70+ Video Game Statistics 2024 (Gaming Stats about Games)
Recognizing the significant impact of video gaming is crucial for businesses, marketers, and individuals navigating the changing world of digital interaction and entertainment. By exploring video game data, we uncover the industry’s rapid expansion, understand consumer habits, and spot key trends in the video game market.
Finding comprehensive video game data can sometimes be challenging, spread across various reports and websites. To make it easier, we’ve put together a detailed compilation of 70+ video game industry figures for 2024.
From gender statistics in gaming to revenue numbers, from emerging patterns to technological advancements, this article serves as a valuable guide for anyone wanting deeper insights into the ever-evolving realm of video gaming.
Highlights of Video Game Data
- In 2023, the global revenue generated by the video game industry totaled $184.0 billion, marking a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
- There were roughly 3.38 billion video game players worldwide in 2023.
- The Asia-Pacific region had the highest number of gamers, making up 52% of the global gaming population in 2023.
- Grand Theft Auto V, the top-selling console/PC-only game, has sold over 190 million units by November 2023, spanning three console generations and PC.
- Between 1.7% and 10% of the American population is affected by video gaming addiction.
- Minecraft sold over 300 million copies by October 2023 across gaming platforms.
- Tetris remains an enduring bestseller, with 520 million copies sold across multiple platforms.
- In 2023, 32% of all developers reported working for indie studios.
- Gender gaming data shows that the average age of gamers is 35. In 2022, there were about 1.7 billion male gamers and 1.39 billion female gamers.
- AI technology is revolutionizing game development, with 49% of developers using these tools in their work environments.
Main Video Game Figures: User Engagement and Platform Usage
The gaming industry has seen a notable increase in active users across different platforms.
In 2023, the global gaming community was roughlyestimated at about 3.31 billion, according to Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report.
Mobile gaming has also made a significant impact in recent times, with mobile gaming data showing that it made up 72% of the total video gaming revenue in 2023.
In the realm of console gaming, the PS2 has established itself as the top-selling video game console of all time. As of February 2024, it had sold over158 million units globally.
Notably, the Nintendo Switch emerged as the leading console of the current generation in terms of total unit sales, with over 137.7 million units shipped.
Time Spent Gaming on Average
The average time spent playing video games has stayed relatively consistent over the past few years.
In 2022,22% of US adultsaged 18 to 29 years spent six to ten hours per week engaged in video games. A survey from December 2023 revealedsimilar findings.
| Weekly Time Spent Playing Video Games According to Adults in the United States, by Age Group | ||||
| Category | 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 purchases have become a big way for the gaming industry to make money.
The amount of money people around the world spend on extra things inside games is predicted to be more than $74.4 billion by 2025.
In 2023, the money made from buying things in mobile games alone was about $89.7 billion, which is almost all (97%) of the money made from this kind of spending worldwide.
The other small part (3%) comes from selling whole video games online, like older versions of popular games such as the first Final Fantasy games.
Multiplayer Play
Playing games with several players together at the same time, known as multiplayer gaming, has become very popular.
These games often stress working together and team play, encouraging players to communicate. Online games with many players, like MMOs, are especially loved for their social features, making them very popular.
Video Games Market and Industry Changes
The video game industry is expected to be worth $256.97 billion by 2025. This industry offers lots of room for companies and advertisers to try new things and engage with audiences.
One big trend in this fast-changing industry is the continuous rise in selling digital games, which consistently do better than physical game sales.
In 2023, almost 90% of games sold were digital downloads, with only about 10% being actual discs.
This move towards online sales is driven by the ease of buying games online and the growing number of games that are only available digitally.
| 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 did in 2022/2023. Source: Statista
Also, the slowly increasing popularity of indie games is worth mentioning.
These games, often made by small groups or individuals, have become popular because of their unique game styles and creative ideas.
Based on the CDC’s 2024 State of the Game Industry Survey, about a third (32%) of game developers in 2023 worked for indie game companies, followed by big game companies. Most (57%) worked for companies with 50 employees or less. Compared to bigger companies, indie developers usually work in much smaller groups. Three-quarters of developers working for big companies were in groups with over 250 people, while nearly all indie developers were in teams of 20 people or fewer.
When it comes to promoting games in the gaming community, teaming up with influencers and advertising inside games have proven to be very effective. The global market for in-game ads, which was worth $109.60 billion in 2024, is expected to increase to as much as $145.50 billion by 2027.
PC Market Keeps Growing
In 2023, the PC game market reached new heights, setting records with earnings of $9 billion, selling 580 million units, having 33.6 million peak players online, and launching 14,000 games on Steam.
The PC gaming platform did exceptionally well, with new games doing better than expected, doubling in size compared to 2019.
Furthermore, the number of games introduced on Steam quickly grew after the start of COVID-19, nearly reaching 14,000 by 2023.
Overall, about two-thirds of games being made in 2023 were for PC, with 35% made for PlayStation 5 and 34% for Xbox Series S/X.
Gaming’s Effect on Buying Behavior
Video games impact what people buy, with ads in games and virtual items influencing how gamers spend money.
The worldwide market for virtual goods, worth $81.13 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $294.13 billion by 2030.
For instance, ads in games show gamers new products, influencing what they think and buy. Virtual items like outfits and weapons are a big source of money, with gamers spending real cash to make their game better. Also, game-related products like clothes, collectibles, and devices add to the gaming industry’s economic impact.
A study in 2022 reveals that 80% of gamers who play consoles want mementos from their favorite games, and 54% of casual gamers seek game-related mementos as well.
Moreover, 41% of shoppers buy men’s or boys’ clothes as gifts, and 35% shop for themselves.
Many factors contribute to video games and gaming content being loved by many people.
Games loved by different people usually have a good story, great graphics, easy controls, and important long-term goals.
New platforms like Twitch have changed gaming, with over 8.36 million people streaming games in January 2024 and 76% of all game streams on Twitch alone in 2023.
In 2023, Twitch viewers watched live streams for 2.86 billion hours, and the most popular categories had billions of views.
It’s predicted that 920 million people will watch game streams by 2024, with Twitch having over 140 million unique viewers every month.
From July to September 2022, top sites were watched for about 7.2 billion hours.
Also, as per the Game Transfer Phenomena (GTP) framework, the stories in games help make them popular by creating a community among players and becoming a part of our shared thoughts.
Exciting stories, fun gameplay, and the impact of content makers and streaming platforms all add to how games become popular.
Lately, gaming has become more than just fun; it’s a place where connections grow.
In 2023, a study by Statista showed that 88% of gamers said that gaming helped them connect with similar people, expanding their social groups, while 82% shared about making new friends through games.
In America, gaming is common, with four out of five people playing games in the last six months.
The study highlighted how gaming brings people together, with 60% of US gamers saying games help them stay in touch with loved ones, and 50% even find partners through games.
Thanks to social media and online communities, gamer groups have become stronger, leading to real and lasting friendships beyond just competing.
The increase in gaming during the COVID outbreak has highlighted its crucial role in helping people connect when they are alone.
The Influence of Gaming on Mental and Physical Health
The effects of gaming on mental and physical well-being are intricate topics that have gained a lot of interest recently.
A study from the University of Oxford in 2022 suggested a positive link between gaming and overall well-being.
Yet, gaming can also bring about physical hazards. Common injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and “gamer’s thumb” are common among gamers.
Furthermore, spending more time gaming has been connected to higher body mass index and lower reported general health.
Also, data on video game addiction trends from 2023 indicated that between 1.7% and 10% of Americans suffer from this issue.
Despite these potential downsides, some studies suggest that video games can be beneficial in areas like physical therapy.
Actually, a recent global survey discussed in the Power of Play report found that most of the 12,847 players in 12 countries believe that video games help reduce stress (71%), ease anxiety (61%), and battle feelings of loneliness (55%).
Many participants also mentioned that video games provide a healthy escape (64%), add to their happiness (63%), and help during tough times (52%).
Furthermore, two-thirds (67%) said that video games have helped them form new friendships and relationships.
Worldwide Gaming Community
In Q3 of 2023, gender gaming figures revealed that globally, 89.6% of young women and 92.6% of young men aged 16 to 24 played video games across various devices.
These numbers decreased with age, with 85.2% of women and 89.1% of men aged 25-34, 80.2% of women and 85.1% of men aged 35-44, 74.5% of women and 79.9% of men aged 45-54, and 69.6% of women and 70.8% of men aged 55-64 participating in video gaming.
2023 Global players per region. Source: Newzoo.
The growth of the gaming population can be credited to various reasons, like advances in technology such as mobile gaming, online multiplayer platforms, and the use of virtual and augmented reality.
Changes in society towards more acceptance of gaming and improved representation of different cultures and backgrounds in games have also helped this expansion.
Improvements in options for easy access to games have also widened its audience, making it more accommodating for people with disabilities.
Annual Revenue
The video game industry has been a big player in the world economy, making billions of dollars in revenue. In 2022, the global gaming market earned nearly $347 billion, with a significant portion of that coming from mobile gaming, around $248 billion.
By November 2023, Nintendo was at the forefront of the global gaming market with a market value of $53.69 billion, followed by Electronic Arts at $35.96 billion.
Other notable names included Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. with $26.26 billion and Roblox Corporation with $23.65 billion.
Roblox Corporation, entering the public market on March 10, 2021, had a remarkable $37 billion market value on its first trading day.
Although it faced declines in 2022 and 2023, it remained a major player in the industry.
Activision Blizzard, once a dominant force, experienced a drop in value due to legal problems, falling to nearly $46.98 billion by October 2021. However, it saw a revival in early 2023, with its market value reaching $67.06 billion. Microsoft’s purchase of the company in January 2022 led to its delisting in October 2023 after regulatory approvals.
But by the end of 2023, Tencent became the top gaming company in terms of global revenues, with an impressive $7,442 million. Sony, Apple, and Microsoft followed behind.
Revenue in the video game industry comes from various sources like game sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions, advertisements, and esports.
Free-to-play games, which are initially free but earn money through ads, in-game purchases, and optional buys, contribute significantly to gaming revenue.
Furthermore, the industry has seen substantial growth and changes, particularly expanding by 14.2% between 2022 and 2023.
This growth was fueled by social and casual gaming as millions turned to gaming during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Data on the mobile gaming industry projects this segment alone to generate a revenue of around $98.74 billion in 2024.
Moving forward, the video game industry is predicted to keep growing.
Forecasts indicate that by 2025, the global gaming industry will be worth $321 billion, with the video games market achieving a revenue of $282.30 billion in 2024.
This growth, expected to continue at an annual rate of 8.76% between 2024 and 2027, is driven by ongoing advances in technology, the rise of high-speed network connections, and the continuous demand for immersive gaming experiences.
Popular Platforms and Titles
The popularity of video games is driven by various factors such as population growth, widening demographics, improved accessibility, social connections, and changing cultural attitudes.
Some platforms have amassed large followings in recent years.
The PlayStation 5 has sold approximately 46.6 million units globally, while the Xbox Series X and Series S have sold about 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 stands out, with around 8.36 million active streamers as of January 2024.
YouTubeGaming, while not as popular as Twitch, has a large number of users, with around 544,000 people watching games at the same time in the third quarter of 2022. By 2024, standout games will define the video game world. Grand Theft Auto V, the top-selling console/PC-only game, has sold more than 190 million copies by November 2023, across three console generations and PC. Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies by October 2023 and is more than just a game – it extends into various other forms of entertainment. Tetris remains the best-selling game of all time, with 520 million copies sold across different platforms since it was first released. As of January 2024, the most popular games on Steam based on the number of players playing at the same time include “Counter Strike 2”, “Dota 2”, “PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS”, “Baldur’s Gate 3”, and “Team Fortress 2”. In a 2023 survey, game designers and programmers were the most common roles in the games industry, making up 34% and 33% of respondents, respectively. Production and project management roles followed closely behind, accounting for 31% of respondents. Other notable roles included business and finance at 20%, visual arts at 19%, and narrative/writing at 14%. The video game industry is always changing, driven by new trends and technologies that shape its future. Some emerging trends include: Immersive 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 65.9 million VR users and 110.1 million AR users. The worldwide estimate for VR users was 171 million. It is projected that by 2027, both AR and VR will have over 100 million users globally. These technologies blur the lines between the virtual and real worlds, giving gamers new levels of immersion and interaction. Blockchain Integration Declines Blockchain technology has become a significant factor in the gaming industry, providing security, reliability, and efficiency in gameplay and transactions. While it has supported secure transactions, reduced fraud, and empowered players in virtual economies, blockchain gaming investments in the video game industry saw a noticeable decline in 2023. The total investment value was $1.4 billion, a 72% decrease from the previous year, with 214 disclosed blockchain investments in video gaming companies throughout the year. Despite this decline, investments in blockchain technologies are expected to grow at a rate of 68.3% from 2023 to 2030.
Source: Grand View Research
At this moment, recent information shows that most developers are losing enthusiasm or confidence in these technologies.
Source: 2024 State of the Game Industry Survey
Cross-Platform Gaming
As per Newzoo’s 2023 PC & Console Gaming Report, players who play games on PC, console, and mobile, known as “tri-platform players,” are showing higher engagement levels and spending more on gaming.This demonstrates increased engagement and spending in gaming..
The research indicates that almost one out of every four PC and/or console gamers play games on all three platforms, showing a significant group of gamers dedicating a lot of time and money.
This information implies that using multiple platforms leads to more time spent playing and more money spent on games.
Additionally, insights into the demographics reveal 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 or playing music (49%).
For this group, adventure stands out as the preferred genre on any device.
AI Tools Are Changing Game Development
In the last year, the popularity of Generative AI technology has risen, driven by platforms like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Midjourney, which have made it more accessible and widespread.
More companies have been dedicating resources to this field.
A survey by CDC reveals that 49% of developers use Generative AI tools at work, with 31% using them personally and 18% noting their coworkers’ usage.
However, a quarter expressed no interest in utilizing these tools.
Simultaneously, while developers are unsure about the industry impact of Generative AI, they firmly believe in its ethical consequences.
A large majority (84%) have expressed some level of worry about the ethical implications of using Generative AI, opposed by the 12% who have no worries.
Issues in the Games Industry Workforce
The gaming industry has experienced substantial job cuts in recent times.
In 2023, around10,500 workers in the game industry lost their jobs, and this trend has continued into 2024. In the first two months of this year, over 7,800 job losses were announced.
Key players like EA and Unity Software have contributed to these numbers, with EA reducing 5% of its workforce and Unity Software cutting almost 25% of its employees.
These job losses have had a deep impact on the industry and its employees, highlighting a tough period for the gaming industry.
Summing Up: Glimpsing into the Future of the Games Industry
As the gaming industry progresses, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and evolving consumer preferences, it stands at a crucial point poised for significant growth and innovation.
Embracing upcoming trends like immersive technologies, integrating blockchain, and the growth of indie games, while tackling workforce challenges and regulatory issues, will be crucial for industry participants.
By remaining flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the desires and expectations of gamers globally, the gaming industry can navigate the complexities of the future with resilience and creativity, ensuring its enduring relevance and importance in the digital era and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
