The Global Games Market in 2025: Growth, Shifts, and What Comes Next
Blogs
•
September 11, 2025
The global games industry has entered a new chapter. According to Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report 2025, revenues will reach $188.8 billion this year, with a player base of 3.6 billion gamers worldwide. That’s more than half of the planet’s online population. But what’s driving this growth? And where should developers, publishers, and studios focus as the market matures? In a recent Player Driven podcast, I sat down with Manu Rosier, Director of Market Intelligence at Newzoo, to unpack the numbers, the trends, and what they mean for the future of gaming.
A Market That’s Growing but Maturing
3.6 billion global players (+4.4% YoY)
1.6 billion paying players (+4.9% YoY)
$188.8 billion in revenue (+3.4% YoY)
The industry has bounced back from the 2022 “post-COVID hangover” and is once again beating pre-pandemic records. Yet while revenues are up, the growth in new players is plateauing. With multiple generations already gaming, the future is less about expanding the audience and more about retaining players and monetizing smarter.
Platform Trends: Console Resurgence and PC Momentum
Console
Consoles are thriving thanks to new hardware cycles and anticipation for blockbuster titles.
$45.9 billion revenue in 2025 (+5.5% YoY)
Growth fueled by Nintendo Switch 2 and upcoming releases like GTA VI and Monster Hunter Wilds.
Manu noted that platform exclusivity is fading. With Sony bringing games to Xbox and vice versa, publishers are chasing bigger audiences. Nintendo remains the exception, leaning on its IP library and eShop ecosystem to drive growth.
PC
The PC market remains strong, especially in Asia-Pacific.
$39.9 billion revenue in 2025 (+2.5% YoY)
Steam continues to dominate, consolidating the market even as web-based and alternative platforms emerge.
Gen Alpha gamers are fueling renewed PC growth. With their preference for multitasking and quick-hit gameplay, expect to see shorter session modes become the norm in big PC titles.
Mobile
Mobile still leads the pack:
$103 billion revenue in 2025 (+2.9% YoY)
Nearly 3 billion players worldwide, representing 83% of the total player base.
But growth is slowing as mobile competes with TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and other distractions. Still, mobile remains the most dynamic space, producing breakout hits like Monopoly Go that can skyrocket from nowhere to market dominance.
The Rise of “Forever Games” and Platforms as Ecosystems
Games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft aren’t just titles, they’re platforms. They enable user-generated content (UGC), social interaction, and brand integration.
Manu highlighted a key question for publishers:
“Do you try to beat these platforms, or do you build within them?”
Studios are increasingly embedding their IP into these ecosystems rather than competing directly. From skins in Fortnite to branded experiences in Roblox, the opportunity lies in meeting players where they already spend their time.
Discoverability and Release Timing
Newzoo’s analysis shows that release timing is more critical than ever:
Games launched in Feb–May perform 34% better in early player engagement than those released in the crowded Aug–Nov holiday window.
Early Access strategies also matter, with shorter early access windows boosting retention.
The flood of post-COVID releases, combined with subscription services and free-to-play models, means discoverability has become one of the industry’s hardest challenges. Players often abandon games within minutes if not hooked, making the first 10 minutes of gameplay pivotal.
Key Takeaways for Studios and Publishers
Retention over acquisition – The player base is plateauing, so the battle is for time and loyalty.
Shorter sessions, bigger hooks – Players expect meaningful gameplay within minutes, not hours.
Think platform, not product – Roblox and Fortnite show that ecosystems can outlast individual games.
Optimize release windows – Don’t rely on outdated holiday launch strategies.
Embrace hybrid strategies – Whether it’s console on PC or IP inside Roblox, flexibility wins.
Final Thoughts
The numbers from Newzoo tell a story of resilient growth in a maturing industry. As Manu put it, the industry is no longer inflating but correcting, moving toward sustainable long-term expansion.
For developers, publishers, and industry leaders, the message is clear: adapt to where players are, design for how they play, and think strategically about when and where to launch.
The $188.8 billion question isn’t whether gaming will grow, it’s how studios can capture their share of a market that’s already massive, competitive, and evolving fast.
👉 If you’re a studio lead, publisher, or developer navigating this landscape, what’s your strategy? Are you doubling down on platforms like Roblox, experimenting with shorter sessions, or rethinking your release windows?
Find our Guest!
Manu Rosier: Emmanuel Rosier | LinkedIn
Weekly Newsletter (free): Games Industry Executive Summary
Podcast: GIES
NewZoo:
NewZoo: https://newzoo.com
Global Games Market Report: https://newzoo.com/resources/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2025
A Market That’s Growing but Maturing
3.6 billion global players (+4.4% YoY)
1.6 billion paying players (+4.9% YoY)
$188.8 billion in revenue (+3.4% YoY)
The industry has bounced back from the 2022 “post-COVID hangover” and is once again beating pre-pandemic records. Yet while revenues are up, the growth in new players is plateauing. With multiple generations already gaming, the future is less about expanding the audience and more about retaining players and monetizing smarter.
Platform Trends: Console Resurgence and PC Momentum
Console
Consoles are thriving thanks to new hardware cycles and anticipation for blockbuster titles.
$45.9 billion revenue in 2025 (+5.5% YoY)
Growth fueled by Nintendo Switch 2 and upcoming releases like GTA VI and Monster Hunter Wilds.
Manu noted that platform exclusivity is fading. With Sony bringing games to Xbox and vice versa, publishers are chasing bigger audiences. Nintendo remains the exception, leaning on its IP library and eShop ecosystem to drive growth.
PC
The PC market remains strong, especially in Asia-Pacific.
$39.9 billion revenue in 2025 (+2.5% YoY)
Steam continues to dominate, consolidating the market even as web-based and alternative platforms emerge.
Gen Alpha gamers are fueling renewed PC growth. With their preference for multitasking and quick-hit gameplay, expect to see shorter session modes become the norm in big PC titles.
Mobile
Mobile still leads the pack:
$103 billion revenue in 2025 (+2.9% YoY)
Nearly 3 billion players worldwide, representing 83% of the total player base.
But growth is slowing as mobile competes with TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and other distractions. Still, mobile remains the most dynamic space, producing breakout hits like Monopoly Go that can skyrocket from nowhere to market dominance.
The Rise of “Forever Games” and Platforms as Ecosystems
Games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft aren’t just titles, they’re platforms. They enable user-generated content (UGC), social interaction, and brand integration.
Manu highlighted a key question for publishers:
“Do you try to beat these platforms, or do you build within them?”
Studios are increasingly embedding their IP into these ecosystems rather than competing directly. From skins in Fortnite to branded experiences in Roblox, the opportunity lies in meeting players where they already spend their time.
Discoverability and Release Timing
Newzoo’s analysis shows that release timing is more critical than ever:
Games launched in Feb–May perform 34% better in early player engagement than those released in the crowded Aug–Nov holiday window.
Early Access strategies also matter, with shorter early access windows boosting retention.
The flood of post-COVID releases, combined with subscription services and free-to-play models, means discoverability has become one of the industry’s hardest challenges. Players often abandon games within minutes if not hooked, making the first 10 minutes of gameplay pivotal.
Key Takeaways for Studios and Publishers
Retention over acquisition – The player base is plateauing, so the battle is for time and loyalty.
Shorter sessions, bigger hooks – Players expect meaningful gameplay within minutes, not hours.
Think platform, not product – Roblox and Fortnite show that ecosystems can outlast individual games.
Optimize release windows – Don’t rely on outdated holiday launch strategies.
Embrace hybrid strategies – Whether it’s console on PC or IP inside Roblox, flexibility wins.
Final Thoughts
The numbers from Newzoo tell a story of resilient growth in a maturing industry. As Manu put it, the industry is no longer inflating but correcting, moving toward sustainable long-term expansion.
For developers, publishers, and industry leaders, the message is clear: adapt to where players are, design for how they play, and think strategically about when and where to launch.
The $188.8 billion question isn’t whether gaming will grow, it’s how studios can capture their share of a market that’s already massive, competitive, and evolving fast.
👉 If you’re a studio lead, publisher, or developer navigating this landscape, what’s your strategy? Are you doubling down on platforms like Roblox, experimenting with shorter sessions, or rethinking your release windows?
Find our Guest!
Manu Rosier: Emmanuel Rosier | LinkedIn
Weekly Newsletter (free): Games Industry Executive Summary
Podcast: GIES
NewZoo:
NewZoo: https://newzoo.com
Global Games Market Report: https://newzoo.com/resources/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2025
A Market That’s Growing but Maturing
3.6 billion global players (+4.4% YoY)
1.6 billion paying players (+4.9% YoY)
$188.8 billion in revenue (+3.4% YoY)
The industry has bounced back from the 2022 “post-COVID hangover” and is once again beating pre-pandemic records. Yet while revenues are up, the growth in new players is plateauing. With multiple generations already gaming, the future is less about expanding the audience and more about retaining players and monetizing smarter.
Platform Trends: Console Resurgence and PC Momentum
Console
Consoles are thriving thanks to new hardware cycles and anticipation for blockbuster titles.
$45.9 billion revenue in 2025 (+5.5% YoY)
Growth fueled by Nintendo Switch 2 and upcoming releases like GTA VI and Monster Hunter Wilds.
Manu noted that platform exclusivity is fading. With Sony bringing games to Xbox and vice versa, publishers are chasing bigger audiences. Nintendo remains the exception, leaning on its IP library and eShop ecosystem to drive growth.
PC
The PC market remains strong, especially in Asia-Pacific.
$39.9 billion revenue in 2025 (+2.5% YoY)
Steam continues to dominate, consolidating the market even as web-based and alternative platforms emerge.
Gen Alpha gamers are fueling renewed PC growth. With their preference for multitasking and quick-hit gameplay, expect to see shorter session modes become the norm in big PC titles.
Mobile
Mobile still leads the pack:
$103 billion revenue in 2025 (+2.9% YoY)
Nearly 3 billion players worldwide, representing 83% of the total player base.
But growth is slowing as mobile competes with TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and other distractions. Still, mobile remains the most dynamic space, producing breakout hits like Monopoly Go that can skyrocket from nowhere to market dominance.
The Rise of “Forever Games” and Platforms as Ecosystems
Games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft aren’t just titles, they’re platforms. They enable user-generated content (UGC), social interaction, and brand integration.
Manu highlighted a key question for publishers:
“Do you try to beat these platforms, or do you build within them?”
Studios are increasingly embedding their IP into these ecosystems rather than competing directly. From skins in Fortnite to branded experiences in Roblox, the opportunity lies in meeting players where they already spend their time.
Discoverability and Release Timing
Newzoo’s analysis shows that release timing is more critical than ever:
Games launched in Feb–May perform 34% better in early player engagement than those released in the crowded Aug–Nov holiday window.
Early Access strategies also matter, with shorter early access windows boosting retention.
The flood of post-COVID releases, combined with subscription services and free-to-play models, means discoverability has become one of the industry’s hardest challenges. Players often abandon games within minutes if not hooked, making the first 10 minutes of gameplay pivotal.
Key Takeaways for Studios and Publishers
Retention over acquisition – The player base is plateauing, so the battle is for time and loyalty.
Shorter sessions, bigger hooks – Players expect meaningful gameplay within minutes, not hours.
Think platform, not product – Roblox and Fortnite show that ecosystems can outlast individual games.
Optimize release windows – Don’t rely on outdated holiday launch strategies.
Embrace hybrid strategies – Whether it’s console on PC or IP inside Roblox, flexibility wins.
Final Thoughts
The numbers from Newzoo tell a story of resilient growth in a maturing industry. As Manu put it, the industry is no longer inflating but correcting, moving toward sustainable long-term expansion.
For developers, publishers, and industry leaders, the message is clear: adapt to where players are, design for how they play, and think strategically about when and where to launch.
The $188.8 billion question isn’t whether gaming will grow, it’s how studios can capture their share of a market that’s already massive, competitive, and evolving fast.
👉 If you’re a studio lead, publisher, or developer navigating this landscape, what’s your strategy? Are you doubling down on platforms like Roblox, experimenting with shorter sessions, or rethinking your release windows?
Find our Guest!
Manu Rosier: Emmanuel Rosier | LinkedIn
Weekly Newsletter (free): Games Industry Executive Summary
Podcast: GIES
NewZoo:
NewZoo: https://newzoo.com
Global Games Market Report: https://newzoo.com/resources/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2025
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