PwC Forecast: U.S. Gaming Growth Steady as VR & Esports Surge Ahead
Key Industry Trends Through 2021
Annual insights from global consulting firm PwC reveal diverging growth trajectories across gaming sectors:
Console and PC Gaming Outlook
- Console market: Projected 6.3% CAGR growth from \(21B (2016) to \)28.5B (2021)
- PC microtransactions: Expected to rise from \(3B to \)4.2B (7% CAGR)
- Digital console revenues: Growing fastest at 9.8% CAGR (\(2.3B to \)3.7B)
Driving factors include:
- Expansion of free-to-play models
- Growth in subscription services
- Esports revitalizing PC gaming
The Social Gaming Surge
Social/casual games are poised to overtake console revenues in 2017, with:
- Current revenue: $7.9B (2016)
- Projected revenue: $12.1B (2021)
- Growth rate: 9% CAGR
Virtual Reality: Explosive Growth Ahead
Image Credit: Dean Takahashi
PwC projects staggering VR adoption:
- Unit growth: 69.2% CAGR
- Projected installed base: 68M headsets by 2021
- Revenue potential: $4.6B (from near-zero in 2016)
Current market challenges:
- Immature business models
- Hardware reliability issues
- Variable content quality
Expected near-term improvements:
- Advanced “inside out” tracking
- More affordable headset options
Esports: The Competitive Gaming Boom
The U.S. esports market shows remarkable potential:
- Total revenue growth: \(108M (2016) → \)299M (2021)
- Growth rate: 22.6% CAGR
Revenue breakdown:
- Streaming advertising:
- \(33M (2016) → \)148M (2021)
- Becoming largest revenue contributor
- Sponsorships:
- \(44M (2016) → \)84M (2021)
- 13.6% CAGR growth
Market context:
- U.S. became revenue leader in 2015 (surpassing South Korea)
- Competitive gaming drives microtransaction growth across platforms
Global Perspective
PwC’s comprehensive analysis covers:
- 17 entertainment/media segments
- Market forecasts across 54 countries
These projections highlight how technological innovation and shifting consumer behaviors are reshaping the gaming landscape, with immersive experiences and competitive gaming leading the next wave of industry transformation.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: Black Archangel Swirl Top
Image: Premium product showcase
Carefully crafted black archangel swirl top delivering superior performance and lasting value.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading performance metrics
- Versatile application capabilities
- Robust build quality and materials
- Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: Black Asteroid Rivet Zippered Sweatpants
Image: Premium product showcase
Premium quality black asteroid rivet zippered sweatpants designed for professional use with excellent performance and reliability.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality standards
- Easy setup and intuitive use
- Durable construction for long-term value
- Excellent customer support included
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
