that average spend per payer is expected to decline slightly through 2028 as the market matures, underscoring the importance of retention, innovative monetization and post‑launch content to sustain growth in an increasingly saturated ecosystem. Geographically, the Asia‑Pacific region leads with a 4.2 % YoY increase, and North America remains strong for console sales (5.4 %). Key growth drivers include the launch of Nintendo Switch 2, continued success of live‑service titles on PC, and a shift toward direct‑to‑consumer monetization in mobile. Discoverability challenges and content fragmentation are identified as notable hurdles across all platforms. Single‑player AAA titles released in the February–May window outperform those launched August–November by an average of 34 %, largely due to crowded holiday windows and cannibalization. Early Access titles that transition to full release within 4–9 months generate the highest new‑player lift, while staggered cross‑platform releases capture only about 13 % of the total player base. Player attrition drops sharply in weeks 2–5 and stabilizes after week 12, indicating that longer main‑story content (20–40 hours) and simulation elements help retain players over the long term. The commercial life of single‑player titles is increasingly driven by post‑launch content, strategic discounting and community engagement rather than initial premium spend. DLC revenue shares evolve over a game’s lifecycle, with genres aligning to specific monetization models and subscriptions gaining influence on long‑term engagement. Post‑launch content is identified as the key determinant of discoverability, retention and profitability across a game’s back catalogue. Methodologically, the report employs a top‑down, data‑driven model that blends proprietary engagement metrics (Game Performance Monitor, Steam data), public economic indicators and partner insights to forecast platform‑specific player, payer and revenue figures through 2028. The approach excludes taxes, hardware and gambling from revenue calculations and provides detailed platform‑by‑platform forecasts (PC, console, mobile, cloud, VR) alongside analytical tools for market segmentation, genre trends and post‑launch monetization strategies.

market-analysis monetization global

NewzooJan 2025

Report

Unlocking Games Revenue: Player Behavior and Payment Trends in the West

Unlocking Games Revenue: Player Behavior and Payment Trends in the West examines the evolving monetization landscape across North America and Europe. Produced through a partnership between Newzoo and Tebex, the analysis combines market intelligence with transaction data from over $1 billion in processed payments. The primary thesis suggests that as payer growth in mature Western markets plateaus—with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2027 of only 1.1% in North America and 3.1% in Europe—industry success depends on maximizing value from existing players through diversified payment methods and localized monetization strategies. The scope of the research focuses on PC, console, and mobile platforms in 2024 and 2025. Findings indicate that while North America and Europe house only 20% of the global player base, they account for 46% of total gaming spend. North America leads the world in average annual spend per payer at $324.90, compared to $125.40 in Europe. Regional motivations for spending differ significantly; North American players prioritize personalization and character customization, whereas European players are more value-conscious, citing sales, special offers, and the removal of advertisements as primary drivers for transactions. A critical finding involves the impact of alternative payment methods on Average Transaction Value (ATV). While traditional cards and digital wallets dominate total volume, emerging methods like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and cryptocurrency yield significantly higher ATVs. In North America, BNPL transactions average $85.00 compared to $52.20 for cards. Furthermore, the data shows that players using both traditional and alternative methods do not decrease their transaction frequency, suggesting that offering diverse payment options directly unlocks higher spending tiers. The analysis concludes that studios must reduce friction in payment flows and embrace unbundled, web-based storefronts to maintain loyalty and revenue in a maturing market.

monetization player-behavior market-analysis+2

Newzoo & TebexJan 2025

Report

Global Gamer Study 2024: How Consumers Engage with Games Today

This analysis examines global consumer engagement with video games, drawing on data from over 73,000 surveyed individuals across 36 markets. The findings reveal that gaming has become a dominant pillar of modern entertainment, with 80% of the total online population playing games and 85% engaging with the medium through playing, viewing content, or participating in social communities. Engagement is highest among younger demographics; over 90% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z consumers are game enthusiasts, with Gen Alpha notably spending more time on gaming (5.2 hours per week) than on social media. The data highlights a significant shift in how different generations and genders interact with the medium. While Adventure is the top genre for Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials, younger female players are increasingly likely to invest in pay-to-play titles, challenging traditional industry stereotypes. On PC and console platforms, players are motivated primarily by vast open worlds and deep storytelling. These platforms also attract higher-spending audiences compared to mobile; 22% of console players spend more than $25 per month, and over half are classified as medium-to-high spenders. Despite a market where a small number of established franchises capture the majority of playtime, a vital segment of "new game seekers" remains. Approximately 31% of PC and console players actively hunt for trending titles. This cohort is highly valuable, as 80% of them spend money on games monthly and they are 50% more engaged than the average player. Geographically, this appetite for new experiences is strongest in emerging markets like China, India, and Saudi Arabia, while more mature markets like Japan and Western Europe show more conservative play patterns. The findings suggest that success in a competitive landscape requires moving beyond playable experiences to engage consumers across multiple dimensions, including social media, creator content, and transmedia brands.

market-analysis player-demographics player-behavior+1

NewzooJul 2024

Report

Global Games Market Report 2023

The analysis projects that worldwide consumer spending on video games will reach $183.9 billion in 2023, serving more than 3.3 billion players. Revenue is now detailed by downloadable content, micro‑transactions and in‑game subscriptions across PC and console platforms, reflecting a more granular view of monetisation. Estimates are derived from a top‑down model that integrates macro‑economic and census data with primary research from over 74,000 respondents in 36 key markets, supplemented by partner‑provided transaction figures and updated each quarter. Geographically, the Asia‑Pacific region remains the dominant market, accounting for 46 % of global gaming revenues, yet its growth turned negative at ‑0.2 % year‑over‑year, driven by declines in China, Japan and South Korea. The region’s publisher landscape is led by Tencent, which tops the list of publicly‑traded companies by revenue. The study covers 35 countries that together represent more than 90 % of worldwide game income, encompassing PC, console and mobile segments. Genre performance highlights shooters as the leading PC category, generating $5.5 billion—14.1 % of PC revenue—and expanding 4.9 % YoY, buoyed by titles such as Valorant, Counter‑Strike, Payday 3 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. On mobile, role‑playing games hold the largest share at 23.1 % of mobile revenue, but they are experiencing a year‑on‑year decline as Apple and Google privacy reforms have raised user‑acquisition costs. Overall, the market retains its massive scale but shows signs of slowing growth, particularly in its largest region, while shifts in privacy policy are reshaping mobile economics and shooter titles continue to drive PC revenue growth.

market-analysis monetization global

NewzooMay 2024

Report

The Ultimate Game Hype Tracking Guide

This guide provides a framework for tracking game performance through the purchase funnel, emphasizing the importance of monitoring consumer sentiment from the pre-launch phase through the post-release lifecycle. The primary thesis is that success in the competitive PC and console gaming market requires a data-driven understanding of player awareness, purchase intent, and demographic behavior. By benchmarking these metrics against competitors, developers can optimize marketing spend, identify target audiences, and sustain long-term engagement. The analysis relies on data from the Game Health Tracker, which surveys over 3,000 PC and console players in the United States monthly. Key metrics include unaided awareness, which measures spontaneous brand recall, and aided awareness, which gauges maximum reach through prompted recognition. The findings demonstrate that awareness often fluctuates based on major industry events, such as trailer releases or gameplay reveals. Furthermore, the conversion rate—defined as the percentage of aided-aware players who express purchase intent—serves as a critical indicator of marketing effectiveness. The research highlights that demographic profiling and channel analysis are essential for resource allocation. For example, data shows that younger players may be more effectively reached through specific social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, whereas older or different segments might prioritize online stores or gaming subscriptions. Post-release, the guide notes that awareness naturally plateaus, necessitating tactical interventions such as price drops, DLC releases, or content updates to re-engage potential buyers. Ultimately, the document concludes that while initial hype is valuable, sustained success depends on continuously monitoring the purchase funnel and adapting strategies to meet the evolving motivations of both primary and secondary player audiences.

market-analysis user-acquisition retention+3

NewzooFeb 2024

Report

Newzoo PC & Console Gaming Report 2024

The 2024 Newzoo PC & Console Gaming Report presents a cautiously optimistic outlook for the global market, with 2023 revenues rising 2.6 % to $93.5 bn. Growth is largely driven by PC game sales, while console revenue increased modestly at 1.7 % YoY. Playtime is falling, and player growth is flattening: PC players are projected to grow at 1.6 % CAGR and console players at 3 % through 2026, making it increasingly difficult to expand the player base. Premium transactions dominate spending, accounting for roughly 56–57 % of total spend; live‑service and subscription models still lag behind full‑price titles, underscoring the need for studios to focus on high‑quality releases and robust content pipelines. Fortnite and Roblox command over 60 % of total playtime in 2023, reinforcing a highly concentrated market where established platforms and annual franchises dominate engagement. Quarterly playtime has fallen 26 % since Q1 2021, with older titles accounting for more than 60 % of hours and new releases only about 8 %. Live‑service pay‑to‑play games capture the majority of new‑title revenue, making it challenging for fresh IPs to gain traction. Concentration among publishers has tightened further: between 28 and 34 publishers captured 80 % of monthly active users in 2023, a trend that has been tightening since 2021. While the number of titles driving 75–90 % of MAU has remained roughly flat, playtime per user is falling. Over half of the top new releases are franchise titles, and remakes or transmedia adaptations can boost both new and legacy game MAU by 35–60 %. Multi‑platform play is significant, with nearly half of gamers (47 %) playing on two or more platforms. Multi‑platform players spend 79 % of their time and represent 41 % of the total player base, indicating higher engagement and spend. Emerging markets are projected to outpace established ones with a 4.7 % CAGR versus 0.2 %, and cloud gaming is identified as a key entry point due to high awareness (32 %) and low hardware barriers. Expanding beyond a single platform—especially into mobile or cloud services—offers new revenue routes but requires tailored experiences and messaging for diverse audiences.

market-analysis pc console+1

NewzooJan 2024

Report

Games Market Trends 2024

This analysis examines the 2024 global games market, forecasting a period of recovery and strategic restructuring following the post-pandemic market correction. The primary thesis suggests that while the industry is returning to growth, it faces a "lean year" characterized by cautious investment, workforce reductions, and a pivot away from the oversaturated live-service model toward premium, finite gaming experiences. Key findings indicate that the market began recovering in 2023 and is projected to maintain a positive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of +1.3% through 2026. Despite this growth, the report highlights a significant shift in business strategies. Developers are increasingly favoring established Intellectual Property (IP) and sequels to mitigate risk. Furthermore, the "gold rush" for live-service titles is cooling as 19 games currently command 60% of total playtime, leading companies to return to premium releases. Other major trends include the slowing growth of multi-game subscriptions, the expansion of mobile developers into the PC space to combat rising user acquisition costs, and the anticipated launch of next-generation Nintendo hardware. The scope of this research is global, covering mobile, PC, and console segments with revenue and engagement forecasting extending from 2021 through 2026. The methodology combines internal data analysis from the Newzoo platform with a qualitative survey of gaming executives and experts from organizations such as Ubisoft, Savvy Games Group, and Iron Galaxy Studios. Technological and platform shifts also define the 2024 outlook. Generative AI is expected to improve production efficiencies and NPC depth, though it is not predicted to impact game production at scale within the current year. Additionally, the report anticipates increased platform fluidity, specifically noting Microsoft’s intent to launch an Xbox mobile store on Android to challenge existing app store duopolies.

market-analysis market-forecast monetization+1

NewzooJan 2024

Report

Games Market Trends to Watch in 2024

The global games market in 2024 is characterized by a period of stabilization and strategic restructuring following the post-pandemic correction. While the industry saw a revenue decline in 2022, recovery began in 2023 and is expected to continue through 2024, driven largely by the expanding install base of current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Despite this growth, the year is defined as a lean period for many companies as they navigate high interest rates, reduced investment capital, and a highly competitive landscape where a small number of titles dominate the majority of player engagement. Key findings indicate a significant shift in business models and platform strategies. While live-service games remain the primary revenue drivers, the market is experiencing oversaturation, leading many developers to return to premium, finite gaming experiences. Growth in multi-game subscription services is expected to slow as they face competition from free-to-play social platforms like Fortnite and Roblox. Additionally, mobile developers are increasingly diversifying by bringing their titles to PC to combat rising user acquisition costs and stricter privacy regulations. Major hardware and distribution shifts are also anticipated, including the launch of a new Nintendo console and the introduction of an Xbox mobile store on Android. The scope of this analysis covers global market trends across PC, console, and mobile segments, with revenue forecasting extending through 2026. The methodology combines internal market data and analyst perspectives with a survey of gaming executives and industry experts from companies such as Ubisoft, Iron Galaxy Studios, and Savvy Games Group. Emerging technologies like generative AI are identified as tools for increasing production efficiency, though they are not expected to transform game development at scale within the immediate calendar year. Overall, the industry is moving toward risk-reduction strategies, focusing on established intellectual properties and cross-platform accessibility to maintain stability.

market-analysis market-forecast player-demographics+1

NewzooJan 2024

Report

The PC & Console Market Gaming Report 2024

The PC and console gaming market reached $93.5 billion in 2023, marking a 2.6% increase even as the industry enters a period of decelerating growth and intensifying competition. While total revenue remains substantial, average quarterly playtime has plummeted by 26% since 2021. This contraction is exacerbated by a heavy concentration of engagement within a small selection of "evergreen" titles and established platforms like Fortnite and Roblox. These games, which are over seven years old on average, now command more than half of all total playtime, creating a challenging environment for new market entrants. Market dominance is increasingly consolidated among a shrinking group of approximately 30 publishers who control 80% of all monthly active users. In 2023, games six years or older accounted for over 60% of total playtime. Although new releases captured 23% of the market's attention, the vast majority of that share was claimed by annual franchise sequels. This leaves non-annual, original titles to compete for a mere 8% of total playtime, illustrating a significant barrier to entry for innovative or independent intellectual properties in the current landscape. To navigate this stagnation, the industry is pivoting toward transmedia adaptations and cross-platform expansion. Film and television tie-ins have proven highly effective, driving an average 35% increase in monthly active users for associated titles. Furthermore, expanding established IPs to mobile and cloud platforms is essential for diversifying player demographics and reaching emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and Southern Asia. Future success depends on capturing multiplayer-first audiences and leveraging cloud technology to bypass traditional hardware barriers, allowing publishers to tap into rapidly growing global player bases.

market-analysis global pc+1

NewzooJan 2024

Report

How Consumers Engage with Games Today: Newzoo’s Global Gamer Study 2024

Gaming dominates contemporary culture, with eight in ten global consumers actively playing or engaging in related activities. The study identifies a highly engaged, high‑spending cohort—particularly Gen Alpha and Gen Z players—who devote an average of 5.2 hours per week to gaming, outpacing social media use. These younger generations also participate in content viewing and community interaction, favoring adventure‑type titles that deliver trend‑driven experiences. Gen Z’s motivations center on expansive open worlds (66–73%) and deep storytelling (65–68%), with optional tasks, high‑speed action, competitive duels (71%) and cooperative goals (68%) also prominent. Their average daily playtime on PC/console is 2.1 hours, and 22 % spend $25 or more monthly, demonstrating a willingness to pay upfront. In contrast, mobile players prefer free‑to‑play models and lower spend levels. A significant segment of PC/console gamers—about one third—are “new game seekers.” They spend 7–8 hours weekly, often across two or three platforms, and are predominantly Gen Z (42%) and Baby Boomers. These players allocate over $25 monthly on average, favor adventure, fighting, shooter, racing and battle‑royale titles with high graphics fidelity and survival themes. They consume gaming media at a rate exceeding 90 % and show strong loyalty to franchise titles such as Call of Duty, FIFA, and Roblox. The findings underscore that Gen Alpha and Gen Z represent a sizable, spend‑capable audience for expansive, socially driven experiences. Simultaneously, the new‑game‑seeker cohort highlights opportunities for high‑quality, cross‑genre titles that appeal to both younger and older demographics across PC, console, and mobile platforms.

market-analysis player-behavior monetization+1

NewzooJan 2024