Global Games Market Expected to Reach $350 Billion by 2030, Driven by Mobile and AI

According to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group, the global games market is projected to bounce back from its post-pandemic downturn, generating $350 billion in revenue by 2030. This represents a 6% increase over the forecast period. Mobile in-app purchases are expected to drive growth, with 37% of global games revenue in 2025 coming from this segment, totaling $130 billion. The rise of alternative app stores, which have gained traction since Apple and Android were forced to support them, is a key factor in this growth. One-third of adults and 40% of teenagers have made purchases from developer-owned web app stores. While the number of mobile players is expected to increase only slightly, developer and publisher revenues are anticipated to rise significantly due to improved margins on third-party storefronts. Cloud gaming is also expected to gain mainstream acceptance within the next five years, with revenue projected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2025 to $18.3 billion by 2030, and over 50 million users. This shift towards 'multi-screen experiences' will be driven by a preference for subscription-based and live-service games among the Gen Alpha demographic. The report also highlights the increasing importance of user-generated content and AI in game development, with 20% of games launched on online platforms using AI and 50% of studios exploring its potential. User-generated content, such as custom game modes and content created within games, is seen as a significant growth opportunity, with 15% of gamers in their 60s or older having watched someone else's stream and 28% expressing interest in UGC. The firm notes that the gaming industry is gaining traction, with more people playing games than ever before, although no specific figure is provided. This growth is attributed to the medium's increasing penetration in consumers' lives, particularly as interest in social media and television declines. Industry experts express optimism about the future of the gaming industry, citing growth driven by passion and accessibility. The report's coauthors, Giorgo Paizanis and Ernesto Pagano, emphasize the importance of embracing change and innovation in the industry, with the next five years expected to bring an explosion of new gaming content and players, driven by cloud gaming, user-generated content, AI, and the opening up of app stores.