First released at the start of 2017, PUBG: Battlegrounds (previously known as PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds) is one of the most popular games on Steam and had 861,598 peak concurrent players in the last recorded month, April 2025. The highest number of concurrent players was recorded in January 2018 at 3.24 million. One of the biggest games on Steam PUBG gained a devoted legion of fans in a short space of time after its release, and cumulative unit sales of the game hit 75 million in December 2021. The game has also been critically acclaimed — it won the Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards in 2017 and its free-to-play mobile version for Android and iOS, released in 2018, was nominated for Best Mobile Game at The 2018 Game Awards. This critical success has also translated into commercial success, as the game generated millions of U.S. dollars of revenue, most successfully in the United States. On January 12, 2022, the game has become free to play. Battle of the Battle Royale games PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is an online battle royale game in which up to 100 hundred players battle it out until there is only one player or one team left standing. This format of game has become very popular in recent years. While PUBG has a strong following, especially on Steam, it has come under pressure from rival battle royale game, Fortnite. First released just several months after PUBG, Fortnite has since become a cultural phenomenon, amassing 500 million registered users in just six years. As of 2025, both PUB and Fortnite are still going strong with their loyal audiences.

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Game Streaming Market Size 2024-2028

The game streaming market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.05 billion at a CAGR of 8.51% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends. One notable trend is the increasing popularity of eSports tournaments, which have gained massive followings and sponsorships from major brands. Another trend is the growing demographic of women gamers, who now represent a substantial portion of the gaming community. Additionally, the health benefits of gaming, such as improved cognitive function and stress relief, are increasingly being recognized. These factors, among others, are fueling the growth of the market. However, challenges remain, including the need for high-speed internet connections and the potential for addiction and negative health effects. Despite these challenges, the market is poised for continued expansion as technology advances and gaming becomes more mainstream.

What will be the Size of the Game Streaming Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by the growth in popularity of game streaming services and the mobile gaming sector. Major players in this market include Facebook Gaming and YouTube Gaming, which leverage their extensive user bases to offer live streaming and on-demand content. Cloud gaming platforms, such as Microsoft xCloud and Google Stadia, are revolutionizing the industry by enabling users to play high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware. Traditional gaming companies, like PlayStation and Xbox, have entered the fray with their respective streaming services, PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass. The market's size is projected to expand as technological development and infrastructure improvements facilitate smoother delivery of streaming content.
Content acquisition remains a key focus, with popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, Clash Royale, and Free Fire attracting large audiences. Content creation and monetization options are also crucial, with streaming platforms providing tools and monetization options for content creators to engage their audiences effectively. The role of the YouTube network and other live streaming tools in this ecosystem cannot be overlooked, as they offer a significant reach and influence on consumer behavior. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth and innovation, fueled by the intersection of technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.

How is this Game Streaming Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The game streaming industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Revenue Stream

  In-game advertising
  Subscription
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Revenue Stream Insights

The in-game advertising segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experienced substantial growth in 2021, with in-game advertising emerging as the largest segment. This trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period, fueled by the increasing popularity of social media and mobile gaming. In-game advertising integrates advertisements into desktop and mobile games through various formats such as ads, clips, billboards, and backdrop displays. These non-interruptive advertisements offer a smoother gaming experience for players while delivering stronger audio-visual effects for viewers. As the mobile gaming sector continues to expand, driven by smartphone penetration rates and the availability of high-speed connectivity, game streaming services like Facebook Gaming, YouTube Gaming, Microsoft xCloud, Google Stadia, PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, League of Legends, Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, Clash Royale, and Free Fire are investing in strategic efforts to enhance their content delivery and monetization options.

Key technological developments, including the deployment of 5G networks by providers such as Optus and Pentanet, are further boosting the growth of the market. Content creators leverage live streaming tools like those offered by the YouTube network to engage audiences and monetize their content through platforms like Social Blade, where influencers like Germán Alejandro (JuegaGerman) and Garmendia Aranis have amassed significant followings.

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The in-game advertising segment was valued at USD 1.08 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast peri

The Battle Royale games market, valued at $10.93 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. The increasing popularity of esports and live streaming platforms provides significant exposure and cultivates a large and engaged player base. Technological advancements, particularly in mobile gaming technology, are expanding accessibility and lowering the barrier to entry for new players. Furthermore, continuous game updates, the introduction of new characters, weapons, and maps, and the integration of cross-platform play all contribute to sustained player engagement and market expansion. The market is segmented by application (PC, Mobile, Tablet, Others) and type (Client Type, Webgame Type), reflecting the diverse platforms and game mechanics within the genre. Competitive landscapes, featuring major players like Tencent, Epic Games, and Activision Blizzard (through its ownership of various studios), lead to continuous innovation and competition for market share, driving overall market growth. However, market growth may be tempered by factors such as increasing development costs, the saturation of the market with new titles, and the potential for player fatigue. The need for consistent updates and new content to maintain player interest presents ongoing challenges for developers. Furthermore, regulatory concerns regarding in-game purchases and loot boxes could impact revenue streams and growth projections. Despite these potential restraints, the sustained popularity of the Battle Royale genre and the ongoing investment in its development suggest a positive outlook for market expansion over the forecast period, albeit at a moderate pace. The geographic distribution of the market is expected to reflect existing gaming trends with North America and Asia-Pacific regions likely maintaining significant market share due to established player bases and high internet penetration rates.

Mobile games make up the majority of video games released each year, with thousands of new additions to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store every year. By the mid-2010s, mobile games had...

The third-person shooter (TPS) game market is a dynamic and competitive landscape, experiencing substantial growth fueled by advancements in game technology, increasing internet penetration, and the rising popularity of esports. The market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $45 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the continuous release of high-quality, immersive titles featuring engaging storylines and innovative gameplay mechanics, enhanced graphics capabilities, and the growing accessibility of gaming platforms across mobile, PC, and consoles. The increasing popularity of live-service models, offering continuous updates and extended gameplay, further contributes to market expansion. However, factors such as increasing development costs, competition from other gaming genres, and the potential for market saturation pose challenges to sustained growth. Segmentation within the market is significant, with variations based on platform (PC, console, mobile), game mode (single-player, multiplayer, battle royale), and monetization strategy (premium, free-to-play). The success of prominent studios such as EA Montreal, FromSoftware, and PUBG Studios highlights the importance of strong IP development and a focus on delivering engaging player experiences. While established players dominate, the market also presents opportunities for smaller, independent developers to carve out niche segments with innovative gameplay or targeted marketing strategies. The geographical distribution of the market is expected to be diverse, with North America and Europe holding significant shares, while regions like Asia-Pacific are anticipated to demonstrate high growth potential driven by rising disposable incomes and increased smartphone penetration. To maintain competitiveness, developers must constantly adapt to evolving player preferences, embracing technological advancements and focusing on community engagement. A strong focus on both single-player narratives and engaging multiplayer experiences is crucial for success in this dynamic market.

The global eSports organization market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing viewership, expanding sponsorships, and the rising popularity of competitive gaming titles like League of Legends (LoL), PUBG, Fortnite, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The market's segmentation reveals a significant contribution from both professional and amateur organizations, with professional teams commanding higher valuations due to lucrative sponsorship deals and prize money. Geographically, North America and Asia-Pacific currently dominate the market, fueled by a strong gaming culture and substantial investments in infrastructure. However, regions like Europe and the Middle East & Africa are showing significant potential for future growth, driven by increasing internet penetration and the rising popularity of mobile gaming. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established, globally recognized organizations like Fnatic, Team Liquid, and SKT T1, alongside emerging teams vying for a piece of the market. This dynamic environment fosters innovation in team management, content creation, and fan engagement, further accelerating the industry's growth trajectory. Factors influencing market growth include advancements in streaming technologies enhancing the viewing experience, the increasing integration of eSports into mainstream media, and the development of robust eSports infrastructure, including dedicated arenas and training facilities. However, challenges such as the need for sustainable business models, potential burnout among players, and the inherent volatility of the gaming industry represent potential restraints. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, with the market expanding into new territories and diversifying revenue streams through merchandise sales, online academies, and intellectual property licensing. The long-term success of eSports organizations hinges on adapting to evolving gaming trends, maintaining player loyalty, and securing strategic partnerships to ensure sustained profitability and growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. Estimating a CAGR of 15% for the period 2025-2033, and assuming a 2025 market size of $1.5 billion, the market would reach approximately $5 billion by 2033.

Roblox was the most popular video game on TikTok in 2024, accumulating 13.26 billion views on Roblox-related video content. Meanwhile, Fortnite was the second-most popular game on the platform, with 10.76 billion video views. Trending games on TikTok With its high user engagement that can make or break careers, TikTok is a popular indicator of what will become popular in certain entertainment and culture sectors. It comes as no surprise that the trending games on TikTok are a mix of current blockbuster releases as well as multiplayer audience favorites. A January 2024 survey of mobile gamers in the U.S. and Canada found that 39 percent of respondents used TikTok to discover and discuss mobile games. Currently, Twitch is the most prolific streaming platform for video gaming content. The most popular video game releases generated millions of watch time hours on their release day, with Black Myth: Wukong ranking first among 2024 video game releases with nearly 5.6 hours of watch time on its launch. Streaming video games on TikTok TikTok also enables users to live-stream content, and creators can also stream video games, specifically. According to TikTok, gaming creators can use TikTok’s own tool, LIVE Studio, to start streaming content once they reach certain qualifying milestones with their accounts. TikTok Live is a growing competitor to Twitch and YouTube Live, with mobile titles such as PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Garena Free Fire consistently ranking among the most popular games being live-streamed on the platform.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Strategy Games market size is USD 18.5 billion in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.80% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for strategy games is rising due to the increasing youngster population, the growing trend of competitive multiplayer games, and the rise in technological advancements.
Demand for webgame type remains higher in the strategy games market.
The mobile category held the highest strategy games market revenue share in 2023.
Asia Pacific will continue to lead, whereas the North American strategy games market will experience the strongest growth until 2030.

Rise in Technological Advancements to Deliver Viable Market Output

The rapid integration of 3D, high-definition graphics, Virtual Reality (VR), sound effects, and Augmented Reality (AR) in games has caused them to be more graphically sound and high-functioning. They are more attractive and thus can capture the concentration of a large customer base. Strategy games have become more natural in terms of presentation. High-quality visual effects, detailing, and sound consequences make them look more realistic. The developers are concentrated on developing games with more real graphics owing to the improvement in technology from 8-bit resolution to 64-bit resolution. The technical advancements have been continuous and rapid in-game growth and have brought a transformation toward personalization and user-centricity. This expansion in resolution technology brings more user traction and likeability, resulting in immediate advancement in the market.

For instance, in October 2022, Apple declared its plan to establish its new 27-inch pro-motion external display earlier next year. This outward display is 5K with Apple's ProMotion tech, which changes the refresh rate depending on the context and can increase as high as 120Hz.

(Source:www.macworld.com/article/1345530/apple-to-launch-new-27-inch-display.html)

Growing Trend of Competitive Multiplayer Games to Propel Market Growth

The market has observed an exponential advancement in the preference of individuals toward competitive multiplayer mobile games. Esports has evolved into a global phenomenon, and games, including Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Call of Duty (COD), are favorably popular. These games observe a multiplayer game format, delivering gamers with the capability to interact with their counterparts, thus contributing to higher engagement. Furthermore, the multiplayer form delivers a sense of accomplishment to players as they compete with other participants in real-time. In-game purchases and character customization features help improve user engagement even further. The establishment of Battle Royale games for smartphones has significantly contributed to market augmentation. A rapid advancement in the penetration of smartphones is a critical contributing factor to the increasing number of gamers.

The surge in online gaming's popularity and the emergence of esports are driving market growth

For instance, Activision Blizzard Inc., in October 2022, introduced its all-time famous game, Overwatch's latest version, Overwatch 2, with free-to-play and monetization opportunities to cater to the rising demand for multiplayer games.

(Source:tech.hindustantimes.com/gaming/news/activision-blizzard-s-overwatch-2-launches-in-boost-to-video-game-lineup-71664894567793.html)

Market Dynamics of Strategy Games Market

Addiction Issue from Intense Gaming to Hinder Market Growth

The strategy games market has, at times, faced criticism and concerns regarding addiction issues stemming from intense gaming experiences. These games often demand prolonged periods of concentration and commitment, making players susceptible to overindulgence. The allure of achieving in-game objectives, conquering opponents, and gaining virtual rewards can lead to excessive gameplay, neglecting real-life responsibilities, and potential adverse health effects. To address this issue, the industry has started implementing features like gameplay timers and reminders to take breaks. Additionally, education about responsible gaming and parental controls has become more prevalent. While intense gaming can be immensely enjoyable, players and developers alike must strike a balance that ensures the well-being of individuals in both the virtual and real worlds.

Impa...

Mobile Shooter Market Outlook

The global mobile shooter market size was valued at approximately USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 24.3 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.5%. This significant growth can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in mobile technology, increasing internet penetration, and the rising popularity of mobile games among various age groups.

One of the primary growth factors driving the mobile shooter market is the continuous evolution and improvement of mobile hardware. Modern smartphones come equipped with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and advanced graphics capabilities, which enhance the gaming experience and make mobile shooter games more appealing. These technological advancements allow for more complex and visually stunning games, which attract a larger audience and drive market growth.

Additionally, the increase in internet penetration and the widespread availability of high-speed mobile networks, such as 4G and the emerging 5G technology, have significantly contributed to the growth of the mobile shooter market. High-speed internet enables seamless online multiplayer experiences, which are a crucial aspect of many mobile shooter games. The ability to play games online with friends and competitors from around the world adds to the appeal and popularity of these games, further boosting market growth.

Another key growth factor is the changing demographics and preferences of gamers. The mobile gaming market is no longer limited to a younger audience; it now includes a diverse range of age groups, including adults who grew up playing video games and continue to enjoy them. The convenience of mobile gaming, which allows people to play anytime and anywhere, has also played a significant role in attracting a broader audience. This expanding demographic base is driving the demand for mobile shooter games and contributing to the overall market growth.

The Battle Royale Game genre has become a significant driver of growth within the mobile shooter market. This genre, known for its intense, last-man-standing gameplay, has captivated a global audience, offering both competitive and casual players an engaging experience. The success of games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite in this category is a testament to the genre's widespread appeal. These games provide players with dynamic environments and strategic challenges, fostering a sense of community and competition. The social and interactive elements of Battle Royale Games, such as teaming up with friends or competing against players worldwide, have further contributed to their popularity and market expansion.

From a regional outlook, the Asia Pacific region holds a dominant position in the mobile shooter market, driven by countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, where mobile gaming is highly popular. North America and Europe also represent significant markets due to their well-established gaming industries and high consumer spending on digital entertainment. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years, fueled by increasing smartphone adoption and improved internet infrastructure.

Game Type Analysis

The mobile shooter market can be segmented by game type into First-Person Shooter (FPS), Third-Person Shooter (TPS), Battle Royale, Tactical Shooter, and others. Each game type offers unique gameplay mechanics and appeals to different segments of the gaming community. The First-Person Shooter (FPS) segment is particularly popular due to its immersive gameplay experience, where players view the action through the eyes of the protagonist. FPS games like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile have garnered massive followings and continue to dominate the market. The realistic graphics and engaging gameplay of FPS games contribute significantly to the market's overall growth.

The Third-Person Shooter (TPS) segment also holds a substantial market share. These games offer a broader field of view and allow players to see their avatars, which can enhance the gameplay experience for some users. TPS games like Fortnite and Garena Free Fire have become immensely popular, especially among younger gamers. The success of these games has led to increased investment in developing high-quality TPS games, which further drives market growth.

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Counter-Strike 2 was the most popular game on Steam in January 2025. The tactical first-person shooter game racked up an impressive 949 thousand average concurrent players per week, which was more than competing titles Dota 2, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Marvel Rivals did. What is Steam? Steam is one of the top-grossing digital gaming content platforms worldwide. Initially created by Valve Corporation to update games such as Counter-Strike in 2003, the service has since expanded to include games from third-party developers and publishers. The platform also offers multiplayer gaming, digital rights management, social networking, and video streaming services, drawing millions of users from around the world each day. In 2023, the number of peak concurrent Steam users hit 33 million, gaining roughtly three million users per year. Counter Strike strikes again Counter-Strike 2 is a multiplayer first-person shooter game that pits two teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists against each other in different objective-based game modes. As the fifth game in the top-rated Counter-Strike series, CS2 was released as a direct successor to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The game was released in 2023 as an updated version of CS:GO. In 2024, Counter-Strike 2 came third in the ranking of most played games on Steam at more than 1.7 million peak concurrent players.

Released on August 19, 2024, and selling 10 million copies within three days, Black Myth: Wukong is one of the fastest-selling video games of all time. Heralded as the Chinese video game industry's first AAA video game production, the title was released on PC and PS5 with an Xbox version following shortly. Black Myth: Wukong was published by Game Science, which is backed by Tencent Gaming, one of the biggest gaming companies in China and worldwide. Lifetime unit sales of Black Myth: Wukong are currently at 25 million units. A record-breaking game release After first teasing the game in 2020, the anticipation for Black Myth: Wukong was extremely high. The title made headlines when Game Science revealed that it would transition the game’s development to the newly released game engine Unreal 5, making it one of the first major titles to do so. This hype caused the game to top charts as soon as pre-orders became available in summer 2024. Apart from selling an unprecedented number of copies within just a few days, Black Myth: Wukong crushed the competition in terms of user engagement, setting records as the second-most played video games on Steam based on peak concurrent players. A week post release, Wukong claimed over 2.4 million peak concurrent users on PC, ranking only behind PUBG, which is even more impressive considering that PUBG is a free-to-play online multiplayer title. Most Black Myth: Wukong’s sales are domestic, based on the fact that the majority of the over half a million reviews on Steam are in Chinese. Additionally, Chinese gamers accounted for about a third of Steam audiences, with nearly 32 percent of Steam users having Simplified Chinese and another 1.2 percent using Traditional Chinese as the language for the PC gaming platform. China’s gaming industry is starting to take off internationally Despite being the biggest video gaming market worldwide based on revenue, the Chinese gaming industry has been hampered by a gaming console ban (which has now been lifted), as well as strict regulations regarding video game releases and gaming consumption among citizens. Some of these strict regulations have caused raised eyebrows during the release of Black Myth: Wukong, as gaming content creators and streamers revealed they had been sent a list of topics to avoid talking about while livestreaming the game. Despite these growing pains, the Chinese gaming industry has been gaining international traction in recent years. Limited to mobile or domestic releases for long, China is now known for leading the way in free-to-play action role-playing titles like Genshin Impact, which gave rise to an entire genre of anime-style open-world online games. There are several factors that play into the popularity of Black Myth: Wukong. One of the key factors of the action game’s success is the source material – the main character of Black Myth: Wukong is based on Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, a key character in Journey to the West, a beloved piece of classic Chinese literature which has inspired hundreds of interpretations on TV shows, cartoons, movies, and other media adaptions. The cultural relevance of the topic can be regarded as a soft-power move to promote Chinese culture through media content, which is currently booming internationally as Chinese TV drama productions are also gaining more international popularity among Western audiences.

Apex Legends became an instant hit on its release in February 2019. Despite the growth in players slowing down in the months after the game's initial release, Apex Legends crossed 170 million players life-to-date as of October 2024. Apex Legends popular among eSports fans Apex Legends is a battle royale game which pits up to 20 three-person squads against each other in a fight to the death an island. While the game evidently has millions of devoted players, many more experience the game through some of their favorite eSports players. The Respawn Entertainment game is consistently one of the top games streamed on Twitch, with Apex Legends viewers watching in their thousands to see teams battle it out. In June 2024, approximately 7 million hours of Apex Legends were watched on major livestreaming platorms worldwide, making it one of the most popular games on Twitch and illustrating its appeal to both players and viewers alike. The rise of battle royale Battle royale games often include hundreds of players competing against each other at one time and this large-scale game mode has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the success of games such as Fortnite and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG). While many of the games are free to play, players can invest money on in-game purchases, which include upgrades to characters and players. Indeed, player spending in battle royale games often runs into the thousands and spending on PUBG Mobile even surpassed the 1.6 billion U.S. dollar mark in September 2020.

How many apps are there in the Play Store? The number of available apps in the Google Play Store was most recently placed at 1.68 million apps, after surpassing 1 million apps in July 2013. Google Play Store Google Play was originally launched in October 2008 under the name Android Market. As Google’s official app store, it offers its customers a wide range of applications and digital media including music, magazines, books, film, and TV. As of April 2021, the ranking of the top-grossing Android apps worldwide is dominated by mobile games with Coin Master, Garena Free Fire, and PUBG mobile leading the ranking. This hardly comes as a surprise as it is estimated that gaming apps will account for over 70 percent of Google Play app revenues in 2024. As most apps in the Google Play Store are available for free, the company needs to utilize effective business models to secure healthy revenue. How do apps make money? Despite the robust gaming app revenues, most gaming apps are free to download and rely on monetization via in-app advertising or in-game purchases of items such as boosters and accessories. A November 2021 survey of mobile app publishers found that video ads were the most popular mobile app monetization model, followed by display ads and in-app purchases. Additionally, monetizing via subscriptions has proven an effective model for several highly popular apps, with subscription revenues hitting 18.3 billion U.S. dollars in revenues in 2021.