#United States #Washington #Circana #Sensor Tower #Entertainment Software Association

U.S. Video Game Spending Hits New Heights

In a landscape where video games have become an integral part of culture, consumer spending on these digital platforms in the United States reached an astonishing $60.7 billion in 2025. This figure, reported by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), signifies a 1.4% increase from the previous year, securing its place as the second-highest total in history just behind 2021's record of $61.7 billion.

Factors Driving Growth

The surge in revenue can be attributed to several dynamic factors reshaping the market. Notably, substantial growth in subscription services and mobile gaming has transformed how consumers engage with games. Spending on subscription services alone jumped by 20%, illustrating a shift toward this increasingly popular model.

ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis articulated the significance of this growth, stating, "The increase in consumer spending reflects how deeply video games are woven into the fabric of American culture." Such growth not only emphasizes the popularity of video games but also marks them as a crucial component of the U.S. economy, serving as a consistent growth engine.

Breakdown of Spending

A closer examination of the spending reveals that consumer investments spread across various categories including physical and digital games, DLC (downloadable content), and microtransactions. In total, spending on video game content reached $52.3 billion, up from $51.7 billion in 2024, while hardware sales saw an impressive increase from $4.9 billion to $5.4 billion. However, accessory sales hit a slight decline, dropping by 7% to $2.95 billion.

The findings showcase a continuously engaged audience that finds pleasure in diverse gaming experiences across multiple platforms. Mat Piscatella, Executive Director of Video Games at Circana, noted, "This reflects a highly engaged and enthusiastic audience discovering unique experiences across multiple device types that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime."

The Power of Mobile Gaming

In 2025, the mobile gaming platform continued to dominate, with 82% of players aged 8 and older opting to use mobile devices for gaming. The report revealed that consumer demand for mobile games reached an impressive $26.7 billion. Senior Vice President of Gaming at Sensor Tower, Chirag Ambwani, emphasized that the combination of strong live operations and hybrid monetization strategies greatly contributed to increasing user engagement and broadening the mobile gaming user base.

Top Games of 2025

The most successful games in the U.S. for 2025 highlight the consumer's preference for different gaming genres. On consoles, Battlefield 6 topped the list, while on mobile platforms, MONOPOLY GO! led the revenues. The rankings include:

• - Console/PC Top Grossing Games:

1. Battlefield 6
2. NBA 2K26
3. Borderlands 4
4. Monster Hunter Wilds
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

• - Mobile Top Grossing Games:

1. MONOPOLY GO!
2. Royal Match
3. Last War Survival
4. Candy Crush Saga
5. Whiteout Survival

These titles are a testament to the variety and engagement within the gaming community, reflecting both advancements in game design and changing consumer preferences.

Conclusion

As the industry adapts to emerging trends and increasingly integrates new technologies and service models, the $60.7 billion milestone in consumer spending showcases the resilience and growth potential of video games in America today. This thriving sector not only entertains but also bolsters the economy, embodying the spirit of innovation and connection in the digital age.