PC Games Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2030

PC Games Industry Prospective:

The global PC games market size was worth around USD 29.16 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 32.11 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 1.21% between 2023 and 2030. The report delves deeper into several crucial aspects of the global PC games market. It includes a detailed discussion of existing growth factors and restraints. Future growth opportunities and challenges that impact the PC games industry are comprehensively addressed in the report.

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PC Games Market: Overview

PC games are also known as computer games. They are video games that are designed to be played on personal computers (PCs). Their design allows them to run optimally on laptops or desktop computers, unlike mobile gaming. They are available across a wide range of genres and complexity or difficulty level that caters to various preferences and interests. PC games can either be downloaded on the computer’s hard drive or played using a CD-ROM / DVD. Additionally, some games are available for digital download from distribution platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and others. These platforms let users download or purchase the game directly to their computers. PC games offer several advantages as compared to mobile games but they also face growing worry among consumer groups.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global PC games market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 1.21% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global PC games market size was valued at around USD 29.16 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 32.11 billion, by 2030.
• The PC games market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing acceptance of the gaming profession
• Based on genre segmentation, the action was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on type segmentation, digital was the leading type in 2022
• On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2022

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PC Games Market: Growth Drivers

Growing acceptance of the gaming profession to drive market growth

The global PC games market is projected to grow owing to the increasing acceptance of gaming as a valid profession. Until a few years ago, gaming was largely considered a pure form of entertainment. However, with the gaming community growing rapidly with every passing year and the development of highly advanced digital games, there is a surging community of dedicated gaming professionals that are considered as valid as any other profession. Many gaming enthusiasts argue that video games help in combating stress while also aiding social and cognitive skill development. Additionally, the gaming industry has opened job opportunities ranging from gaming developers to gaming quality analysts. This trend is further strengthened by increasing penetration of the internet and growing accessibility to PCs or laptops.

PC Games Market: Restraints

High cost of gaming PCs to restrict market expansion

Personal computers or laptops that are specially designed for gaming are more expensive than conventional computers. Moreover, the hardware and software systems of these devices are high in cost. For players to constantly work on upgrading gaming skills they must have access to advanced technical systems which may not be affordable for a large segment of the population, especially for people with limited income. The cost barrier is a crucial limitation existing in the PC games industry.

PC Games Market: Opportunities

Increasing integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) with PC games to provide growth opportunities

Consumer groups are becoming increasingly aware of the new technical tools of entertainment. The increased adoption rate of VR and AR experiences is a prime example indicating that consumers are always seeking more immersive experiences. Realizing this trend, market players have amped up their investment toward seamless integration of VR or AR tools with PC games which result in higher revenue streams. A recent example is the launch of a VR headset by PlayStation, a leading PC game provider.

PC Games Market: Challenges

Software piracy of PC games to pose a crucial challenge for further market expansion

As the demand for PC games has gained momentum, so has the number of incidents related to copying and distributing pirated copies of original games. This is especially witnessed in countries with weak anti-piracy laws or the absence of rules-implementing bodies. Piracy causes significant loss in revenue for the original game owners and it also impacts their brand image and reputation. A report published in Variety Magazine claims that nearly 215 billion global visits were made to piracy websites in 2022.

PC Games Market: Segmentation

The global PC games market is segmented based on genre, type, and region.

Based on genre, the global market is divided into role-playing, action, racing, adventure, strategy, sport, fighting, and others. The PC games industry is expected to continue its dominance streak by the action segment in the coming years driven by the existing gamer base for several action-oriented games. This version typically includes fast-paced combat or gameplay along with certain segments of exploration. Some examples of highly popular action PC games are Call of Duty: Warzone and Grand Theft Auto. Charlie INTEL claims that Steam, an online gaming platform, registers nearly 2.5 million GTA online players per month. Strategy games emphasize resource management, tactical decision-making, long-term planning, and constructive collaboration when playing with multiple players. This segment is also steadily gaining high revenue.

Based on type, the global PC games market is divided into physical, digital, and online microtransaction. The highest CAGR was observed in the digital segment in 2022 followed by online microtransaction. As the popularity of downloading and accessing PC games through websites such as GOG.com and Epic Games store has increased, digital gaming has generated more revenue. It offers convenience, quick access to games, and the ability to build and manage a digital game library which drives more avid gamers to such platforms. Online microtransactions allow gamers to make small in-game purchases for additional content, gameplay enhancement, and cosmetic items to name a few of the advantages. It is more prevalent in free-to-play games as the extra cost is needed for the next levels. Since its release in 2011, Minecraft has sold more than 600 million copies.

Recent Developments:

• In October 2022, Gotham Knights, developed by WB Games Montréal with Warner Bros. Games acting as publishers, accidentally lost its anti-piracy software on PC. This incident occurred after the developer released a new patch which resulted in the removal of Denuvo. The error has since been restored
• In April 2023, Sony published its latest financial report in which, apart from other details, it highlighted that more PC games will be launched by the company in the coming years. However, no specific game names were mentioned
• In May 2023, the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jim Ryan, declined the rumors regarding bringing PlayStation 5 (PS5) exclusive games on PC from day one. The company primarily will focus on building the game for an enhanced PlayStation experience

PC Games Market: Report Scope

PC Games Market: Regional Analysis

North America to register the highest growth rate

The global PC games market will witness the highest growth in North America. The US may act as a regional leader due to the existence of the popular video gaming culture in the country. As per a recent study by Electronic Entertainment Design and Research (EEDAR), an average of 67% of American citizens play some form of videogames on at least one form of smart device. The major reason for the current growth rate is the emergence of multiple live-streaming video platforms including Twitch which assist in improving the overall gaming experience by providing additional features. Moreover, makers of some of the world's most sought-after PC games have ensured consistent product innovation which assists in keeping the segment of avid gamers interested in the next launches. Furthermore, there is a growing group of people seeking to become professional gamers with substantial earnings which further promotes regional expansion.

PC Games Market: Competitive Analysis

The global PC games market is led by players like:

• Valve Corporation
• Electronic Arts (EA)
• Activision Blizzard
• Ubisoft
• CD Projekt
• Rockstar Games
• Epic Games
• Bethesda Softworks
• Square Enix
• Microsoft Game Studios
• Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Capcom
• 2K Games
• Sega
• Valve Corporation
• Take-Two Interactive
• Paradox Interactive
• Blizzard Entertainment
• Riot Games
• GOG.com
• NCSoft
• Mojang Studios
• Crytek
• Devolver Digital
• Focus Home Interactive.

The global PC games market is segmented as follows:

By Genre

• Role-Playing
• Action
• Racing
• Adventure
• Strategy
• Sport
• Fighting
• Others

By Type

• Physical
• Digital
• Online Microtransaction

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa