According to Newzoo’s latest Global Games Market Report, the worldwide video‑game sector is set to expand by 6.1% over the next year, reaching a total value of roughly $213.9 billion in 2026. More than half of that consumer spend is expected to come from two powerhouses—China and the United States—underscoring the continued dominance of these markets in shaping industry trends.
The full report, scheduled for release on September 10, breaks down the forecast by platform, business model, and regional dynamics. Console hardware and software sales are projected to account for 22% of the total market, translating to about $46.9 billion in revenue.
This segment is slated to grow 5.1% year‑over‑year, buoyed in part by the highly anticipated November launch of Rockstar Games’ next‑generation title, Grand Theft Auto VI. Newzoo predicts that the new installment will drive a 17.5% surge in full‑game spending, marking the strongest growth rate among all business models in the forecast period. Mobile gaming remains the largest slice of the pie, expected to capture 57% of global revenue—approximately $121.1 billion.
The mobile segment’s 6.8% YoY increase is fueled by 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% of game studios either already operate or plan to launch their own D2C storefronts. Developers cite benefits such as stronger brand visibility, deeper customer loyalty, and direct access to first‑party data as key motivators for this shift. In contrast, the PC gaming market is forecast to hold the smallest share at 21%, equating to $45.9 billion.
While still growing—at an estimated 5.3% year‑over‑year—its pace is expected to decelerate compared with the 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected for 2025. Newzoo expects PC growth to be geographically diverse, with notable expansion across the Asia‑Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East‑Africa (MEA) regions. When it comes to monetisation models, premium and mid‑tier titles are anticipated to continue sustaining full‑game revenue streams.
Meanwhile, microtransactions are predicted to reclaim their position as the leading business model, reflecting the industry’s ongoing pivot toward in‑game purchases and ongoing content updates. Player numbers are also a focal point of the outlook. The total global player base is expected to reach 4.07 billion by 2029, growing at a 3.2% CAGR after a 4.4% increase in 2026. Newzoo cautions that future growth will rely increasingly on retaining and monetising existing users rather than simply attracting new ones.
This shift is especially relevant as market expansion becomes more concentrated in emerging regions. Asia‑Pacific remains the largest market overall, while the Middle East and Africa are projected to experience the fastest growth rates.
By platform, mobile gamers are estimated to number 3.10 billion in 2026, representing roughly 84% of all players. PC gaming is expected to attract about 977 million users (26% of the total), and console gaming will host approximately 651 million players (18%). These figures illustrate the continued dominance of mobile as the primary access point for gaming worldwide. Player penetration—defined as the proportion of the global online population that engages in gaming—is projected to edge up from 61.5% to 62% in 2026.
Newzoo notes that there is limited room for expansion through deeper market penetration; instead, growth will stem from the overall online population increasing by an estimated 3.5% to reach 5.97 billion people. The report also highlights several strategic implications for developers and publishers.
The surge in D2C storefront adoption suggests that studios will need to invest in e‑commerce capabilities, data analytics, and community‑building tools to maximise the benefits of direct sales. Additionally, the strong performance expected from Grand Theft Auto VI underscores the enduring value of flagship, narrative‑driven experiences in driving full‑game revenue, even as microtransactions regain prominence. Overall, Newzoo’s forecast paints a picture of a maturing industry where incremental revenue growth is increasingly tied to deeper engagement with existing players, diversified regional expansion, and a balanced mix of platform and monetisation strategies.
Stakeholders who can navigate these dynamics—by leveraging D2C channels, optimizing in‑game economies, and tailoring content to emerging markets—are likely to capture the most value in the years ahead.