According to Newzoo’s latest Global Games Market Report, which will be released in full on September 10, the worldwide video‑game industry is set to expand by roughly 6.1 percent over the next year, bringing total revenue to an estimated $213.9 billion. More than half of that spending is expected to come from two powerhouse markets—China and the United States—underscoring the continued dominance of these regions in driving global consumer demand for interactive entertainment.
When the numbers are broken down by platform, console hardware and software are forecast to contribute about $46.9 billion, representing roughly 22 percent of the total market and marking a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year. A key catalyst for this uplift is the highly anticipated release of Rockstar Games’ next flagship title, Grand Theft Auto VI, slated for a November launch. Newzoo predicts that the game’s debut will lift full‑game spending by an impressive 17.5 percent, a rate that the firm describes as the strongest growth among all business models in the sector.
Mobile gaming remains the dominant force, projected to capture 57 percent of global revenue—about $121.1 billion—making it the largest platform by a comfortable margin. This growth, estimated at 6.8 percent year‑over‑year, is being driven by two intertwined trends: higher average spend per player and the rapid expansion of direct‑to‑consumer (D2C) distribution channels. Recent research from FastSpring and Omdia indicates that 96 percent of game studios either already operate or plan to launch their own D2C storefronts. Developers cite improved brand visibility, stronger player loyalty, and richer access to first‑party data as primary motivations for moving away from third‑party marketplaces.
In contrast, the PC segment is expected to hold the smallest share of the market at 21 percent, equating to $45.9 billion in revenue. Although still growing—at a projected 5.3 percent annual rate—PC’s pace is slowing compared to the 12 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) Newzoo had forecast for 2025. The firm attributes this deceleration to a maturing ecosystem and increasing competition from mobile and console titles, though it notes that growth will be geographically diverse, with strong performance anticipated across Asia‑Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East‑Africa (MEA) regions. From a business‑model perspective, premium and mid‑priced games are expected to continue sustaining revenue from full‑game purchases.
Meanwhile, microtransactions—small, in‑game purchases for cosmetic items, battle passes, or other digital goods—are projected to reclaim their status as the largest revenue generator across platforms. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward hybrid monetisation strategies that blend upfront purchases with ongoing, optional spend.
Player numbers are also a focal point of Newzoo’s outlook. The total global player base is projected to reach 4.07 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual rate of 3.2 percent after a 4.4 percent increase in 2026. Growth is expected to be driven primarily by emerging markets, with the Asia‑Pacific region remaining the largest contributor and the MEA region posting the fastest expansion rate.
Mobile gamers alone are forecast to number 3.10 billion in 2026, accounting for roughly 84 percent of all players. PC gamers are projected to reach 977 million (about 26 percent of the total), while console players are expected to number 651 million, representing 18 percent of the global audience. Newzoo cautions that future market expansion will rely increasingly on retaining and monetising existing players rather than simply adding new ones to the ecosystem. The firm points out that player penetration—defined as the proportion of the global online population that engages in gaming—is slated to rise only modestly, from 61.5 percent to 62 percent in 2026.
This limited head‑room for deeper market penetration suggests that companies will need to focus on enhancing engagement, extending player lifecycles, and extracting more value from current users through personalized experiences and innovative monetisation tactics. The report also highlights the importance of regional dynamics. While North America and Europe remain significant contributors, the bulk of growth is now concentrated in emerging economies where internet connectivity and smartphone adoption are accelerating.
In the Middle East and Africa, for example, rapid infrastructure development and a youthful demographic are fueling a surge in gaming participation, positioning the region as one of the fastest‑growing markets worldwide. In summary, Newzoo’s forecast paints a picture of a robust yet evolving gaming landscape. Revenue is set to surpass the $200 billion mark, driven by a mix of platform diversification, the launch of blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, and the expanding influence of D2C storefronts.
However, the industry’s future success will hinge on its ability to deepen relationships with existing players, adapt to shifting regional trends, and balance premium pricing models with the lucrative potential of microtransactions. As the market matures, developers, publishers, and platform holders will need to innovate not only in game design but also in how they engage, retain, and monetise their audiences.