Online Video Game Sales in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

Powered up: Growing internet connections and new console releases are driving industry demand

The Online Video Game Sales industry has grown considerably over the past five years. The industry comprises multi-channel operators that have both bricks-and-mortar stores and online operations, and online-only retailers. Multi-channel retailers, such as EB Games and JB Hi-Fi, largely sell physical video games online to complement instore sales. These sales mostly serve to expand their exposure in the digital space, as their physical stores still contribute to a sizeable proportion of total revenue. Conversely, large console brands, such as Sony and Microsoft, complement their sales to retailers by offering direct sales to consumers via digital downloads. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated growth for all industry operators, as ongoing lockdowns have increasingly shifted consumers towards online platforms to purchase video games. Overall, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualised 5.2% over the five years through 2022-23, to $713.5 million. This trend includes an expected 0.5% increase in the current year.

Industry operators sell video game products online, either as digital downloads or as online purchases of physically packaged games. Video games sold include PC and console games. Mobile games, in-game microtransactions and sales of console units and accessories are excluded from the industry.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry's key players and their market shares.