The global games market is predicted to generate over $152bn in revenue this year, with multiplayer games accounting for the majority of this income, according to figures from gaming industry intelligence provider Newzoo. The report also found mobile gaming will generate $68.5bn of revenue in 2019, close to half of the total for the sector. The growth in esports gatherings, and the involvement of the sport by major names from the traditional sporting world, has helped increase the sector’s attractiveness. However, as online gaming becomes more popular, addiction, cyberbullying and safety issues also need to be addressed.
Online Gaming Goes Mainstream: What the Data Tells Us About the Future of Multiplayer Gaming
Introduction
Online gaming has come a long way since its early days, and it’s no longer just for the tech-savvy few. With the proliferation of affordable high-speed internet access and the explosion of mobile devices, online gaming has become more accessible than ever before. In this article, we’ll explore the latest data on the popularity of online gaming and what it tells us about the future of multiplayer gaming.
Statistics on Multiplayer Gaming
According to a recent report by Newzoo, a leading provider of market intelligence and data for the gaming industry, the global games market is set to generate over $152 billion in revenue in 2019. The report also shows that the majority of this revenue comes from multiplayer games, with an estimated 2.4 billion gamers worldwide.
In addition to this, the report also suggests that mobile gaming is driving the growth of the online gaming industry. Mobile games are expected to generate a whopping $68.5 billion in revenue this year alone, making up almost half of the global games market.
The Rise of Esports
The popularity of multiplayer gaming has led to the rise of esports, which has become a mainstream phenomenon in recent years. Esports tournaments, where professional gamers compete for cash prizes, are now hosted in stadiums and arenas around the world. The esports industry is set to generate $1.1 billion in revenue this year, and this figure is expected to grow to $3 billion by 2025.
Esports has also attracted the attention of traditional sports teams and celebrities, with the likes of Michael Jordan, Drake, and Robert Kraft investing in esports teams. This crossover between esports and traditional sports has helped to further increase the visibility and legitimacy of esports as a competitive sport.
The Future of Multiplayer Gaming
The data on multiplayer gaming suggests that it’s only going to become more popular in the coming years. The growth of mobile gaming, the rise of esports, and the increasing accessibility of online gaming all point towards a bright future for the industry.
However, there are also some challenges that face the industry. As online gaming becomes more popular, there are concerns around issues such as addiction, cyberbullying, and online safety. Game developers and industry leaders will need to take steps to address these issues and ensure that online gaming is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Conclusion
It’s clear that online gaming has come a long way since its early days, and the latest data suggests that it’s only going to get bigger. With the growth of mobile gaming, the rise of esports, and the increasing accessibility of online gaming, the industry is set for a bright future. However, it’s important that industry leaders take steps to address the challenges facing the industry, such as addiction and online safety, to ensure that online gaming remains a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.