Gaming drove $94 Billion in income in 2025; downloads reached 52 Billion

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sensor Tower, a number one supplier of knowledge on the digital financial system, at present launched its annual State of Gaming report for 2026. The report, which for the primary time consists of information throughout cell, PC, and Console, reveals that in 2025 video games have been downloaded 52 billion occasions throughout the three platforms. Mobile drives this quantity, with 95,000 cell video games downloaded per minute throughout that 12 months, although obtain development has slowed from 2024. Meanwhile, larger downloads and premium sport income throughout PC/Console video games sign continued alternatives for development.

Overall, cell sport income rose 1% to $82 billion, regardless of slowing obtain charges. This development in IAP income suggests a deal with retaining, partaking, and monetizing current gamers in a mature market by means of ways like reside ops, occasions, and IP collaborations. Accordingly, 2025 noticed cell sport advert spend develop on YouTube, a channel traditionally targeted extra on PC/Console. This elevated share aligns with a broader shift towards monetization, focusing on high-value audiences as a substitute of maximizing obtain quantity.

For PC and Console video games, income efficiency has seen double digit development (+13%), whereas downloads and releases have additionally proven regular will increase at +7% and +8.4% respectively. Demand was largely pushed by AAA and Indie Action video games, with Indie titles like R.E.P.O. and Peak seeing probably the most downloads within the style. Sustained demand for these kinds of chaotic co-op choices suggests builders may even see success in combining a low friction value level with gameplay optimized for buddy teams and content material creators.

“2025 proved the strength of the PC/console ecosystem, fueled by viral indie hits, high-quality AA experiences, and reliable AAA pipelines–anchored by the year’s top-selling title, Battlefield 6. With GTA VI still ahead, that momentum will only accelerate into 2026,” mentioned Oliver Yeh, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Sensor Tower. “Meanwhile, mobile has entered a more mature phase. While downloads are harder to scale, opportunity has shifted to favor developers who prioritize retention, monetization, and innovation, with tactics like webstores and IP partnerships driving sustainable growth.”

More key findings embody:

• Mobile gaming shifts in the direction of monetization: With downloads persevering with to shrink however income holding regular, every obtain must depend for extra. Retaining, partaking, and monetizing current gamers is crucial.

• PC gaming sees one other file 12 months: Steam noticed extra file features when it comes to items bought, premium sport income, and variety of video games launched, with development primarily pushed by AAA and AA publishers.

• YouTube features on cell, loses floor on PC/Console: While the vast majority of cell sport advert spend nonetheless goes to cell app networks and YouTube remains to be #1 for PC/Console, YouTube spend share shifted from PC/Console to cell.

• Battlefield 6 ranks #1 in an intense 12 months for shooters: In a market filled with titans like Call of Duty and Fortnite and large launches together with Delta Force and Marvel Rivals, Battlefield 6 topped 2025 because the best-selling PC/Console sport of the 12 months.

• 4X Strategy takes over cell: Strategy is the one style to make features in income, downloads, and time spent, led by the #1 and #2 video games, by income, of 2025 – Last War: Survival and Whiteout Survival.

• Content creator, buddy group experiences stand up: The #2 and #3 best-selling PC/Console video games of 2025 have been R.E.P.O. and PEAK, handily beating AAA video games with large audiences. GTA 6 would be the fruits of this development.