The global video fames advertising market size was valued at USD 9.68 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 25.56 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.39% during the forecast period (2025–2033). eSports has emerged as a major driver of video game advertising. As competitive gaming grows in popularity, attracting millions of viewers globally, brands are increasingly investing in advertising opportunities within eSports events, tournaments, and live-streaming platforms, thus expanding the market.
Video game advertising involves integrating promotional content into gaming platforms to engage players. It includes methods like in-game ads, which feature branded elements such as billboards or characters within the game, and advergaming, where games are designed around a brand.
Other forms include interstitial ads that appear during game transitions and banner ads displayed within the interface. This type of advertising leverages the interactive and immersive nature of gaming to create engaging marketing experiences, reaching a broad audience across PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Increase in mobile gaming
The rise of mobile gaming has significantly driven the global video game advertising market, with mobile games now accounting for the majority of the gaming industry’s revenue. The widespread adoption of smartphones and improved mobile internet connectivity have made gaming accessible to a broader audience, including casual gamers. Popular titles like Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty: Mobile attract millions of daily active users, creating lucrative opportunities for advertisers to engage audiences through in-game ads, rewarded videos, and interactive banners.
For instance, the success of PUBG Mobile demonstrates how advertisers can target highly engaged users with in-app purchases or event-based promotions. According to a report by App Annie, global consumer spending on mobile games reached $110 billion in 2023. This trend highlights the effectiveness of integrating advertisements within gaming experiences, allowing brands to tap into an active and diverse audience, further driving the market's growth.
Ad blockers in gaming platforms
The increasing use of ad blockers on gaming platforms poses a significant restraint to the global video game advertising market. Many gamers prioritize uninterrupted experiences and actively seek tools to block intrusive ads, particularly in mobile and PC gaming. Platforms like Steam and browser-based games face challenges in maintaining ad revenue as users deploy software to eliminate in-game advertisements.
For example, studies reveal that nearly 40% of global internet users utilize ad-blocking tools, impacting the reach of gaming advertisements. This trend forces advertisers to explore non-intrusive ad formats like native ads or partnerships with game developers for integrated branding. However, the growing reliance on ad blockers disrupts traditional advertising strategies, limiting revenue opportunities and affecting market growth.
Growth of in-game purchases and Microtransactions
The growing popularity of in-game purchases and microtransactions presents a significant opportunity for the global video game advertising market. These revenue models have become integral to the gaming ecosystem, allowing players to enhance their experience by purchasing skins, weapons, characters, or other virtual goods. Titles like Fortnite and Genshin Impact exemplify this trend, generating billions through cosmetic items and battle passes.
For instance, Fortnite earned over $9 billion in revenue within two years, primarily from microtransactions. Advertisers can leverage this model by embedding branded content, such as exclusive items or limited-edition skins, into the in-game marketplace. Coca-Cola, for example, collaborated with Fortnite to introduce themed items, blending branding with gameplay.
Such integrations enhance user engagement while providing advertisers with a seamless way to connect with a vast, active audience. As gamers increasingly embrace in-game spending, advertisers gain more avenues to expand their presence in this dynamic and profitable space.
| ATTRIBUTES | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2021-2033 |
| Historical Year | 2021-2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| By Advertising Type |
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| By Platform |
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| Regional Insights |
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In-game advertising dominates due to its ability to seamlessly integrate brand messages within the gaming experience. This format includes branded billboards, sponsored items, or dynamic ads that adapt to real-time gameplay. Popular games like FIFA and NBA 2K feature branded in-game assets such as stadium banners, creating an immersive experience while promoting products. The interactive nature of in-game ads ensures higher engagement and recall among players compared to static formats. This approach caters to advertisers aiming to reach targeted audiences, capitalizing on the growing popularity of gaming without disrupting the user experience, making it a preferred choice for brands.
Mobile gaming dominates the video game advertising market, driven by the rapid proliferation of smartphones and advancements in mobile internet connectivity. This platform offers unparalleled accessibility, allowing users to engage with games anytime, anywhere. Mobile games attract a vast and diverse audience, from casual players to dedicated gamers, creating a lucrative space for advertisers. With features like rewarded videos, interactive ads, and native advertising, mobile gaming provides seamless integration of brand messages into the gaming experience. This dominance is further supported by the freemium model, where ads supplement revenue streams, ensuring mobile remains the preferred platform for video game advertising.
North America stands as the dominant region in the global video game advertising market, driven by its advanced gaming infrastructure, high internet penetration, and strong adoption of gaming across demographics. The region is home to industry giants like Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and Epic Games, which are instrumental in shaping advertising trends. The widespread popularity of titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends provides advertisers with unparalleled opportunities to reach engaged audiences through in-game ads, microtransactions, and branded content.
The growing adoption of mobile gaming further strengthens the region's dominance. A report from the Entertainment Software Association reveals that 67% of American adults play video games, showcasing the significant market potential for advertisers. Companies leverage data-driven insights to deliver targeted ads that align with user preferences, increasing engagement and ROI.
For example, Fortnite, developed by North Carolina-based Epic Games, collaborated with Marvel to introduce branded skins and events, merging entertainment and advertising seamlessly. This partnership not only boosted in-game revenue but also enhanced brand visibility across millions of gamers. North America’s technological edge, coupled with its robust gaming culture, positions the region as a hub for innovative advertising strategies, driving sustained market leadership.
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