Games Industry Set to Hit $186 Billion by 2026: Konvoy Report Highlights Investment Trends and Geopolitical Tensions

Konvoy’s latest quarterly report projects gaming industry to grow to $186 billion by 2026. The report, released in April 2025, dives into the major investment moves, regional trends, and the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on the sector.

Key Mergers, Acquisitions, and Investments

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the industry saw 43 mergers and acquisitions. Two standout deals were Scopely’s $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic’s gaming division and Modern Times Group’s $620 million purchase of Plarium. These high-profile transactions signal continued consolidation as companies seek to strengthen their portfolios and expand their global reach.

Venture capital activity remained robust, with 77 deals recorded in the quarter. While the number of deals dipped by 6% compared to the previous quarter, total venture funding surged to $373 million—a 35% jump. This suggests investors are focusing on fewer, but larger, opportunities.

Regional Investment Patterns

North America remains the dominant force in gaming investment, capturing 53% of all deals in Q1 2025. Asia followed with 33%, while Europe took third place. Notably, regions like Africa, South America, and Australia saw little to no investment activity. Konvoy’s managing partner, Josh Chapman, attributed this to a lack of local funding groups, despite the presence of gaming companies in those areas. He expects North America, Asia, and Europe to continue leading the way in both investment and deal-making.

Geopolitical Tensions Shape the Industry

The report also highlights the growing impact of U.S.-China tensions on the gaming sector. The U.S. has increased scrutiny of Chinese entities, affecting games like Snap and others. This heightened oversight is significant, given China’s major role in the industry. Chapman explained that the friction is partly due to the need for U.S. games to have a local partner or “gatekeeper” in China, while Chinese games face fewer barriers entering the U.S. market. Recent developments, such as Ubisoft’s acceptance of funding from Chinese tech giant Tencent, underscore the complex interplay between business interests and geopolitical concerns.

Konvoy’s report suggests the industry’s growth will continue, driven by strategic investments, major acquisitions, and ongoing innovation. However, the sector must also navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, where regulatory and political issues can have far-reaching effects. For investors and companies alike, understanding these dynamics will be key to capitalizing on the opportunities ahead.

Access the report here: https://www.konvoy.vc/reports/gaming-industry-report-q1-2025

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