Digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower has released its annual State of Gaming report, revealing a significant divergence in the global games market for 2025. According to the 2026 report, consumer spending on mobile games remained flat, while the PC gaming segment achieved another record year with double-digit revenue growth.
The findings indicate a stabilization in the previously explosive mobile gaming sector. This plateau follows years of consistent expansion, suggesting a maturation of the market. In contrast, the PC platform experienced robust growth, with more titles sold on the Steam storefront than in any previous year. Console gaming also saw revenue increases in the double digits.
Key Findings from the Market Report
Sensor Tower’s data provides a comprehensive overview of consumer spending patterns across major gaming platforms. The report is based on analysis of digital purchase data and market intelligence. The flat mobile revenue points to a potential saturation in key markets, or a shift in player engagement and spending habits. The simultaneous surge on PC underscores the platform’s enduring appeal for dedicated gamers and its strength in selling premium, high-fidelity game experiences.
The performance of the PC market is particularly notable given its longer history compared to modern mobile gaming. The record number of units sold on Steam, the dominant digital distribution platform for PC games, highlights sustained consumer demand. This growth is likely fueled by a continuous stream of major new releases, enduring popularity of live-service titles, and the platform’s accessibility for independent developers.
Context and Market Implications
The gaming industry has witnessed a dramatic evolution over the past decade, with mobile platforms rising to claim the largest share of total revenue. This latest data suggests that dynamic may be entering a new phase. The stagnation in mobile could prompt publishers and developers to re-evaluate investment and monetization strategies within that space.
For the wider technology and entertainment sectors, the health of the PC gaming market signals continued demand for high-performance hardware and specialized gaming peripherals. It also reinforces the importance of digital storefronts and direct-to-consumer sales models in the modern software landscape.
Industry analysts will be monitoring whether the mobile segment’s flat growth is a temporary pause or the beginning of a longer-term trend. Similarly, the question remains whether PC gaming can maintain its current record-breaking momentum. The data does not specify regional breakdowns, which could reveal varying trends in different parts of the world.
Looking Ahead for the Games Industry
Based on the available report, the immediate future will likely see companies adjusting strategies to navigate this two-track market. Mobile game developers may focus more on retaining existing high-value users and exploring new monetization avenues. PC and console developers, encouraged by strong sales, are expected to continue investing in major blockbuster titles and expansive downloadable content.
The next major indicator will be the performance data for the first half of 2026, which will show if these trends solidify or change. Further reports from other analytics firms will also be scrutinized to confirm the broader market direction outlined by Sensor Tower’s findings.
Source: Sensor Tower
