Newzoo: Global games market to generate $213.9bn in 2026, up 6.1% YoY

Newzoo anticipates the global gaming industry to expand by 6.1% in 2026, reaching a total market value of $213.9 billion, with consumer spending predominantly coming from China and the United States. According to their Global Games Market Report, slated for a full release on September 10, console revenue is projected to make up 22% of the market, amounting to $46.9 billion, representing a 5.1% increase.

The highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November is anticipated to significantly boost full-game spending, accounting for 17.5% of the market, which Newzoo identifies as the strongest growth driver among business models. Mobile gaming is projected to hold the largest share of the market at 57%, totaling $121.1 billion, reflecting a 6.8% year-over-year growth fueled by increased player spending and the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) platforms.

A survey conducted by FastSpring and Omdia revealed that 96% of game studios have or plan to establish a D2C web store, motivated by enhanced brand visibility, increased customer loyalty, and access to valuable first-party data. PC gaming is expected to hold the smallest market share at 21%, amounting to $45.9 billion, with growth forecasted to be 5.3% year-over-year, slightly down from the 12% annual compound growth rate (CAGR) expected in 2025.

Premium and mid-priced releases are anticipated to sustain full-game revenue, while microtransactions are projected to reclaim their position as the leading business model. PC growth is forecasted to be geographically diverse, primarily driven by the Asia-Pacific, Latin American, and Middle East and Africa regions. While player growth is expected to decelerate from a 4.4% year-over-year increase in 2026 to a 3.2% CAGR through 2029, reaching a global player base of 4.07 billion, Newzoo suggests that future market growth will increasingly hinge on retaining and monetizing existing audiences, rather than attracting new players.

The industry's growth trajectory is currently concentrated in emerging markets, with Asia-Pacific leading as the largest region, and the Middle East and Africa expanding the fastest. The global player base is projected to reach 3.10 billion in 2026, with mobile players accounting for 84% of the total, followed by PC players at 26% and console players at 18%.

Newzoo predicts a slight increase in player penetration from 61.5% to 62% by 2026, emphasizing the limited potential for expansion through deeper market penetration; instead, growth will be driven by the expanding online population, which is expected to grow by 3.5% to 5.97 billion.