The global gaming industry grew faster than previously anticipated in 2025, according to new estimates from market research firm Newzoo. Based on performance data from the first 11 months of the year and projections for December, total gaming revenue is expected to reach $197 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 7.5%. Newzoo notes that this figure may still be adjusted once final results for the year are confirmed.
The stronger-than-expected performance reflects stable consumer engagement across platforms, continued digital monetization, and a release slate that performed well across PC, console, and mobile markets.
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Platform Trends Point to a Shifting Market Balance
Mobile gaming remained the largest segment of the industry in 2025, generating an estimated $108 billion in revenue, up 7.7% compared to the previous year. The segment continues to benefit from broad global reach and established live-service models.
Console gaming revenue reached approximately $45 billion, growing by 4.2% year over year. While growth in this segment was more moderate, major AAA releases and sports franchises continued to anchor console spending in key Western markets.
PC gaming emerged as the fastest-growing platform in 2025. Revenue climbed to $43 billion, representing a 10.4% increase year over year. Newzoo expects this trend to continue, with PC revenue projected to surpass console revenue within the next one to two years. The performance reflects strong sales of premium titles, increased visibility for mid-budget releases, and sustained engagement with long-running multiplayer games.
Market Outlook Extends Into the Late 2020s
Looking beyond 2025, Newzoo forecasts continued expansion for the global gaming market. Total revenue is expected to rise to $208.2 billion in 2026 and reach $227.2 billion by 2028. While growth rates are projected to stabilize compared to the post-pandemic surge earlier in the decade, the market is still expected to expand steadily, supported by platform diversification and evolving monetization strategies, including direct-to-consumer approaches and web3-adjacent experiments that remain secondary to traditional models.
PC Releases Show Strength Across Western Markets
In the PC segment, Newzoo identified Battlefield 6, Schedule I, and ARC Raiders as the highest-grossing titles during the first 11 months of 2025 across six major Western markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Shooters continued to dominate PC revenue charts, reinforcing the genre’s long-term appeal on the platform.
Newzoo also highlighted a broader trend toward premium releases and successful new intellectual properties. Titles such as Schedule I and R.E.P.O demonstrated that new IPs and AA-scale projects can achieve strong commercial results alongside established franchises.
In terms of player engagement, Counter-Strike 2, Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite led PC monthly active users. Peak stood out as a notable newcomer, reaching tenth place by MAU on PC by the end of the year.
Console Charts Remain Led by Established Franchises
On consoles, EA Sports FC 26, NBA 2K26, and Battlefield 6 ranked as the top-performing titles by revenue across the same six Western markets. The results reflect the continued dominance of sports titles and large-scale AAA releases on console platforms.
Exclusivity did not appear to significantly limit sales potential in 2025. Ghost of Yotei and Pokémon Legends: Z-A both placed within the top ten console titles, suggesting that platform-exclusive releases can still achieve strong commercial outcomes when backed by established brands or strong audience interest.
Engagement Leaders Highlight the Power of Live Service Games
Across both PC and consoles, Counter-Strike 2, Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite continued to lead in monthly active users, reinforcing the staying power of live-service and sandbox-driven experiences. On consoles, Call of Duty ranked second by MAU, though direct comparisons are complicated by Activision’s consolidation of multiple entries, including Warzone, under the unified Call of Duty HQ platform.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI, Grand Theft Auto V still ranked third by MAU on consoles in 2025. Its continued performance highlights the challenge new releases face when competing with long-running titles that maintain large and active player bases.
Source: Newzoo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much was the global gaming market worth in 2025?
According to Newzoo, the global gaming market reached an estimated $197 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting 7.5% year-over-year growth.
Which gaming platform grew the fastest in 2025?
PC gaming experienced the strongest growth, increasing by 10.4% year over year and reaching $43 billion in revenue.
Is PC gaming expected to surpass consoles in revenue?
Yes. Newzoo projects that PC gaming revenue will surpass console revenue within the next one to two years based on current trends.
What were the top-performing games in 2025?
Top performers included Battlefield 6 across both PC and console, EA Sports FC 26 and NBA 2K26 on consoles, and Schedule I and ARC Raiders on PC.
What is Newzoo’s forecast for the gaming market beyond 2025?
Newzoo expects the market to grow to $208.2 billion in 2026 and reach $227.2 billion by 2028, driven by steady platform growth and sustained player engagement.
