The global video games market is witnessing a remarkable year, as revealed by Newzoo’s latest report covering January to November 2025. This year has been punctuated by significant milestones, like the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and notable growth in PC gaming, which has outshone both consoles and mobile platforms. Despite challenges in the US market, global trends show a positive outlook, with expectations of continued expansion into 2026.
Surging Profits in the Gaming Sector
Recent analyses indicate that the global games market is poised to reach a staggering $197 billion, reflecting a 7.5% increase from 2024. Mobile games are predicted to climb to $108 billion, a 7.7% rise. Consoles are also experiencing growth, with projections of reaching $45 billion, while PC gaming is surging with a noteworthy 10.4% increase, expected to hit $43 billion. The driving force behind this growth is the unexpected performance in PC and mobile sectors, suggesting a promising future for the industry.
Shifts in Gaming Preferences
Mobile gaming remains robust with enduring titles from giants like Tencent and Century Games, while PC gaming presents a more intriguing narrative. Notably, the top 10 PC games by revenue are non-free-to-play titles from 2025, highlighting a trend where players are investing more deeply in beloved games. Indie titles and new IPs have also made a significant impact on the PC front, underscoring its openness to diverse gaming experiences.
In contrast, console gaming is dominated by major franchises and recurring releases. EA leads as the top publisher, with titles like Pokémon Legends Z-A achieving impressive sales, despite limited platform availability. Meanwhile, Battlefield 6 has outperformed Call of Duty, marking a significant shift in the competitive gaming landscape.
The Rise of Indie Influence and Industry Transformations
Indie games have taken center stage in 2025, with successes like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 setting new award records. As the industry moves into 2026, key developments such as EA’s privatization and Ubisoft’s expansion with Vantage Studios signal major shifts. Market intelligence indicates a trend towards consolidation and strategic control of influential IPs, which may significantly shape the future of gaming.
