The action game industry is a multi-billion dollar market and one of the most popular genres in video gaming. The market has a rich history dating back to classic titles like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, and has recently evolved to include virtual reality and mobile gaming, with action games accounting for 21% of all mobile game revenue. PC and console gaming remain influential, with franchises like Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed consistently delivering high sales numbers. The rise of esports and the battle royale genre are among the biggest trends for the future, alongside an increased emphasis on accessibility.
The Business of Action Games: A Deep Dive into the Industry and Market Trends
Action games are one of the most popular genres in the video game industry, and for good reason. These games feature fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that keeps players engaged and entertained for hours on end. As a result, the action game industry has grown into a multi-billion dollar market, with new games and franchises constantly emerging to capture the hearts and minds of gamers around the world. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the business of action games, exploring the industry’s history, market trends, and future prospects.
A Brief History of Action Games
Action games have been around since the early days of gaming, with the genre first popularized in the 1980s with classic titles like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. These early action games laid the foundation for what would become one of the most dominant genres in the industry. In the 1990s, action games exploded in popularity with the release of iconic franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man. These games featured fast-paced platforming and combat, pushing players to their limits with challenging gameplay and epic boss battles.
In the 2000s, the action game genre took an evolutionary leap with the emergence of 3D graphics and gameplay. Games like Devil May Cry and God of War ushered in a new era of action games, with cinematic sequences and elaborate combat systems that would become staples of the genre. Today, the action game industry continues to evolve and innovate, with new franchises like Dark Souls and Monster Hunter pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of character customization, world-building, and gameplay mechanics.
The Action Game Market: Key Trends and Statistics
The action game market is huge and continues to grow year after year. According to a report by Newzoo, the global games market was worth an estimated $159.3 billion in 2020, with action games leading the way in terms of revenue. Here’s a closer look at some of the key trends and statistics shaping the action game industry today:
Mobile Gaming Takes the Lead
Mobile gaming has become one of the most lucrative markets in the video game industry, with millions of players worldwide downloading and playing games on their smartphones and tablets. According to Newzoo, mobile gaming accounted for 49% of the global games market in 2020, generating an estimated $77.2 billion in revenue. Of this, action games were the most popular genre, accounting for 21% of all mobile game revenue.
PC and Console Remain Strong
While mobile gaming has taken the lead in terms of revenue, traditional gaming platforms like PC and console remain influential players in the action game market. In fact, console games generated an estimated $51.2 billion in revenue in 2020, with the Xbox and PlayStation leading the way. Meanwhile, PC gaming was worth an estimated $37.4 billion, with popular platforms like Steam and GOG dominating the market. Action games were among the top-performing genres on both platforms, with franchises like Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed consistently delivering high sales numbers.
The Rise of Esports
Esports – competitive video gaming – has exploded in popularity in recent years, with the industry expected to generate $1.08 billion in revenue by 2023. While esports spans across multiple genres, action games have emerged as a dominant force on the scene. Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends have become favorites among esports fans, with players battling it out in fast-paced, high-stakes matches for cash prizes and global recognition.
The Future of Action Games
With the action game market continuing to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the future of the industry is bright. Here are some of the biggest trends and predictions for the years ahead:
Virtual Reality Takes Center Stage
Virtual reality – or VR – has been a hotly anticipated technology for years, promising to take gaming to a whole new level of immersion and interactivity. While VR has yet to capture mainstream attention, many industry experts predict that the technology will play an increasingly important role in the action game market in the coming years. Games like Half-Life: Alyx have already demonstrated the potential for VR technology to offer a truly transformative gaming experience, and as the technology continues to evolve, we’re likely to see more and more action games designed specifically for VR.
The Rise of the Battle Royale Genre
The battle royale genre has exploded in popularity in recent years, with games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds becoming cultural phenomena. While battle royale games aren’t necessarily action games in the traditional sense, they do feature fast-paced combat and rely heavily on player skill and quick reflexes. As a result, many industry experts predict that we’ll see more and more action games incorporating elements of the battle royale genre in the years ahead.
Increased Emphasis on Accessibility
As the gaming audience continues to expand and diversify, there’s growing emphasis on creating games that are accessible to as many players as possible. This means designing games that are easy to pick up and play, with intuitive controls and clear tutorials. In the action game market, we’re likely to see more and more titles designed with accessibility in mind, allowing players of all skill levels to get in on the frenzied, adrenaline-fueled fun.
The Bottom Line
With the action game market continuing to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the genre isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking for a fun way to pass the time, action games offer something for everyone. From mobile to console to VR, there’s never been a better time to jump into the world of action games and experience the rush of fast-paced, heart-pumping gameplay.