Business Insights and Market Implications Analysis

Market Growth

• PC Gaming Market: Grew from 873.5 million players in 2023 to 907.5 million in 2024.
• Console Market: Estimated at 653.1 million players in 2024, up from ~625 million in 2023.

Player Behavior

• Time Spent on Games:
  • 67% of player hours on PC spent on games ≥6 years old.
  • 25% on games 2-5 years old.
  • Only 8% on games released in the past 2 years.
• Top PC Games (by hours):
  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: 7.1%
  • League of Legends: 6.4%
  • Roblox: 6.2%
  • Dota 2 and Fortnite: Remaining top slots.

Development Trends

• Game Development Focus:
  • 80% of developers targeting PC in 2024 (up from 66% in 2023).
  • Steady growth since 2020 (56%).
  • PlayStation 5: 38%, Xbox Series X/S: 34%.

Competitive Landscape

• Live Service Model:
  • Dominance of free-to-play live service games.
  • Drives sustained player engagement and revenue.
• Console vs. PC Revenue:
  • Console: 28% market share (highest).
  • PC: 22%, growing steadily.

Long-Term Implications

• Impact on Console Strategy:
  • Potential influence on Sony and Microsoft’s next-gen console plans.
  • Focus on hybrid approaches and third-party partnerships.
• Developer Shifts:
  • Increasing focus on PC development, particularly in Western markets.
  • Mobile remains dominant in Asia.

Strategic Considerations

• Live Service Sustainability:
  • High risk of project shutdown but sustained engagement opportunities.
• Market Penetration:
  • PC gaming growth driven by accessibility and cross-platform play.
  • Console market still leads in revenue but faces competitive pressure.