2025 has unfolded as a year marked by a whirlwind of events, leaving many to feel as though we are caught in a tumultuous cycle of societal challenges. Yet, amidst this chaos, there is a silver lining: the gaming industry is poised for remarkable growth. According to analysts at Newzoo, the global games market is projected to reach an impressive 7 billion by the end of the year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.5%. This optimistic forecast comes as a revision of earlier predictions, driven largely by robust performances in both PC and mobile gaming.
While the mobile gaming sector is expected to account for approximately half of the total revenue, generating around 8 billion, the PC gaming market is also set to shine with a projected growth of 10.4% by year-end. This trend has not gone unnoticed by industry giants like Activision and Microsoft, who have recently announced a strategic shift away from releasing consecutive titles in the Call of Duty franchise. Despite Black Ops 7 experiencing a lukewarm reception, it still ranks seventh in total sales across consoles and PC, according to Circana, another prominent market analysis firm.
In an unexpected twist, titles like Monster Hunter Wilds continue to hold their ground in sales rankings, despite facing post-launch challenges. Similarly, Civilization 7’s presence on the list is a pleasant surprise, especially following its mixed initial reception. It appears that the allure of engaging with historical narratives remains strong among gamers.
Gaming Trends and Player Preferences
When it comes to player engagement, Newzoo’s analysis of monthly active users reveals that established live service games dominate the landscape. Titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and Valorant continue to capture the attention of players. Interestingly, a newcomer, Peak, rounds out the rankings, highlighting a universal desire for social interaction, even if it involves some unconventional gameplay experiences, like tumbling off a cliff.
