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Newzoo Forecasts Record $213.9 Billion Games Market in 2026 Driven by GTA VI

Newzoo says the projected surge stems mainly from stronger console full‑game sales tied to GTA VI’s planned November launch.

Overview

  • Newzoo projects global video‑game revenue will hit $213.9 billion in 2026, a 6.1% increase from 2025, based on its August market report and follow‑up commentary.
  • The firm attributes much of the uplift to the planned November release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which it expects to lift full‑game spending by about 17.5% and push console revenue up 5.1%.
  • Platform breakdowns show mobile remaining the largest source of revenue at $121.1 billion, with PC at $45.9 billion and consoles at $46.9 billion in Newzoo’s forecast.
  • Take‑Two’s CEO described pre‑order activity for GTA VI as “astonishing and unprecedented,” but Rockstar and Take‑Two have not published official pre‑order figures and some launch‑earnings estimates remain unconfirmed.
  • Newzoo warns long‑term growth will depend more on retaining and monetizing existing players as global penetration flattens, and it forecasts about 3.7 billion gamers by the end of 2026.