41 Video Games Industry Statistics [2024]

The video games industry is thriving. Game companies are consistently producing massive titles that go on to be bestsellers.

With video game technology constantly breaking new ground, it is no wonder that the attention of gamers worldwide is always hooked.

There are as many types of gamers as there are video game genres, but the industry calls and caters to every single one. Let’s take a look at how this shapes us and how we shape it in return.

Video Games Industry Stats Highlights

The video games industry is massive, and as such, it offers plenty of fascinating data to study. The way it continues to grow means that it is constantly changing, which brings out some exciting stats for 2022 and for the future. Check out this quick overview of the most impactful ones:

• There are now over 2.4 billion gamers around the world. This is over a third of the population.
• In the first quarter of 2022, 3168 games were released on Steam.
• The current most played game in the world is PUBG: Battlegrounds, with over 1,200 million
• Over 75% of American households have at least one member who plays video games.
• The VR sector of video gaming is estimated to reach a value of 50 billion by 2025.

The Video Game Demographics

When it comes to determining factors in a video game’s success and popularity, it is essential for gaming companies to be aware of their audiences. Let’s take a look at the people playing the games.

The Average Age of a US Video Game Player Is 18-34

(Source: Statista)

In the United States, 38% of video game players are aged between 18 and 34 years old. The following group is the under 18s, at 30%, followed by the 35 to 44-year-olds at 14%. While initially thought of as pertaining exclusively to younger generations, this trend shows that the average age of gamers grows at the same rhythm as generations do.

Over 41.5% Of Video Game Players in the US Are Female

(Source: Statista)

The video games industry seemed to cater particularly to men, especially in its early stages. Back in 2006, only 38% of gamers identified as women. In recent years, the average hit as high as 46%. Currently, 41.5% of American women play video games regularly.

This is even more impressive when looking around the globe: worldwide, in 2021, 86.4% of women between 16 and 24 years old said they played video games.

More Than 10% Of Gamers Are LGBTQIA+

(Source: Nielsen)

In 2020, studies showed that 10% of gamers identify as LGBTQIA+, with that number set to have grown since. This is a fascinating statistic not only because it shows the effect of video games on minorities and it shows game companies the necessity to provide diverse stories.

Indie studios, in particular, are providing well-crafted narratives and interesting gameplay with richly diverse casts.

Women Spend More on Accessories and Dlc

(Source: Treasure Data)

Gaming accessories and downloadable content are big sources of game-related revenue. Women tend to spend, on average, more on these aspects of gaming than men do: approximately $359 per year for women, $335 for men.

This ongoing willingness to keep investing in the overall industry is great for game companies to know when deciding how to promote a title.

Video Game Players Tend To Be Committed

(Source: AdColony)

The majority of gamers are dedicated to the world of gaming. Of the 58.5% of American men who say they play video games, 49.1% describe themselves as fully committed gamers. Of the 41.5% of women, 48.8% of them say the same.

These figures show not only that video games have ensured success in the present, but the industry will continue to be lucrative in the future.

German Gamers Spend the Highest Number of Hours on Games

(Source: Limelight Networks)

On average, video game players from Germany spend the most time playing worldwide: 6.92 hours per week. Germans are followed by Brits, who spend an estimated average of 6.89 hours playing video games.

The country completing this top 3 is Japan, with gamers spending an average of 6.64 hours per week on their preferred video games.

Japanese Gamers Have the Longest Playing Sessions

(Source: Limelight Networks)

Video games are huge in Japan, with fascinating stats both for companies and players. Japanese gamers have the longest average of consecutive gaming sessions in the world: 5.33.

This average duration shows the commitment of Japanese players to the activity, which ensures its ongoing relevance. Providing gamers with the right titles to fully immerse themselves in and spend time on is a mark of success for companies and developers.

Most Gamers Have Been Playing for Years

(Source: ESA)

In the US, video game players have been shown to have a long tenure in the activity. On average, the majority of committed gamers have been playing for over 14 years. This shows that the staggering evolution of game engines and overall technology keep gamers interested on a long-term basis.

Seniors and Video Games

(Source: AARP)

Perhaps in one of the most surprising twists in the industry, the number of Americans over 50 years old playing video games is rising. At the moment, over 1600 senior players treat themselves to a gaming session at least once every month.

Of these, 73% prefer to play on their phones rather than on any other device. 55% believe that gaming has had an overall positive impact on them.

The Downside of Gaming

(Source: Intenta)

The ever-growing numbers of video game players in the world bring with it an increase in the potential problems with the activity. At least 3% of gamers in the world suffer from what is known as gaming disorder.

This is a form of addiction or pattern behavior that manifests in impaired control and prioritizing gaming above all or most other activities. Suffering from this disorder can have a direct negative impact on a healthy lifestyle.

There Are Still Too Few Women in the Industry

(Source: Chess & Shawn)

Despite the clear numbers provided by women gamers, this isn’t accurately reflected in the industry. Only around 22% of game designers and artists are women, with even fewer in supervising positions.

While the games themselves are becoming more diverse, there is still a clear problem when it comes to employing to reflect diversity. This adds to the ongoing issues of sexism and overall discrimination that continue to exist in the industry.

The Platform Stats

With so many games on offer and so many gamers to cater to, it comes as no surprise that there are various platforms for players to use. Here are some of the most popular stats about gaming platforms.

The Majority of American Adults Play On at Least One Device

(Source: ESA)

65% of adults in the United States play games on at least one platform. This means that most households use either at the very least a computer, smartphone, or console for gaming. This means that gaming companies are aware that they have demand on all these platforms, and the gaming world is set on providing titles and supporting technology for all.

Mobile Gaming Is Reaching New Heights

(Source: Statista)

Of all gaming platforms, mobile is the one that is growing at the fastest pace. It is now accounting for 50% of the global revenue in the gaming industry and is predicted to surpass 100 billion in earnings by 2023.

Nintendo Switch Is Enjoying Huge Sales

(Source: Statistica)

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the gaming industry received an overall boost in sales. Few platforms have been as popular in the past two years as the Nintendo Switch. Fan-favorite games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons have caused sales of the Switch to soar.

The Nintendo Switch is now the third best-selling gaming console of all time, only behind the PS2 and the PS4.

Since 2020, over 48 million units of the Nintendo Switch have been sold across the world. This is even more impressive when knowing that Microsoft and Sony both released new consoles in this timeframe, with far worse results.

PC Maintains Its Lead

(Source: NewZoo)

PC continues to be the most popular device platform across the globe. Its versatility makes it a fan favorite, and this is reflected in the games players choose. The industry is very much focused on PC, with 56% of developers committed to producing games for the platform.

Sony Narrowly Wins in Console Development Focus

(Source: GDC)

Game developers working on console games are 25% focused on the PS4 and 23% focused on the Xbox One. Despite the lackluster release of the long-anticipated next-gen consoles from both giants, developers are 11% focused on creating PS5 games, while 9% are involved in making them for Xbox Series X.

Android Gets Huge Development Focus

(Source: Statista)

While PC continues to get most of the resources, the meteoric rise of mobile gaming has made developers take notice. Over 35% of game companies are focusing on creating, developing, and selling games made specifically for Android.

Vr Is Gaining Ground

(Source: Statista)

Virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) is becoming a huge trend in gaming. It allows new technology to be developed and to break ground in this constantly-changing environment.

Game developers are investing not only in creating impactful VR games but also on providing the top-quality gadgets for them. VR headsets, in particular are quickly gaining ground when it comes to invested resources and focus, with over 15% across studios.

Cloud Gaming Is Reaching New Heights

(Source: Allied Market Research)

Cloud gaming is a great alternative to traditional gaming consoles. It works well in addition to them and also as a way to do without them, at cheaper prices and using fewer resources. Cloud gaming services like Google Stadia or Geforce Now are continuing to make games more accessible to all.

Studies show that cloud gaming will reach a CAGR of 57.2% by 2030. This is an impressive figure that clearly shows the shift.

Steam Is Reaching New User Records

(Source: Statista)

Steam is the most popular video game distribution platform. It has recently surpassed a new record in having over 26 million concurrent registered users. The popular Steam sales are a huge draw, but generally, the platform streamlines the process of purchasing games and DLC for PC.

Playstation 2 Is the Most Sold Console Ever

(Source: Statista)

The Playstation 2 was released in 2000 and has since been discontinued, but no other one since has managed to surpass it in sales. Worldwide, the PS2 has sold over 157.68 million units.

The only other consoles that get close in lifetime sales are the Nintendo DS, the Game Boy, and the PS4.

The Financial Stats

The video games industry is a booming one and boasts some amazing financial stats. Let’s take a look at how it performs around the world.

The Value Is Projected To Keep Growing

(Source: Statista)

By 2025, the projected value of the global video game market is 268.8 billion USD. This shows how lucrative the industry is and how it will continue to flourish. Instead of losing money during the pandemic, the industry has thrived thanks to people turning to games as easy entertainment during lockdowns and quarantines.

Activision Blizzard Is the Biggest Company by Market Cap

(Source: Statista)

The creators behind Warcraft, Starcraft, the Diablo series, and the hugely popular World of Warcraft and Overwatch are the top earners by market cap. Activision Blizzard is currently getting 63.51 billion USD in earnings.

Committed fans of Blizzard games are some of the most dedicated in the world and continue to contribute to the company’s ongoing success. Despite some internal struggles that were reflected in slightly dipping sales, the recent acquisition by Microsoft has been entirely successful.

Electronic Arts Is the Leading Company by Ltm/EV

(Source: Statista)

Electronic Arts is behind titles such as The Sims, Apex Legends, Dragon Age, FIFA, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. It has achieved huge success with its stand-alone games and its various series. It is a cross-platform publisher that knows how to thrive on the market.

Video Games Have the Highest Digital Media Revenue

(Source: Statista)

The video games industry has surpassed many other giants of digital revenue and is projected to remain at the top. It is currently earning over 173 million USD and is expected to earn over 220 million USD by 2025.

In doing so, it has gone ahead of ePublishing, video-on-demand, and digital music.

Wii Sports Is the Best-selling Console Game by Unit

(Source: Statista)

With a huge advantage over the second on the list, the Wii Sports game for the Nintendo Wii console is the game with the most units sold ever. Wii Sports has sold over 82.65 million units since it came out in 2006 until present day.

It is followed by Super Mario Bros. with 40.24 million units sold, and Mario Kart Wii with 35.98 million units sold.

December 2021 Saw Amazing Revenue in the US

(Source: Statista)

Thanks to the popularity of video games and the Christmas holiday, December 2021 saw new revenue records being broken in the US. Total video game sales for that month amounted to 7.55 billion USD, a huge amount.

On average, US buyers tend to spend around 40.29 USD on video game hardware and 16.32 on gaming software. This shows the constant popularity and progress of the industry.

Mobile Games Account for a Large Part of the Global Revenue

(Source: Statista)

In a surprising turn of events, mobile games showed their superiority over PC games and console games. Mobile games are currently behind 52% of the global market revenue. This is far ahead of console games or PC games.

The US Accounts for 28% Of Global Market Revenue

(Source: Statista)

Despite not being the largest regional market, the US brings in a large part of the global market revenue that fuels the gaming industry. The US has 28% of it, while Japan follows with 22%.

This shows that the US has a high level of importance on the global market despite not breaking records. It is considered an essential country in the history of video games, and projections establish the success of this partnership.

The Asia-pacific Region Has the Largest Share of Game Market Revenue

(Source: Statista)

The Asia-Pacific region is a highly influential player in the video games industry. In 2020, it earned circa 84.3 billion USD, an estimated 48% of that year’s total revenue. North America follows with 26%, along with Europe, trailing behind at 19%.

By 2025, North America is projected to have a global market value of over 80 million USD, ahead of the Far East and China with 78 million USD, and West Europe with 77.

Tencent Is the Driving Chinese Force

(Source: Statista)

Giant technology and entertainment conglomerate Tencent is a Chinese multinational that gets at least a third of its revenue from gaming. It has earned approximately 114.7 billion yuan.

Stats on Video Game Preferences

All video game players have a wealth of preferences when it comes to choosing the next title to play. Either a dedication to a particular series, curiosity, or pure interest will attract the attention of gamers worldwide.

The Current Most Sold Game of the Year Is Pokemon Legends: Arceus

(Source: Statista)

In January 2022, Pokemon fans everywhere across the US went to buy Pokemon Legends Arceus. Followed by Call of Duty: Vanguard and Monster Hunter: Rise, it is interesting to see how a video game shapes buyers, especially if it’s a series.

These titles are the most popular when it comes to dollar sales.

LGBTQIA+ Gamers Prefer Sim Games

(Source: Nielsen)

The majority of LGBTQIA+ gamers in the US prefer to play simulation games on any platform. 41% would play it on mobile, while 40% prefer to play on PC and 26% prefer console gaming. The current most popular simulation games are Stardew Valley, My Time at Portia, and the ever-trendy Sims.

The Most Popular Genre in the US Is Casual

(Source: Statista)

Gamers from the US prefer casual games. 63% of them like low-stakes and no-pressure titles like Tetris or Solitaire. Minecraft, Slime Rancher, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are also top-rated choices. Action games and shooter games follow, each at 39%, along with racing games, family games, and adventures games.

Gamers Love Playing To Relax

(Source: Statista)

When asked why they enjoy playing video games, 66% of gamers stated their primary reason was to unwind and decompress from the daily stress. 52% said they do it to fill time between items on their schedule, while 51% said they do it for entertainment.

48% take advantage of gaming to use it as alone time and focus on themselves, and others look to video games for problem-solving training and comfort.

Most Gamers Love Multiplayer Options

(Source: ESA)

Of those playing regularly, 56% have stated that they prefer playing multiplayer games above all other options. Respondents have divulged that they enjoy multiplayer games because they keep them in contact with friends.

The players who love multiplayer games tend to spend around seven hours in this virtual networking system.

Most Game Buyers Have High School Diplomas

(Source: Earnest)

Of all game buyers in the world, it can be hard to pinpoint which social groups are more likely to participate in this activity. However, studies have shown that the most likely game buyers are those with a High School Diploma, at 18.5%.

Those with an Associate Degree follow at 16.9%, while those with a Bachelor’s degree end the list at 14.7%. There has generally not been enough time to test this further and find out how undergraduate and graduate students interact with this world.

Gamers Love Good Graphics and Affordable Prices

(Source: ESA)

When asked what motivates them to buy a game, players cited good graphics as their main preference, at 66%. This is followed by affordable prices at 63% and good storytelling at 61%. They also tend to enjoy if a game is part of a series they enjoy (51%) or how it behaves in terms of multiplayer compatibility (50%.

Some Try Games First, Others Don’t

(Source: ESA)

Each gamer has their own preferences when it comes to how to interact with games. Some prefer to know what they’re getting into before committing to a purchase, while others prefer to be surprised.

30% of video game players either use early access, a free trial, or a demo of a title before committing to it. 42% don’t feel the need to try games before buying them.

Dentists Are Least Likely to Game

(Source: Earnest)

Of all the careers in the world, studies have shown that dentists are the least likely to disconnect with a video game. Only 5.8% of those working in the dental field spend money on games.

This is also true of those with high incomes being less likely to buy games. Only 9% of those earning an income over 90,000 USD purchase games.

Most Players Prefer Buying Digital Games

(Source: Statista)

Back in 2010, video game players only purchased 31% of games in digital format. In contrast, today, only 17% of game sales are physical copies, while 83% are digital. These purchases are more straightforward nowadays and allow more versatility to players.

FAQs

What Country Has the Highest Number of Gamers?

The highest number of gamers can be found in China. It comes as no surprise that a country with such a large population has over 685 million video game players. It is impressive, however, if one remembers that there was a foreign console ban for 14 years until 2014.

The Chinese government wished to avoid the risk of gaming disorder in young people and provided only PC-based Chinese games. Since 2015, China has been setting the trend for game market revenue.

What’s the Most Commonly Used Gaming Device?

The majority of Internet users (83.6%) have stated that they have no preference for gaming devices and will use any at their disposal. However, a surprise emerges when traveling down the list.

The actual most commonly used gaming device, cited by those with a preference, is the smartphone, with 68.1% of votes. This is followed by the laptop or PC at 36.8% and the console at 25.8%.

The versatility and portability of the smartphone are the most cited reasons behind its popularity.

What Is the Leading Gaming Market in the World?

It may seem unsurprising that China is the leading gaming market in the world, with 46.01 billion USD in revenue and over 685 million players. What is a surprise is the proximity of the US, with 40.54 billion USD in revenue but only over 191 million players. While China has the sheer numbers, the US has a very committed gamer base.

Final Thoughts

The video games industry is a highly successful part of the entertainment sector, making billions a year across the world. It has a huge influence on the global market, and it is very much shaped by its audience.