Midia’s research company recently introduced a report on the forecast of global games in 2025–2031, in which it provides for some trends in the gaming industry. And in this report, the forecast predicts that it could be the day of high growth of the game industry. In particular, it predicts that two-digit growth probably won’t be continued and that publishers should calm their expectations if they do not wish to face the lack of profits-that “survival until 255” is not enough.
The report provides for revenues from software in the amount of USD 203.2 billion in 2025 and USD 237.0 billion in 2031 – which can adapt to games in accordance with the expected inflation rate of the International Money Fund of 4% and mainly maintaining growth growth during the yr . It also provides that the start of Switch 2 will increase revenues from equipment by 8.4% to USD 20.6 billion in 2025, after a sharp decline in 2024; And that although the global number of players will increase, the average revenue for the payer will fall resulting from growing numbers in emerging markets.
The essence of the report is contrary to the more sunny forecasts of return in the industry to growth from the time of pandemic-era of two-digit growth “ended”. Although he confirms that the games will receive juice from the premiere of GTA VI and Switch 2, he notes that it is going to not necessarily be a good thing for everyone except corporations that create these products.
Rhys Elliott, Midia’s Games analyst, said in a statement: “Do not make a mistake: GTA and Switch 2-and other premium editions-to increase market revenues (+6.4% of console growth in 2025). But Nintendo and Take-Two will be great winners here. GTA 6 will attract all attention, they have a negative impact on the games of other programmers. “
Live games and other blind alleys
The Midia report also notes that growth vectors, similar to live games and subscription services, won’t be producers of money that many believed, and this already reflects in the previous case. Many live service games have been closed or will soon be closed resulting from the lack of user interest and revenues flowing to corporations. Subscriptions of games similar to PlayStation Plus and the Xbox Game Pass may notice a significant increase in growth, because users’ attention is so divided. The report notes: “Gorka Gold has already had live winners.”
Elliott said in the next interview with Gamesbeat: “Many management thought-and convinced that some advisory companies and leading game analytical companies-that double-digit growth will continue [after the pandemic]Risky projects and strategies. There were no many moves – or it will not be out of time out. And some were canceled after years of development – and a week after launching in the Concord case. The gaming market has reached the maturity phase and it was so for some time. “
In short, there are simply not enough players to go to all these projects, which implies that game publishers will have to seek out other ways of maintaining themselves. Switch 2, which may potentially support any game from a cell phone (if rumors with a recent mouse similar functionality are true), probably will provide publishers by a method to extend their rear catalogs. Developers may also aim at underestimated markets.
And if players are one profit, it is that the game industry will probably surrender obsession with live titles and return to creating premium titles for one player, which players will actually buy and play, as evidenced by the success of the game similar to Black Myth Wukong I Baldur’s Gate 3. To quote Elliott: “My recommendation: less waste, less trends, more innovation and more segmentation protected with data. The market cannot keep the same players and expect a cake growth. “