Gaming market projected to hit $618.82 billion by 2030

By AI, Created 2:21 PM UTC, June 03, 2026, /AGP/ – The Business Research Company says the global gaming market will grow from $343.22 billion in 2025 to $386.04 billion in 2026, then reach $618.82 billion by 2030. The forecast points to internet expansion, mobile gaming, cloud platforms, AI features and subscription models as key growth drivers.

Why it matters: - The gaming industry is moving deeper into mainstream entertainment, education and social interaction. - The market’s projected growth signals bigger opportunities for game publishers, platform operators, hardware makers and investors. - Broader internet access is expanding the pool of connected players and making multiplayer gaming more accessible.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Gaming Global Market Report 2026, covering market size, trends and forecasts for 2026-2035. - The report estimates the global gaming market will rise from $343.22 billion in 2025 to $386.04 billion in 2026. - The report projects the market will reach $618.82 billion by 2030. - The report puts the market’s compound annual growth rate at 12.5% in both the near-term and through 2030.

The details: - The report cites broader adoption of home console and PC gaming as one reason for historical growth. - The report also points to a growing number of mobile gamers, faster internet access, esports adoption and digital game distribution. - Future growth is expected to come from subscription-based gaming, more immersive experiences, metaverse-oriented platforms, increased investment in game development companies and more user-created content. - Trends expected to shape the market include cloud gaming becoming more mainstream, cross-platform compatibility, augmented reality and virtual reality content, artificial intelligence in gameplay and stronger multiplayer and social gaming activity. - Gaming is defined in the report as playing games for entertainment, education, problem-solving or skill-building, including combat training and corporate scenarios. - Gaming serves recreation, social interaction, cognitive development and learning. - Internet penetration is a key driver because gaming depends on connectivity for multiplayer play and community growth. - Meltwater data from February 2023 showed internet users in the United Kingdom rose by 224,000, or 0.3%, from 2022 to 2023, reaching 66.11 million. - Asia-Pacific was the largest gaming market region in 2025. - The report also covers South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The report offers market attractiveness scoring, total addressable market analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technology analysis and updated graphics and tables. - The company is offering a free sample of the report here. - The full report is available here.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests gaming growth is shifting from simple device adoption to platform-driven engagement. - Subscription models, cloud access and AI features point to a market that is becoming more service-like and more integrated across devices. - Asia-Pacific’s lead in market share underscores the region’s central role in global gaming demand and distribution.

What’s next: - The report expects cloud gaming, AR and VR content, AI-enabled gameplay and social gaming to gain more traction through 2030. - Continued internet expansion should keep widening the addressable audience for online and mobile gaming. - The Business Research Company is also highlighting related reports on augmented reality gaming, cloud gaming and generative AI in gaming.