A major London analyst company predicts a stagnating PC market and rising console sales

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I can’t wait for the number of latest-generation consoles in our community to surpass 250 million units. Over the next five years, I anticipate that this number will swell substantially, making our gaming world even more vibrant and diverse.

According to analysts from GlobalData, a London-based organization, they anticipate that the annual income generated from the console sector will escalate from $52 billion in 2023 to an impressive $79 billion by 2030. Simultaneously, their forecast suggests that PC sales may plateau and lag significantly behind consoles and mobile devices, which continue to be the most lucrative markets for developers.

According to GlobalData’s report, not only is there an anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, but we can also expect the unveiling of the next-generation PlayStation and Xbox consoles by 2028. Additionally, advancements such as cloud gaming, cross-platform compatibility, artificial intelligence (including AI for upscaling, user safety systems, and graphics) are likely to be significant factors. Furthermore, it’s clear that competition among the console titans – Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo – will remain intense.

The Global Data report goes against the previous findings of the Epylion group. Back in mid-January, they stated that Personal Computers (PCs) have been the primary growth factor for the gaming market, while consoles have experienced a plateau. However, more recent research from GDC suggests that developers favor PC as their platform of choice.

According to Rupantar Guha, a senior analyst at GlobalData, the creation of updated versions of well-known games from the past, along with independent games, is a significant trend currently shaping the gaming world.

Guha proposes that these strategies, particularly leveraging established brands (though it may be questionable in cases of remakes made without the original source material) and developing affordable independent games, are effective methods to boost sales. The analyst suggests that such project-focused teams could potentially catch the attention of publishers as attractive acquisition prospects.

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2025-03-07 00:37