According to Newzoo’s upcoming Global Games Market Report, the worldwide video‑game sector is on track to expand by roughly 6.1% over the next year, reaching an estimated total value of $213.9 billion in 2026. The report, which will be released in full on September 10, highlights that more than half of all consumer spending on games will continue to be driven by two powerhouse markets: China and the United States. When the numbers are broken down by platform, console gaming is expected to account for about 22% of the total market, translating to $46.9 billion in revenue and representing a 5.1% year‑over‑year increase.
A key catalyst for this growth is the highly anticipated November launch of Rockstar Games’ next‑generation title, Grand Theft Auto VI. Newzoo predicts that the new installment will lift full‑game spending by an impressive 17.5%, a rise the firm describes as the strongest growth among all business models in the industry.
Mobile gaming remains the dominant segment, projected to capture the largest slice of the market at 57%, or roughly $121.1 billion. This growth of 6.8% from the previous year is being fueled by two main forces: higher average spend per player and the continued rise of direct‑to‑consumer (D2C) distribution channels.
A recent survey conducted by FastSpring and Omdia found that 96% of game studios either already operate or plan to launch their own D2C web stores. Developers cite improved brand visibility, stronger player loyalty, and direct access to first‑party customer data as the primary motivations for this shift. In contrast, the PC platform is slated to hold the smallest share of the overall market, at 21% or $45.9 billion.
Although still growing—Newzoo forecasts a 5.3% increase year‑over‑year—PC revenue growth is expected to decelerate compared with the 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected for 2025. The firm notes that premium and mid‑priced titles will continue to sustain full‑game revenue on PC, while microtransaction‑based models are likely to reclaim their position as the leading source of income across all platforms. Geographically, PC growth is expected to be broadly distributed, with the strongest gains coming from the Asia‑Pacific region, Latin America, and the Middle East‑Africa (MEA) markets.
This reflects a broader industry trend in which emerging markets are becoming the primary engine of player‑base expansion. Newzoo estimates that the global number of gamers will rise to 4.07 billion by 2029, growing at a 3.2% CAGR after a 4.4% increase in 2026. The firm cautions that future growth will rely increasingly on retaining and monetising existing players rather than simply adding new ones. Mobile devices will continue to dominate the player count, with an estimated 3.10 billion mobile gamers in 2026—equating to about 84% of the total gaming population.
PC gamers are projected to number around 977 million (roughly 26% of all players), while console users are expected to reach 651 million, representing 18% of the global audience. Overall player penetration is forecast to edge up slightly from 61.5% to 62% in 2026. Newzoo points out that the room for expanding the base through deeper market penetration is limited; instead, growth will be driven by the overall online population, which is expected to increase by 3.5% to reach 5.97 billion people. The report also underscores the strategic importance of D2C commerce for studios seeking to capture more value from their audiences.
By selling directly through their own storefronts, developers can bypass traditional platform fees, gather richer analytics, and build stronger brand relationships. This shift is especially pronounced in regions where traditional console and PC ecosystems are less entrenched, allowing mobile‑first publishers to leverage local payment methods and culturally relevant marketing. In summary, Newzoo’s outlook paints a picture of a maturing yet still expanding global gaming market.
While mobile remains the dominant force in both revenue and player numbers, consoles are set for modest growth driven by blockbuster releases like Grand Theft Auto VI. PC, though smaller in share, will continue to grow steadily, supported by premium titles and a diversified geographic footprint. The industry’s future will hinge on how effectively companies can nurture existing communities, harness D2C channels, and adapt to the evolving preferences of players across diverse regions.