Video Games Software Developers in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Player One: Despite Higher Demand, Smaller Industry Operators Will Likely Contend With Mergers and Acquisitions

Since the 1972 release of Pong, video game developers have allowed the public to escape into and interact with virtual worlds through a screen. The interactive component sets video games apart from the heavy competition from TV, video streaming and podcast entertainment, giving users broad control of the narrative. Online games have also connected millions of people, allowing them to compete and socialize during the pandemic. During this time, video game publishers saw new demand avenues from several different markets, most significantly in the wave of both older and female gamers who have pushed back against gaming's public image as a young male-dominated pastime.Over the five years to 2023, Video Games Software Developmers industry revenue exploded at a CAGR of 16.2% to $28.3 billion, including a 37.1% rise in 2020 alone, followed by a more modest 3.4% increase in 2023 despite recessionary fears.

This industry develops video game software for use on computers, video game consoles and mobile devices. This industry does not actually publish the software; development companies with publishing arms are included in IBISWorld report 51121e - Video Game Software Publishers. However, development companies with publishing arms are not fundamentally different.

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 key players and their market shares.