Video Game Industry in the U.S. Sees Record Consumer Spending of $58.7 Billion in 2024

U.S. Video Game Spending Reaches $58.7 Billion in 2024

In 2024, consumer spending on video games in the United States totaled a remarkable $58.7 billion, as reported by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in a recent study conducted with Circana and Sensor Tower. This figure reflects a more than 106% increase in spending over the past decade, up from $28.4 billion in 2014, highlighting the robust growth and evolution in the gaming industry.

ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis stated, "Interactive entertainment continues to make a significant, positive mark on both U.S. culture and our economy. These latest numbers confirm the enduring popularity of video games across all demographics."

Despite a slight decline from $59.3 billion the previous year, the total sales illuminate several trends in the various sectors of the gaming market. The total figure encompasses all categories of video game content, including physical and digital games, downloadable content (DLC), subscriptions across all platforms, as well as hardware and accessories.

In terms of content spending, there was an increase to $50.6 billion in 2024, compared to $49.8 billion in 2023, with mobile gaming significantly contributing approximately half of this amount. The mobile segment saw an increase to $26 billion, up from $24 billion in the previous year before app store fees. On the other hand, hardware sales took a hit, dropping to $4.9 billion from $6.5 billion in 2023, while accessory sales witnessed a growth of 6.7% to $3.2 billion.

Mat Piscatella, Executive Director for Video Games at Circana, elaborated, "Fueled by growth in mobile spending, total video game content spending reached $50.6 billion in 2024, which is the second highest in U.S. history. The figures underscore the trend of increasing consumer engagement in mobile gaming, which has solidified itself as the leading gaming platform for American players aged 8 and older."

The trends indicate that 78% of players now prefer mobile devices for gaming, a notable jump from just ten years ago (44%). Furthermore, 51% of gamers use multiple devices, while nearly a third claim to use only mobile platforms for gaming.

Chirag Ambwani, Senior Vice President at Sensor Tower, stated, "2024 was a year of stability for the mobile gaming sector, showing impressive growth fueled by the success of casual, casino, and strategy genres." Popular titles such as Clash of Clans and Candy Crush Saga continue to thrive, alongside new entrants like MONOPOLY GO! and Royal Match.

Top Games of 2024

The year saw several blockbuster releases topping the charts across different platforms. The top games in the U.S. included:

Console Games

1. Call of Duty Black Ops 6
2. EA Sports College Football 25
3. Helldivers II
4. Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero
5. NBA 2K25

PC Full Game

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

Mobile Games

1. Call of Duty Black Ops 6
2. MONOPOLY GO!
3. Royal Match
4. Candy Crush Saga
5. Pokémon GO

The ESA's report reiterates that the gaming landscape is not just thriving but also transforming, ushering in a new wave of gaming habits shaped by consumer preferences and technological advancements. As we move into the future, the industry remains poised for continued growth in both engagement and innovation.

Conclusion

This impressive financial performance not only signifies the gaming industry’s pivotal role in entertainment but underlines its substantial contribution to the economy. The findings highlight a vibrant gaming culture that favors accessibility and diversity, ensuring the industry remains a key player in the broader landscape of leisure and entertainment.