The global games market is estimated to reach $188.8 billion in 2025, a 3.4% increase year-on-year according to Newzoo’s latest report.
Console revenues are predicted to lead this growth, with the segment forecast to rise 5.5% to $45.9 billion. Newzoo cites the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 as the main driver, as well as “higher software prices and major releases”.
Mobile is set to maintain the largest share of overall revenues, and is projected to generate $103 billion.
However, the data firm notes that issues with discoverability may slow the segment, as “app stores and web shops are flooded with new games”.
Looking at PC, revenues are projected to increase 2.5% YoY to $39.9 billion, representing 21% of the total market share.
Newzoo notes that H1 releases including Monster Hunter Wilds, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will help drive 2025 revenues.
Elsewhere, the global player base is forecast to reach 3.6 billion this year, rising 4.4% year-on-year. Mobile player growth is estimated to reach 3 billion players, up 4.5% compared to the previous period.
As for other platforms, console players will continue to grow 2.5% to 645 million players – despite being described as “the slowest-growing platform” – while PC audiences are set to increase 3.1% to 936 million players.
Meanwhile, Newzoo predicted that the total number of paying players will reach 1.6 billion, representing 44% of total players with an average spend of $119.7.