Global games market set to reach $197 billion in 2025 as PC and mobile outperform forecasts

The global video games industry is on track to generate $197 billion in revenue in 2025, surpassing earlier expectations, according to revised estimates from market research firm Newzoo. The updated outlook reflects stronger-than-anticipated performance across PC and mobile platforms during the year.

Based on data covering January through November, Newzoo now expects the market to grow 7.5% year over year. The revision follows earlier projections that placed 2025 revenue closer to $189 billion, before accounting for sustained consumer spending and engagement across several major segments.

Mobile gaming remains the industry’s largest contributor, with revenue forecast to reach $108 billion, an increase of 7.7% compared with last year. New releases and long-running titles continued to drive spending, marking a second consecutive year of growth for mobile after a period of post-pandemic adjustment. The trend suggests a degree of stabilization in player behavior and monetization across key mobile markets.

PC gaming is projected to post the fastest growth rate, rising 10.4% year on year to $43 billion. Newzoo attributed the increase to a strong slate of premium releases that outperformed comparable titles from 2024. The data indicates that full-priced PC games continued to attract both engagement and spending, despite heightened competition for player attention.

Console revenue is expected to reach $45 billion in 2025, up 4.2% from the previous year. Growth in the segment was supported by major franchise releases and the launch of Nintendo’s Switch 2, though consoles are forecast to trail PC and mobile in terms of year-over-year expansion.

Newzoo’s analysis of top-performing titles shows a clear divide between platforms. On PC, premium releases dominated revenue rankings, with shooters remaining the largest genre. On console, established franchises—particularly annual sports titles—accounted for a significant share of spending, highlighting the continued importance of predictable release cycles and brand recognition.

Engagement data points to a market increasingly driven by depth of play rather than a rapid expansion of the player base. Live-service titles continued to dominate monthly active user rankings across PC and console, while only a limited number of 2025 releases broke into the top engagement charts, often aided by free-to-play extensions or ongoing content updates.

The revised forecast comes despite ongoing pressures within the industry, including studio closures, restructuring, and rising development costs. According to Newzoo, consumer spending and engagement across major franchises and platforms remained resilient throughout the year, positioning the market to close 2025 ahead of previous expectations.

Final full-year figures are expected to be published in early 2026, once December performance data is included.