Consumer spending on video games in the United States surged to $60.7 billion in 2025, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous year, according to a report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), Circana, and Sensor Tower.
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theesa.comprnewswire.comThis figure marks the second highest total on record, trailing only 2021's peak of $61.7 billion.
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theesa.comThe growth in spending is largely attributed to a 20% increase in consumer expenditure on subscription services, coupled with a 1% rise in mobile gaming.
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prnewswire.comESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis emphasized that this ongoing growth demonstrates the profound integration of video games into American culture.
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theesa.comHe noted that the industry's evolution towards new platforms and service models has changed the way people engage with video games, solidifying their status as the most popular form of entertainment in the country.
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prnewswire.comIn detail, spending on video game content reached $52.3 billion in 2025, up from $51.7 billion in 2024.This increase was supported by the significant growth in subscription services and mobile gaming, which continues to dominate the landscape.
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theesa.comHardware and console sales also saw a notable increase, rising 9% to $5.4 billion, while accessory sales experienced a slight decline of 7% to $2.95 billion.
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theesa.comMat Piscatella, Executive Director of Video Games at Circana, stated that the total spending reflects a highly engaged audience enjoying diverse gaming experiences across various platforms.
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prnewswire.comHe highlighted that the data aligns with player choices, as mobile remains the leading gaming platform, with 82% of players aged 8 and older using mobile devices to play games.
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prnewswire.comMobile gaming in particular has thrived, with consumer demand reaching $26.7 billion in 2025.
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theesa.comChirag Ambwani, Senior Vice President of Gaming at Sensor Tower, pointed out that developers have effectively leveraged live operations and hybrid monetization strategies to enhance user engagement and broaden the appeal of mobile games.
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prnewswire.comThe report also revealed the top-grossing games of the year, showcasing a mix of console, PC, and mobile titles.Notable mentions include "Battlefield 6" and "NBA 2K26" for console and PC, while mobile titles such as "MONOPOLY GO!" and "Royal Match" led the mobile gaming category.
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theesa.comAs the video game industry continues to evolve, the substantial growth in consumer spending signals a robust future, reinforcing its role as a critical component of the US economy.
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prnewswire.comThe increasing popularity of subscription models and mobile gaming indicates that the industry is well-positioned to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements in the years to come.
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theesa.comOverall, the 2025 spending figures underscore the resilience and dynamism of the video game market, which has not only recovered from pandemic-related disruptions but is also poised for further growth.
