In today’s world, playing video games has gone beyond just entertainment and has become an essential part of modern society. It influences how we interact, learn, and form connections, providing unique perspectives on virtual teamwork and engaging storytelling.
Understanding the significant impact of video games is crucial for businesses, marketers, and individuals navigating the changing landscape of digital interaction and entertainment. By exploring video game statistics, we can discover the industry’s rapid growth, understand consumer habits, and spot major trends in the video game market.
The vast array of data on video game statistics can sometimes seem scattered across various reports and websites. To solve this, we’ve carefully curated a comprehensive list of 70+ statistics about the video game industry for 2024.
From demographics to financial figures, from emerging patterns to technological advancements, this article serves as a valuable reference for anyone looking for deeper insights into the dynamic realm of video games.
Highlights of Video Game Stats
- In 2023, the total worldwide revenue from the video game industry hit $184.0 billion, marking a 0.6% growth compared to the previous year.
- There were approximately 3.38 billion video game players globally in 2023.
- Asia-Pacific led in the number of gamers, making up 52% of the global gaming population in 2023.
- Grand Theft Auto V, the top-selling console/PC game, had sold over 190 million copies by November 2023, spanning three console generations and PC.
- Between 1.7% and 10% of the American population is affected by video game addiction.
- Minecraft saw sales of over 300 million copies by October 2023 across gaming platforms.
- Tetris remains a bestseller with 520 million copies sold on various platforms.
- 32% of all developers in 2023 reported working for independent (indie) studios.
- Demographically, the average age of gamers is 35. In 2022, there were around 1.7 billion male gamers and 1.39 billion female gamers.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing game development, with 49% of developers using AI tools in their work environments.
Key Stats About Video Games: User Engagement and Platform Usage
The gaming industry has seen a massive increase in active users on various platforms.
According to Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report, around 3.31 billion people were part of the global gaming community in 2023.
Mobile gaming made a significant impact, contributing to 72% of the total revenue in the video game industry in 2023.
The PS2 has become the highest-selling video game console of all time in console gaming. As of February 2024, it had sold over 158 million units worldwide.
Notably, the Nintendo Switch emerged as the leading current-generation console in terms of total unit sales, with over 137.7 million units shipped.
Time Spent Playing on Average
The average time spent playing video games has stayed relatively consistent in recent years.
In 2022, 22% of US adults between 18 and 29 years old spent six to ten hours per week playing video games. A survey in December 2023 showed similar findings.
| Weekly Time Spent Playing Video Games According to Adults in the United States, by Age Group | ||||
| Characteristic | 18-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-64 |
| Less than 1 hour | 12% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| 1 to 5 hours | 29% | 27% | 27% | 25% |
| 6 to 10 hours | 22% | 21% | 18% | 13% |
| 11 to 15 hours | 11% | 14% | 11% | 7% |
| 16 to 20 hours | 7% | 10% | 9% | 4% |
| More than 20 hours | 8% | 7% | 7% | 5% |
| Don’t know | 3% | 2% | 4% | 3% |
| I don’t play video games | 8% | 9% | 15% | 33% |
Source: Statista, as of December 2023
In-Game Purchases
In-game shopping has become a big money-making part of the gaming business.
The amount of money spent by gamers globally on added in-game stuff is expected to go over $74.4 billion by 2025.
Especially in 2023, money from shopping in mobile games alone was around $89.7 billion, which made up 97% of the money for this kind of game sales.
The remaining 3% came from sales of entire digital games, including mobile versions of old popular games like the early Final Fantasy games.
Playing Games Together
Playing games with many other players at the same time, encouraging teamwork and cooperation, has become very popular.
These kinds of games often promote working together and socializing. Huge online multiplayer games stand out because they focus on letting players connect with each other, which makes them very well-liked.
Video Gaming Market and Industry Trends
The gaming business is predicted to reach a value of $256.97 billion by 2025, giving a great opportunity for new ideas and ways to connect with audiences for companies and marketing teams.
New trends in this fast-moving area include the growing digital game sales, which are consistently higher than sales of physical games.
In fact, in 2023, a big 89.55% of games sold were digital downloads, while only 10.45% were actual physical copies.
This move towards digital platforms is driven by the ease of shopping online and the rise of games available only in digital form.
| Category | Type | 2022 (£m) | 2023 (£m) | % Change |
| Games | Physical | 517.9 | 495 | -4.42% |
| Digital | 4090 | 4240 | +3.67% | |
| Total | 4607.9 | 4735 | +2.76% |
How physical and digital games fared in 2022/2023. Source: Statista
Furthermore, the slow but steady growth of indie games is worth mentioning.
These games, usually made by small teams or individual creators, have become popular because of their unique gameplay and artistic styles.
According to the CDC’s 2024 State of the Game Industry Survey, in 2023, 32% of developers said they worked for indie game studios, shortly followed by big game studios.
Most (57%) were employed at studios with 50 employees or less. As observed in past years, bigger studios usually have more staff. Three-quarters (75%) of big game developers worked in studios with over 250 employees, while an equal 75% of indie developers worked in studios with 20 team members or fewer.
When it comes to promoting games within the gaming community, working with influencers and putting ads inside games have been very successful. The worldwide in-game advertising market was valued at $109.60 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit $145.50 billion by 2027.
PC Market Still Growing
In 2023, the PC market had a great year, reaching record high earnings of $9 billion, selling 580 million units, having 33.6 million players online at once, and releasing 14,000 games on Steam.
Especially, there was a great performance by the PC platform as new game releases exceeded expectations, doubling since 2019.
Moreover, the number of games launched on Steam has grown rapidly, especially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly reaching 14,000 games by 2023.
Overall, in 2023, 66% of games in development were aimed at PC, with 35% focusing on PlayStation 5 and 34% on Xbox Series S/X.
How Video Games Affect Buying Choices
The impact of video games on what people buy is significant. Advertisements within games, virtual items, and game-related products all have a big influence on how gamers spend their money.
The worldwide market for virtual items, which was worth $81.13 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $294.13 billion by 2030.
For instance, ads shown in games introduce players to new products, affecting how they see things and what they decide to buy. Virtual objects like skins, weapons, and other items within games are also a major source of income, with many gamers ready to spend real money to improve their gaming experiences. Additionally, merchandise related to games, like clothing, collectibles, and hardware, adds to the overall economic impact of the gaming industry.
A study from 2022 indicates that 80% of active console gamers enjoy having memorabilia of their favorite games. Casual gamers also seek such memorabilia, with 54% showing interest.
Moreover, 41% of consumers buy men’s or boys’ clothing as gifts, while another 35% shop for themselves.
Several key factors contribute to the success and widespread popularity of video games and their content.
Games that click with diverse audiences usually have certain important features like a captivating story, visually attractive graphics, easy controls, and meaningful long-term goals.
The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch has transformed gaming, with over 8.36 million active streamers in January 2024 and 76% of all game content streamed just on Twitch in 2023.
Twitch hosted 2.86 billion hours of live streaming in 2023, with the most popular categories racking up billions of viewing hours.
The audience for live game streaming is predicted to reach 920 million viewers by 2024, and Twitch alone has over 140 million unique monthly viewers.
In Q3 of 2022, the top platforms amassed approximately 7.2 billion hours of watched content.
Furthermore, as per the Game Transfer Phenomena (GTP) framework, the stories embedded in games are pivotal in their viral spread, creating a sense of community among players and transcending digital boundaries to become ingrained in our collective awareness.
Hence, the blend of captivating storytelling, innovative gameplay, and the impact of content creators and streaming platforms all contribute to the contagious nature of gaming trends.
In recent times, video gaming has moved beyond just entertainment, transforming into a lively social space where relationships thrive.
A survey by Statista in 2023 showed that 88% of gamers agreed that video games helped them connect with similar individuals, broadening their social networks. Additionally, 82% mentioned forming new friendships and bonds through gaming.
In the US, gaming has become widespread, with four out of five people participating in gaming activities in the past half-year.
The survey also highlighted the social side of gaming, with 60% of American gamers sharing that games assist them in staying linked to loved ones, and 50% even meeting their partners through gaming.
As social media and online communities have grown, small gaming communities have also formed. These communities are not just about competing but also about creating real and lasting friendships.
The increase in playing video games during the COVID pandemic, especially, showed how important games can be for connecting when feeling lonely.
How Gaming Affects Mental and Physical Health
Studying how gaming affects mental and physical health has become a big topic recently. One study from the University of Oxford in 2022 showed a link between playing games and overall health.
But there are also health risks related to gaming like hand injuries from playing too much, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and “gamer’s thumb.”
Also, spending a lot of time gaming can lead to gaining weight and feeling less healthy overall.
Additionally, data on video game addiction rates in 2023 showed that between 1.7% and 10% of Americans are affected by this issue.
Even though there are some negative aspects, some studies suggest that games can be helpful, like in physical therapy.
For example, a recent survey from the Power of Play report found that most of the 12,847 players surveyed from 12 countries believe that gaming helps reduce stress (71%), ease anxiety (61%), and combat loneliness (55%).
Many players also mentioned that games provide a good way to relax (64%), make them happy (63%), and help during tough times (52%).
Moreover, two-thirds (67%) said games helped them make new friends and relationships.
Worldwide Gaming Community
In the third quarter of 2023, information on gaming habits based on gender showed that globally, around 90% of young men and women aged 16 to 24 play video games using different devices.
As people get older, fewer women and men play video games: 85% of women and 89% of men aged 25-34, 80% women and 85% men aged 35-44, 75% women and 80% men aged 45-54, and around 70% of women and men aged 55-64 are gamers.
Looking at console gaming, data from the UK between September and November 2022 showed that nearly a third of young men in the country had tried gaming on consoles.
Meanwhile, in the US, by December 2023, about 41% of regular console gamers were female, according to surveys.
Numbers on playing video games reveal that the Asia-Pacific area has the most gamers, making up 52% of gamers worldwide in 2023, which is over 1.7 billion players.
2023 Global players per region. Source: Newzoo.
The increase in the number of people playing games is due to several reasons, like advancements in technology such as mobile games, online platforms where multiple players can play together, and the use of virtual and augmented reality.
Changes in society that are more accepting of gaming and the better portrayal of different cultures and backgrounds in games have also contributed to this growth.
Gaming has become more accessible to people with disabilities, which has made it easier for them to play and be a part of the gaming community.
Annual Revenue
The gaming industry has been a big part of the world economy for a long time, making billions of dollars in revenue. In 2022, the global gaming market made nearly $347 billion, with a big chunk of that coming from mobile games, around $248 billion.
By November 2023, Nintendo was leading the global gaming market with a value of $53.69 billion, followed by Electronic Arts at $35.96 billion. Other important players included Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. with $26.26 billion and Roblox Corporation with $23.65 billion.
Roblox Corporation, which went public on March 10, 2021, had a market value of $37 billion on its first day of trading.
Despite facing declines in 2022 and 2023, it remained a major player in the industry.
Activision Blizzard, once a big player, lost value due to legal problems, dropping to nearly $46.98 billion by October 2021. However, it made a comeback in early 2023, with a value of $67.06 billion. After Microsoft acquired the company in January 2022, it was removed from trading in October 2023 following regulatory approvals.
By the end of 2023, Tencent was the top gaming company in terms of revenues, making $7,442 million. Sony, Apple, and Microsoft followed behind.
Revenue in the video game industry comes from multiple sources like game sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions, advertising, and esports.
Free-to-play games, which are free at the start and earn money through ads and in-game purchases, are a big part of gaming revenue.
The industry grew by 14.2% between 2022 and 2023, driven by social and casual games as many turned to gaming during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Just the mobile gaming segment is expected to make $98.74 billion in revenue in 2024.
Looking ahead, the gaming industry is predicted to keep growing.
Estimates show that by 2025, the global gaming industry will be worth $321 billion, and video games alone will make $282.30 billion in revenue in 2024.
This growth, expected to continue at a rate of 8.76% annually between 2024 and 2027, is because of ongoing technological advancements, better internet connections, and the continued demand for immersive gaming experiences.
Popular Platforms and Titles
The popularity of video games is driven by factors like more people, diverse players, easier access, social connections, and changing cultural attitudes.
Some platforms have gained a lot of followers recently.
The PlayStation 5 has sold about 46.6 million units worldwide, while the Xbox Series X and Series S have sold around 21 million units.
On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch has been the top seller, with over 132.5 million consoles sold worldwide since its launch in 2017.
Among streaming platforms, Twitch is prominent, with roughly 8.36 million active streamers as of January 2024.
Gaming, not as popular as Twitch, also has a lot of people playing at the same time, with around 544 thousand viewers in the third quarter of 2022.By 2024, the video game world will be known for some really great games.
Grand Theft Auto V, the best-selling game for consoles and PCs, has sold over 190 million copies by November 2023, across three generations of consoles and PCs.
Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies by October 2023, and it’s not just a game, but it’s also in various other forms of media.
Tetris is still the best-selling game of all time, with 520 million copies sold across different devices since it first came out.
As of January 2024, the most popular games on Steam with the most players at the same time include “Counter Strike 2”, “Dota 2”, “PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS”, “Baldur’s Gate 3”, and “Team Fortress 2”.
Video Games Job Market Stats: Most Common Roles
In a survey in 2023, the most common jobs in the gaming industry were game designers and programmers, making up 34% and 33% of the people surveyed, respectively.
Right behind them were production and project management, with 31% of the people surveyed in those roles.
Other important roles included business and finance at 20%, visual arts at 19%, and storytelling/writing, which made up 14%.
Emerging Video Game Industry Trends
The video game industry is always changing, influenced by new trends and technologies that shape where it’s going. Here are some of the big trends right now and what they mean for the industry.
Super Cool Technologies: VR, AR, and MR Gaming
Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are changing the gaming world with their immersive experiences.
In 2023, the US had about 65.9 million VR users and 110.1 million AR users, and worldwide there were around 171 million VR users.
By 2027, it’s predicted that over 100 million people globally will be using both AR and VR. These technologies mix real life with virtual worlds, giving players an amazing level of immersion and interaction.
Blockchain Integration Drop
Blockchain technology has become important in gaming, offering security and efficiency in gameplay and transactions.
It has helped make transactions secure, stop fraud, and give players power in virtual economies.
Even though blockchain gaming has grown a lot recently, investments in it in the video game industry dropped a lot in 2023.
The total investment value was $1.4 billion, which is a big 72% less than the year before.
During the year, there were 214 known investments in blockchain for gaming companies.
It’s important to look at blockchain’s impact in general.
Grand View Research says that these technologies will grow at a rate of 68.3% from 2023 to 2030.
Around the same time, recent information indicates that most creators are losing interest or faith in these technologies.
Source: 2024 State of the Game Industry Survey
Cross-Platform Gaming
Based on Newzoo’s 2023 PC & Console Gaming Report, gamers who play games on various devices—PC (computer), console (video game system), and mobile phone, known as “tri-platform players”—are showing more engagement and spending in gaming.They are spending more time and money on games..
The research indicates that almost one in four PC and/or console gamers play on all three platforms, showing a significant portion of the gaming community investing a lot of time and money.
This information suggests that using multiple devices is linked to playing more and spending more.
Also, data about the people playing on multiple platforms shows that 62% of these tri-platform players are male, with 46% aged between 10 and 25.
Their favorite activities include playing video games (67%), watching movies and TV shows (57%), and listening to music or playing musical instruments (49%).
Within this group, action games are the most popular genre on all devices.
AI Tools Are Changing Game Development
In the last year, the use of Generative AI technology has surged in popularity, driven by platforms like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Midjourney, which have made it easier for more people to use them.
More companies are starting to put resources into this area.
A survey by CDC shows that 49% of developers are using Generative AI tools in their work, with 31% using them personally while 18% see their colleagues using them.
On the other hand, a quarter of them are not interested in using these tools.
Simultaneously, although developers are uncertain about how Generative AI will impact the industry, they have strong feelings about the moral implications.
A large majority (84%) are somewhat concerned about the ethical issues related to using Generative AI, differing from the 12% who are not worried at all.
Challenges in the Games Industry Workforce
The games industry has seen many people losing their jobs over the years.
In 2023, about 10,500 workers in the game industry were laid off, and this trend has continued into 2024. In the first two months of the year alone, over 7,800 job losses were announced.
Big companies like EA and Unity Software have contributed to these numbers, with EA cutting 5% of its workforce and Unity Software laying off nearly a quarter of its employees.
These job cuts have had a big impact on the industry and the people working in it, marking a challenging time for the games industry.
The Bottom Line: Looking into the Future of the Games Industry
As the gaming industry keeps changing, driven by new technologies, market changes, and evolving player preferences, it is at a key moment ready for substantial growth and innovation.
Following emerging trends like virtual reality, blockchain integration, and the rise of indie games while addressing issues in the workforce and regulations will be crucial for those involved in the industry.
By being flexible, adaptable, and understanding the needs and hopes of players worldwide, the gaming industry can tackle the challenges of the future with strength and creativity, ensuring its ongoing importance and relevance in the digital era and beyond.
FAQs
What are the positive statistics of video games?
According to the Entertainment Software Association’s Power of Play report 2024, about 75% of global players think video games provide stress relief and mental stimulation. Almost two-thirds also believe video games provide them with “a healthy outlet from everyday challenges” (64%) and make them happier (63%).
REFERENCES:
These statistics were taken from various sources around the world (worldwide) including these countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America), US Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Data is coming from all regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and from people of different backgrounds (Arab, Arabic, African, Asian, Latin, Latino, Latina, Male, Men, Female, Women, Black, Causasian and more.
Stats are from 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050.
Stats were also taken from these US cities and states:
CITIES:
New York (NYC), Los Angeles (LA), Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Austin, Jacksonville, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Seattle, Denver, Washington, Boston, El Paso, Nashville, Detroit, Oklahoma City, Portland, Las Vegas, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, Tucson, Fresno, Mesa, Sacramento, Atlanta, Kansas City, Colorado Springs, Miami, Raleigh, Omaha, Long Beach, Virginia Beach, Oakland, Minneapolis, Tulsa, Tampa, Arlington, New Orleans, Wichita, Cleveland, Bakersfield, Aurora, Anaheim, Honolulu, Santa Ana, Riverside, Corpus Christi, Lexington, Henderson, Stockton, Saint Paul, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Greensboro, Lincoln, Anchorage, Plano, Orlando, Irvine, Newark, Durham, Chula Vista, Toledo, Fort Wayne, St. Petersburg, Laredo, Jersey City, Chandler, Madison, Lubbock, Scottsdale, Reno, Buffalo, Gilbert, Glendale, North Las Vegas, Winston-Salem, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Fremont, Garland, Irving, Hialeah, Richmond, Boise, Spokane, Baton Rouge.
STATES:
Alabama AL, Alaska AK, Arizona AZ, Arkansas AR, California CA, Colorado CO, Connecticut CT, Delaware DE, Florida FL, Georgia GA, Hawaii HI, Idaho ID, Illinois IL, Indiana IN, Iowa IA, Kansas KS, Kentucky KY, Louisiana LA, Maine ME, Maryland MD, Massachusetts MA, Michigan MI, Minnesota MN, Mississippi MS, Missouri MO, Montana MT, Nebraska NE, Nevada NV, New Hampshire NH, New Jersey NJ, New Mexico NM, New York NY, North Carolina NC, North Dakota ND, Ohio OH, Oklahoma OK, Oregon OR, Pennsylvania PA, Rhode Island RI, South Carolina SC, South Dakota SD, Tennessee TN, Texas TX, Utah UT, Vermont VT, Virginia VA, Washington WA, West Virginia WV, Wisconsin WI, Wyoming WY.