GTA 6 Delay Leads to $2.7 Billion Lost

The delay of GTA 6 is projected to have a $2.7 billion impact on the US gaming market, according to PwC. This delay is expected to reduce sales of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X units by approximately 700,000. The title is forecast to generate $3 billion in revenue during its first release year, reflecting its significance for both console sales and overall market performance. The delay has temporarily influenced projections for 2025, though analysts expect the broader US market to maintain its growth trajectory in subsequent years.

GTA 6 Delay Leads to $2.7 Billion Lost

At the end of 2024, PwC estimates the US gaming market at $62.8 billion, marking a 3.6% increase after a 2.8% decline in 2023. Over the five-year period through 2029, the market is expected to reach $87.4 billion, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. Analysts anticipate that the market will grow 11.5% in 2026, reflecting the anticipated impact of GTA 6, as well as ongoing growth in mobile and subscription-based gaming.

GTA 6 Delay Leads to $2.7 Billion Lost

Segment Growth and Market Dynamics

Growth is expected across nearly all segments of the US gaming market from 2024 to 2029, with the exception of browser-based casual games, which are forecast to decline at a -7.9% CAGR, and boxed PC game sales, projected to fall at a -48% CAGR. Mobile in-game advertising is expected to experience the most rapid growth, rising from $19.4 billion in 2024 to $35.2 billion by 2029, a CAGR of 12.7%.

PwC analysts highlight that traditional PC and console game markets face limited growth potential, largely due to the increasing adoption of subscription services and digital distribution models. Overall, in-game advertising revenue is projected to expand at a rate three times higher than that of in-game purchases. Social and casual games represent a substantial portion of the US market, generating $37.5 billion in 2024, which accounts for over 60% of total revenue.

This segment is expected to grow to $57.2 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 8.8%, and its market share is projected to rise to 66%. PwC includes all mobile games in this category, encompassing popular titles such as Roblox, MONOPOLY GO!, and Candy Crush Saga. This trend underscores the continued importance of mobile gaming as a driver of overall market growth.

PC and Console Market Trends

The US PC and console market is estimated at $23.1 billion in 2024, making it the largest traditional gaming market worldwide. The segment is projected to grow to $27.7 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 3.7%. Console revenues declined by 3% in 2024, largely due to lower hardware sales.

However, in-game transactions reached $11 billion, representing 63.4% of total console revenue. The US PC market generated $5.7 billion in 2024, with forecasts projecting growth to $6.6 billion by 2029, a CAGR of 2.9%. In-game transactions account for 85% of total Windows PC segment revenue, highlighting the shift toward digital content and recurring revenue streams.

GTA 6 Delay Leads to $2.7 Billion Lost

Subscription Services and Esports Market

Subscription-based gaming services are becoming an increasingly important part of the US market. In 2024, subscription revenues totaled $6.6 billion and are expected to reach $9.9 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 8.4%.

The US has more than 60 million subscribers across platforms such as Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Apple Arcade, a number projected to grow steadily over the next five years. PwC analysts note that subscription services are gradually reshaping the PC and console market by providing alternatives to traditional game purchases.

The US esports market remains relatively small at $523 million in 2024, with modest growth expected to $689 million by 2029, a CAGR of 5.7%. Sponsorship revenues totaled $189 million in 2024, while sales of competition rights reached $166 million.

PwC projects that revenue from competition rights will grow at a CAGR of 7%, surpassing sponsorship revenues by 2028. Ticket sales for esports events are also projected to increase, from $38 million in 2024 to $57 million by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 8.4%. Despite most esports content creators being US-based, including Riot Games, Valve, and Activision Blizzard, the US remains the second-largest esports market globally after China.

GTA 6 Delay Leads to $2.7 Billion Lost

Global Context and Broader Trends

Globally, the gaming market is estimated at $187.7 billion in 2024, with mobile games accounting for roughly half of total revenue. PwC emphasizes that mobile gaming, in-game advertising, and subscription services are primary drivers of both US and global market growth. While traditional boxed and PC game sales face ongoing challenges, the expansion of digital revenue models and mobile content supports sustained growth.

Overall, the PwC analysis highlights that the US gaming market is poised for steady expansion, driven by mobile gaming, in-game advertising, and subscription services, even as specific events such as the GTA 6 delay cause temporary fluctuations in revenue and hardware sales. The report indicates that the market’s long-term trajectory remains positive, with significant opportunities in digital and mobile segments shaping future development.