Jessica Clement
Senior research expert covering video games
Video gaming worldwide - Statistics & Facts
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Gone is the niche and nerd reputation – with about 2.6 billion global gamers and gaming titles being available on almost every digital device, video games are one of the most popular and enduring hobbies worldwide. Gamer preferences can vary vastly across age groups, genders, and regions – luckily, there is a seemingly infinite range of games to choose from.
By generating almost half of global video gaming revenues, Asia-Pacific is the region with the biggest revenue share, followed by North America. In 2023, China was the biggest gaming market worldwide, having overtaken the United States in second place. Japan, a major market with beloved gaming products worldwide, ranked third.
A global 2023 survey found that more than eight in ten internet users aged 16 to 44 years played video games on any device, with men slightly more likely to do so. During the survey, more than 68 percent of internet users stated they played video games on smartphones, making them the most popular gaming devices among global gaming audiences. PCs were ranked second, with 36.8 percent of gamers stating they played games on the device.
When looking at mobile titles specifically, puzzle games stand out as the most popular mobile gaming genre, followed by strategy and casino games. Despite the popularity of casual games, players are more than willing to spend on competitive gaming titles. In 2023, the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title Honor of Kings was the highest-grossing gaming app worldwide, followed by the battle royale game PUBG.
YouTube and Twitch are the most popular video platforms for gaming content, with the top gaming streamers accumulating millions of subscribers. Recently, it’s not just the top gaming personalities who get the views – industry showcases, gaming conferences, and awards shows have slowly but surely gone digital and are now being watched by millions online.
With so many options, video games and related content are more accessible than ever, making video games a truly mainstream entertainment option for audiences worldwide.
The global gaming market
While the continuously declining physical game sales received a bump during the pandemic, digital sales account for most video gaming revenues worldwide. Overall, mobile games are one of the biggest gaming segments, with close to 100 billion U.S. dollars in annual revenues. Only hardware and in-game advertising are bigger money makers.By generating almost half of global video gaming revenues, Asia-Pacific is the region with the biggest revenue share, followed by North America. In 2023, China was the biggest gaming market worldwide, having overtaken the United States in second place. Japan, a major market with beloved gaming products worldwide, ranked third.
A snapshot of the global gaming audience
The easily-accessible genre of mobile gaming is easily the most popular in terms of audiences – current figures estimate about two billion mobile gamers worldwide. The power of mobile is also reflected in other ways – mobile-first markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey top the ranking of global video gaming penetration, as over 94 percent of internet users play video games in these markets. The video gaming penetration worldwide was 83.1 percent across any device.A global 2023 survey found that more than eight in ten internet users aged 16 to 44 years played video games on any device, with men slightly more likely to do so. During the survey, more than 68 percent of internet users stated they played video games on smartphones, making them the most popular gaming devices among global gaming audiences. PCs were ranked second, with 36.8 percent of gamers stating they played games on the device.
What kind of video games are popular?
A survey of gamers worldwide revealed that shooter and action adventures were the most-played gaming genres among most age groups, with simulation and racing games following in terms of general popularity. Younger gamers were more likely to play battle royale titles, whereas puzzle and casino gamers stood out with older gaming audiences.When looking at mobile titles specifically, puzzle games stand out as the most popular mobile gaming genre, followed by strategy and casino games. Despite the popularity of casual games, players are more than willing to spend on competitive gaming titles. In 2023, the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title Honor of Kings was the highest-grossing gaming app worldwide, followed by the battle royale game PUBG.
Gaming is more than games
Gaming is more than just games – for many fans, it’s a lifestyle. Just like there are many options for which games to pick, there are also many ways to engage with video games. For example, streaming and video content are an important part of the medium, with many gamers being happy to watch online reviews, walkthroughs, Let’s Plays, or other user-generated content.YouTube and Twitch are the most popular video platforms for gaming content, with the top gaming streamers accumulating millions of subscribers. Recently, it’s not just the top gaming personalities who get the views – industry showcases, gaming conferences, and awards shows have slowly but surely gone digital and are now being watched by millions online.
With so many options, video games and related content are more accessible than ever, making video games a truly mainstream entertainment option for audiences worldwide.
Jessica Clement
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Jun 3, 2024
Jessica Clement
Senior research expert covering video games
