The popularity of skill-based and mobile games has soared over the past two decades, with the COVID-19 lockdowns providing a notable boost. According to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook, total gaming revenue is projected to climb from $250 billion in 2024 to $330 billion by 2028, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. Advertising revenue is expected to reach $110 billion by 2026, outpacing previous forecasts. Gaming has become an integral part of everyday life in the U.S., where audiences spent an average of $21.10 per month on video games in 2024, according to Statista. More than 230 million Americans play video games weekly, with 75% of households having at least one gamer. Among younger demographics, gaming is especially prevalent, with 78% of those under 18 and 67% of adults engaging regularly. The number of gamers worldwide is expected to grow by 4.2% in 2025, reaching 3.54 billion players, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 54% of all players (1.9 billion). North America and the MENA region show the fastest acceleration in PC gaming uptake. Essentially, the video game market is expanding everywhere, with PC gaming driving overall growth and mobile gaming fueling expansion in emerging markets. Video games offer a mix of enjoyment, inspiration, and mental engagement. Current reports reveal that 91% of players find joy in gaming, with many also experiencing inspiration (79%), mental stimulation (88%), and stress relief (89%). Players agree video games can bring together different types of people (92%) and create accessible experiences for people with different abilities (89%). Games Industry Overview 34 Sponsored by Casino City’s iGaming Pocket Directory GAMES
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