Games Market Outlook

The global games market size was valued at USD 159.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 303.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2032. This robust growth is driven by several factors, including advances in technology, increasing penetration of the internet, and the growing popularity of online gaming platforms. The market is witnessing significant growth as consumers continue to demand innovative and immersive gaming experiences.

One of the primary growth factors for the games market is the rapid advancements in technology. The advent of high-speed internet, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the gaming experience. These technological innovations have enabled developers to create more realistic and engaging games, attracting a larger audience. Additionally, the proliferation of mobile devices and increased accessibility to gaming platforms have further fueled market growth.

Another significant driver is the increasing popularity of eSports and online gaming. Competitive gaming has evolved into a global phenomenon, with millions of players and spectators participating in or watching tournaments. The rise of live streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming has provided gamers with new opportunities to showcase their skills, fostering a sense of community and driving engagement. This shift towards online and competitive gaming has opened up new revenue streams for developers and publishers through sponsorships, advertising, and merchandise sales.

The growing trend of social gaming has also contributed to the market's expansion. Games are no longer just a solitary activity; they have become a means of social interaction and community building. Multiplayer online games and social gaming platforms allow players to connect with friends and other gamers worldwide. This social aspect of gaming has made it more appealing to a broader demographic, including women and older adults, further expanding the market's reach.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific dominates the games market, driven by the large population and high smartphone penetration in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. North America and Europe also hold significant market shares due to the strong presence of major game developers and publishers, as well as a high level of disposable income among consumers. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to witness substantial growth due to increasing internet penetration and the rising popularity of mobile gaming.

Type Analysis

The games market can be segmented by type into video games, board games, card games, role-playing games, and others. Video games dominate this segment, accounting for the largest share due to their widespread popularity and diverse range of genres. The video game industry has evolved significantly, with advancements in graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling. The rise of indie game developers has also contributed to the diversity and innovation in the video game market, providing players with unique and engaging experiences.

Board games have witnessed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, driven by the growing interest in tabletop gaming and the social aspects it offers. Modern board games, often referred to as "designer" or "Euro" games, have gained a dedicated following among enthusiasts. The board game market has also benefited from crowdfunding platforms, which have enabled independent designers to bring their projects to life and reach a global audience.

Card games, including collectible card games (CCGs) and trading card games (TCGs), remain a significant segment of the games market. Popular titles like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon TCG have maintained strong fan bases and continue to attract new players. The digitalization of card games has also expanded their reach, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games online and compete with others worldwide.

Role-playing games (RPGs) have carved out a niche in the games market, offering players immersive and narrative-driven experiences. These games often involve complex character development, intricate storylines, and strategic gameplay. The popularity of RPGs has been bolstered by successful franchises like Dungeons & Dragons, which have expanded into video games, books, and other media. The RPG market continues to grow as developers create new and innovative titles that captivate pla

The Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TRPG) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The rising popularity of digital platforms and online communities facilitates easier access to games and fosters a thriving global player base. This accessibility, coupled with a surge in interest in immersive and collaborative entertainment experiences, is fueling market expansion. Furthermore, the industry's creative evolution, with innovative game mechanics and diverse thematic offerings, attracts a broader demographic beyond traditional enthusiasts. The inclusion of digital elements, such as online tools for character management and virtual tabletops, further enhances the player experience and contributes to market growth. While traditional pen-and-paper formats remain popular, digital integration is a significant trend shaping the future of the TRPG landscape. Despite these positive trends, the market faces challenges. The high initial cost of acquiring physical game materials (books, dice, miniatures) and the need for dedicated play time among players can pose barriers to entry for some potential players. Competitive pressures from other entertainment formats, including video games and online streaming services, represent a constant need for adaptation and innovation within the TRPG industry. However, successful TRPG publishers are strategically addressing these challenges by offering diverse pricing models, including digital-only versions and subscription services, and actively engaging with communities to cultivate brand loyalty and foster community-driven expansion. This strategic responsiveness suggests a continued positive trajectory for the market, with a projected expansion across all segments in the coming years. We estimate a 2025 market size of $2 billion USD, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% over the forecast period.

A survey conducted in April 2022 examined the frequency of tabletop roleplaying game participation in the United States. The majority of respondents, ** percent, stated that they never played tabletop roleplaying games. Meanwhile, **** percent of respondents stated that they played tabletop roleplaying games once a week or more.

Here are a few use cases for this project:

1. Board Game Assistants: This Dice model can be used in a digital assistant for board games. It would help users track dice results automatically, thereby enhancing the experience for games involving dice such as Monopoly, Yahtzee, or Dungeons and Dragons.

2. Educational Games Development: Educational organizations and ed-tech companies can use this model to develop interactive learning games or applications that teach probability, math or statistics through a dice game.

3. Gambling Supervision: Casinos or online gambling platforms can apply the model to monitor dice games and ensure fair play, automatically and meticulously track game statistics, and verify or dispute any contentious throws.

4. Virtual Reality Gaming: The Dice model can be integrated into VR gaming systems to interact with physical dice. For instance, in a VR board game setup, the model can compute the numbers rolled on the dice and translate that into the virtual game.

5. Assistive Technology for Visually-Impaired: Application for visually impaired people, where the app can detect the number rolled on a dice and communicate it via audio, enabling visually impaired people to participate in dice-based games.

Discover why Hasbro's CEO advises early toy purchases this holiday season amidst potential shortages and inventory challenges.

Based on the tabletop fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3 role-playing video game developed and published by Larian Studios. The game was in early access from October 2020 to August 2023, selling 2.5 million copies to PC gamers before its full release in August 2023. Baldur's Gate 3 was a critical and commercial success and has sold over 15 million copies as of November 2024.

This statistic shows the sales of traditional toys and games in Canada in 2013, by category. That year, sales of outdoor and sports toys amounted to approximately **** million Canadian dollars and sales of plush toys reached ***** million dollars.

Board games in Canada - additional information

A type of traditional toys and games, board games have rich history in many cultures and societies. Since their ancient origins, many thousands of board games have been produced. While some games have no identifiable focus, such as checkers or mahjong, others can describe a theme in detail. Popular themed board games include Monopoly, Cluedo and Munchkin.

Based on the economic concept of the same name, Monopoly is said to be one of the best-selling board game of all time. Designed in 1903, the current version of the game was released in 1935. Since then, Monopoly has been licensed in more than 100 countries and printed in more than ** languages. Monopoly is currently produced by multinational toy manufacturer Hasbro, who were named among the leading toys and games companies and brands in Canada.

Some board games are even known for their cult following. The role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons for example, holds a D&D championship at Gen Con (a tabletop-game convention) every year, attracting fans from around the globe.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Role playing Games market size was USD 18.73 Billion in 2021 and it is forecasted to reach USD 38.46 Billion by 2029. Role playing Games Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 9.4% from 2023 to 2030. Key Dynamics of Role playing Games Market

Key Drivers of Role playing Games Market

The growth of the market is propelled by the increasing involvement of gamers: RPGs provide deeply engaging narratives, customizable characters, and vast open-world settings, appealing to an expanding audience of both serious and casual gamers. Titles such as The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, and the Final Fantasy series have established new benchmarks for immersive gameplay. With a growing fascination for fantasy, science fiction, and historical themes, RPGs persist in leading download rankings across PC, console, and mobile platforms.

Growth of Mobile and Cross-Platform Gaming: Mobile RPGs like Genshin Impact and AFK Arena have garnered millions of users worldwide, attributed to their freemium models, superior graphics, and global server access. The ability to play across platforms has enabled users to transition effortlessly between PC, console, and mobile, promoting extended engagement periods. The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of mobile RPGs have greatly broadened the market in areas such as Southeast Asia, India, and South America.

Expanding Esports and Streaming Ecosystem: Role-playing games featuring PvP or co-op elements are increasingly showcased in esports competitions, YouTube streams, and Twitch broadcasts. Content creators enhance visibility by presenting gameplay, walkthroughs, and mod reviews, fostering dynamic online communities. Titles like Skyrim, Cyberpunk 2077, and Path of Exile gain from sustained interest through ongoing content updates and user-generated modifications, maintaining engagement and revenue long after their initial release.

Key Restraints in Role playing Games Market

High Development Costs and Extended Production Timelines: AAA RPGs necessitate substantial investments in game design, graphics, voice acting, and world-building, typically requiring 3 to 5 years for development. The intricate nature of RPG mechanics and the demand for open-world realism exert significant pressure on developers. Budget overruns, delays, or disappointing launches (such as Cyberpunk 2077) can lead to considerable financial losses and reputational damage for studios and publishers.

Market Saturation and Intellectual Property Fatigue: The frequent release of sequels, remakes, and spin-offs within established RPG franchises can contribute to intellectual property fatigue among players. An oversaturation of similarly themed games may diminish consumer enthusiasm for new releases. Furthermore, indie developers encounter fierce competition from larger studios, making it challenging to differentiate themselves without innovative mechanics or storytelling, particularly in digital platforms like Steam and the PlayStation Store.

Regulatory and Monetization Obstacles: RPGs that incorporate loot boxes, in-game currencies, or gacha systems are facing heightened scrutiny and regulation in areas such as Europe and China. Monetization strategies that include microtransactions or pay-to-win elements may provoke backlash from gaming communities if not executed with care. Additionally, cultural content limitations and censorship can impede global market expansion, necessitating that studios localize or alter narratives and character designs.

Key Trends of Role playing Games Market

Integration of AI and Procedural Storytelling: Game developers are exploring the use of AI to facilitate dynamic narratives, adaptive enemy behaviors, and personalized in-game choices that can modify storylines. The procedural generation of quests, landscapes, and dialogues provides players with a more tailored experience, thereby enhancing replayability. These innovations are particularly prominent in indie RPGs and open-world sandbox games, where unpredictability contributes to sustained engagement.

Rise of Tabletop and Hybrid RPG Experiences: Tabletop RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons are experiencing a digital revival, with virtual tabletops (VTTs) and applications supporting remote campaigns. Hybrid RPGs that combine physical and digital components (for instance, Baldur’s Gate 3, which is based on D&D 5E rules) are attrac...