PC Gaming Revenue Trends
The latest 2026 PC and Console Gaming Report from Newzoo, a prominent video game analytics firm, reveals a wealth of insights into the gaming landscape. Among the myriad of statistics, one particularly stands out: the remarkable surge in “sub-” game purchases on PC, which have skyrocketed by an impressive 156 percent from 2022 to 2025.
Released on March 12, Newzoo’s annual report highlights a significant trend: the anticipated “Steam-led PC growth” is projected to propel PC game sales past the total revenue generated by consoles by 2028. This projection is not merely a speculative estimate; it suggests that PC game sales will surpass the combined revenues of the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.
It’s important to note that this forecast pertains strictly to game purchases, excluding revenues from subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, which continue to be lucrative for console manufacturers. Nevertheless, the statistic is striking and prompts an exploration into the factors driving the growth of the PC gaming market.
Newzoo identifies the rise of “cheaper” games as a key contributor to this trend. Notably, the term “cheaper” refers specifically to games priced below the sub- threshold, rather than those simply discounted during sales. In 2025, titles such as Schedule I, PEAK, and R.E.P.O collectively represented 3.2 percent of the top sub- games on PC.
Furthermore, new releases priced under accounted for approximately 9 percent of the total revenue generated by PC games in 2025. In terms of revenue distribution by launch MSRP, sub- games constituted 32 percent of PC’s revenue, in stark contrast to just 7 percent for PlayStation and 9 percent for Xbox.
Ben Porter, Newzoo’s director of consulting, elaborated on these trends during a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz at GDC, noting that the cyclical nature of console generations influences spending behaviors. Unlike consoles, which experience distinct generational upgrades, the PC gaming market exhibits a more fluid growth pattern.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the implications of the sub- trend will be fascinating to observe, particularly with upcoming titles like Slay the Spire 2. The anticipation surrounding future reports will surely keep industry stakeholders engaged and eager for insights into this dynamic market.
