• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Can Black Friday Bring Video Game Sales Back to Life?

  • The global gaming market is expected to reach $75 billion by 2026.
  • It could see its first annual sales decline in at least a decade in 2022.
Sony-Playstation-Demo-Booth
Shutterstock

As the holiday spending season kicks off with Black Friday, the video game industry is struggling to maintain sales momentum following a surge in spending during the pandemic.

The global gaming market, which is expected to reach $75 billion by 2026, could see its first annual sales decline in at least a decade due to inflationary pressures and recession concerns.

Consumer spending on video game software is projected to decline by 4.3% in 2022, per Newzoo. In comparison, consumer spending on gaming software grew 7.6% last year and 25% in 2020.

Industry leaders have posted underwhelming earnings ahead of the holiday season, as well.

  • Electronic Arts, publisher of Madden NFL and FIFA games, estimates net bookings in FY2023 to range between $7.65 billion and $7.85 billion, down from a previous projection between $7.9 billion and $8.1 billion.
  • Take-Two Interactive previously projected revenue to reach $5.8 billion in FY2023, but the 2K owner now expects revenue to range between $5.4 billion and $5.5 billion. 
  • Activision Blizzard — publisher of the “Call of Duty” series — posted net bookings of $1.83 billion in Q3 2022, down from $1.88 billion for the same period last year.

Sony’s Game & Network Services segment posted $4.8 billion in sales but suffered a 49% drop in profit for the quarter ending Sept. 30.

These recent concerns arrive amid some blockbuster deals in gaming. 

Microsoft is in the process of acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, but the deal is under scrutiny by antitrust watchdogs in the U.S., U.K., and European Union.

In January, Sony agreed to purchase video game developer Bungie for $3.6 billion.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL’s New Headsets Are Designed to Survive Coach Tantrums

New NFL coaching headsets underwent “extensive drop testing.”

Everything You Need to Know About EA’s Return to College Basketball Video..

There hasn’t been a college basketball game in more than 15 years.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) grabs a rebound during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) at Moda Center.

The Trail Blazers Are Finally for Sale. The Seahawks Are Not

Jody Allen is mandated to sell her late brother’s sports teams.
Arch Manning

EA Sports to Pay Players $1,500 for College Football Game, With Royalties..

A company is still negotiating for royalties, a source tells FOS.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Thunder Favored, but Bettors Backing Pacers Big in NBA Finals

The most bet-on exact series outcome is the Thunder winning in five.
Fanduel
March 4, 2025

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in 2024 Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
May 8, 2025

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate 

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand Says It Will Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit. 
DraftKings
August 2, 2024

DraftKings Announces Consumer Tax Starting Next Year

The company’s stock fell 5% Friday morning.