Video Game Spending Climbs to $60.7 Billion in 2025 as New Releases Drive Momentum

U.S. video game spending rose December and finished 2025 at $60.7 billion, according to new data from Circana, reflecting continued growth in hardware, subscription services, and mobile content. The strong finish caps a year shaped by the success of Nintendo Switch 2, which led hardware sales for both December and the full year, as well as high-profile releases, brand collaborations, and upcoming launches across games, downloadable content, and film.

 

 

Video Games Present a Huge Opportunity for Licensing in 2026

 

The video game industry continues to experience remarkable growth, with the global gaming population estimated to reach 3.51 billion in 2025, representing 42% of the world's population, according to the Newzoo Global Games Market 2025 report. This surge, driven by the accessibility of mobile gaming, has added over a billion players in less than a decade. Gaming now appeals to a diverse audience, with an average player age of 36 and nearly equal gender representation. Its integration into mainstream culture through blockbuster adaptations and platforms like Twitch and YouTube has further expanded its reach, with projections estimating nearly four billion players by 2028.

 

More people are playing video games than ever before, presenting a huge opportunity for licensing in 2026. Audiences are highly engaged and span gender demographics, with female players rapidly growing in number (especially on mobile). It’s a strong area that is getting progressively more mainstream. 

 

Licensing opportunities are growing right alongside the video games industry, with several trends already set to shape 2026. One trend is transmedia – the crossover of gaming, TV, film, publishing and consumer product to create a truly integrated multi-platform universe. 

 

U.S. Video Game Spending Rises in December, Closes 2025 at $60.7 Billion

 

U.S. video game spending increased by 3% year over year in December and finished 2025 1% ahead of 2024, reaching $60.7 billion, according to Circana. Growth was driven by higher consumer spending on subscription services, hardware, and mobile content, while accessories declined both month over month and year over year.

 

Nintendo Switch 2 led hardware sales in both December and 2025, finishing the year as the best-selling system, while Battlefield 6 ranked as 2025’s top-selling game. Subscription spending rose twenty percent year over year, mobile content posted modest gains, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller finished as the year’s best-selling accessory.

 

Bluey Joins Minecraft

 

Bluey cartwheels into the Minecraft universe Feb. 5 with the launch of Bluey DLC: Bluey’s House, available globally on the Minecraft Marketplace. Developed by Jigarbov in partnership with BBC Studios and Ludo Studio, the downloadable content brings the Heeler family home into the block-based world, allowing players to explore familiar spaces and interact with Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad.

 

Marina Mello, Global Director, Gaming & Interactive, BBC Studios, said: “Bringing Bluey to Minecraft opens up a new way for fans to engage with the brand in a place where they already love to play. This partnership is a great example of how we’re evolving the way our brands live beyond the screen. By collaborating with Microsoft and Jigarbov, we’re able to explore new forms of interactive storytelling that feel native to platforms like Minecraft, while staying true to what makes Bluey so special.”

 

Players can progress through the house by finding hidden keys, unlocking new rooms, and participating in activities inspired by the series, including I-Spy, Hide and Seek, and Ragdoll, alongside additional mini-games and secrets. The experience supports solo and multiplayer play and includes interactive details and hidden areas to discover. To mark the launch, Minecraft Bedrock players can download a free Chattermax Mask from the Marketplace through March 6.

 

Tomodachi Life Returns to Nintendo Switch

 

Nintendo shares new details on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the first new entry in the series in more than 10 years, during a dedicated Direct presentation. Launching April 16 on Nintendo Switch and playable on Nintendo Switch 2, the game centers on creating and customizing Mii characters who live together on a shared island and progress in real time.

 

Players can design Miis with expanded facial features, personality traits, and quirks, help residents form relationships, and shape island life through shops, facilities, housing, and decorative elements. Additional features include roommate living, island building, player-created items, and a workshop for designing pets, clothing, and environments, with preorders opening later today on Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.

 

Nintendo also revealed a first look at The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, leveling up in theaters April 1: