Hold onto your controllers, gamers: the post-pandemic glow for PC and console gaming is fading. According to research firm Newzoo, the industry’s revenue growth won’t return to pre-COVID highs until at least 2026. Here’s the cheat code breakdown:
Playtime Plummets
Average quarterly gaming hours dropped 26% between 2021 and 2023—and January 2024 saw another 10% dip. Blame lighter release schedules: Sony confirmed no new God of War or Spider-Man titles are dropping soon, while PS5 sales forecasts were recently slashed.
Industry Giants Navigate Challenges
Layoffs hit Sony, Riot Games, and EA this year as companies streamline operations. Meanwhile, consolidation is reshaping the landscape: by 2023, just 28-34 publishers captured 80% of active players, down from 43 in 2021.
The Rise of Platform Games
Five titles—Fortnite, Roblox, League of Legends, Minecraft, and GTA V—claimed 27% of all 2023 playtime. Games-as-platform models (think user-generated content) are keeping these worlds fresh, says Newzoo.
TL;DR? The industry’s grinding through a side quest before its next big boss fight.
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