2025 U.S. Consumer Spending on Video Games Nears Pandemic-Level Peak at $60.7 Billion, Second-Highest on Record

February 11, 2026 - 21:15

Consumer spending on video games in the United States reached a formidable $60.7 billion in 2025, marking the industry's second-highest annual revenue on record. This figure represents a 1.4% increase over 2024 totals, bringing the market tantalizingly close to the unprecedented peak achieved during the pandemic-driven boom years.

The sustained growth underscores the video game industry's entrenched position in mainstream entertainment, demonstrating resilience and continued consumer engagement even as broader economic conditions fluctuate. Analysts point to a stable release calendar of major titles across console, PC, and mobile platforms, coupled with robust ongoing engagement in live-service games and downloadable content, as key drivers for the steady performance.

While the growth rate has moderated from the explosive gains seen earlier in the decade, the near-record revenue signals a mature market operating at an exceptionally high level. The data reflects not just purchases of new games and hardware, but also significant spending within games on subscriptions, in-game currency, and expansion packs. This shift towards recurring revenue streams provides the industry with a more stable financial foundation, suggesting that elevated spending levels are likely to persist as the new normal for the American entertainment landscape.