Market Size of Online Casual Games Industry
Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 20.48 Billion |
Market Size (2029) | USD 27.56 Billion |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 6.12 % |
Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
Largest Market | North America |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Online Casual Games Market Analysis
The Online Casual Games Market size is estimated at USD 20.48 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 27.56 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to nationwide lockdowns, some people turned to game platforms to pass the time. Hence, these platforms attracted thousands of new visitors to online traffic. Video gaming trends are experiencing a massive surge in players and revenue.
- Rising internet access, greater smartphone penetration, and the introduction of high bandwidth network connectivity, such as 5G, have all contributed to an increase in online casual gaming demand. According to the GSMA research, by the beginning of last year, 170 mobile operators had started commercial 5G services with a 7population penetration by the end of last year, creating new prospects for mobile manufacturers to put 5G handsets into the market.
- The popularity of casual online games has expanded dramatically. Because of the ease and excitement they provide, they are the most popular and finest casual games worldwide. They have low system requirements. And while they are very engaging, they do not require the utmost focus. In other words, these games are a fantastic way to kill time. Furthermore, there are also some incredibly enjoyable games for children.
- Leveraging cloud technology in the casual games market is projected to drive demand and multiplayer engagement for various games, increasing market growth over the forecast period.
- Online gaming is the largest contributor to the overall gaming market. The continuous advancement of numerous technologies in computers, smartphones, and systems, such as processors, graphics, and other hardware and software, has resulted in the expansion of the online casual gaming sector. Furthermore, continuous advancements in network connectivity fuel the demand for casual online gaming.
- With the outbreak of COVID-19, the industry saw a positive development due to the increasing popularity of online multiplayer games, as individuals stayed at home for the longest time due to lockdowns imposed by various governments, as well as to avoid being impacted. Consumer engagement with mobile-based gaming is increasing significantly on the mobile platform, particularly in mobile-first markets, such as Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Online Casual Games Industry Segmentation
Casual online gaming is a video game played online and aimed at a broad market audience. Casual games can have any gameplay or genre. They usually have simpler rules, shorter sessions, and need less talent to learn. They do not expect to be familiar with a set of mechanics, controls, and cliches. The casual online games market tracks the adoption of different casual games played through various gaming types, such as advertising, in-app purchases, and paid apps.
The scope of the study includes apps that can be downloaded through major app stores, such as Apple Inc.'s App Store and the Google Play store, or, in China, from stores such as Huawei AppGallery and Tencent Appstore. The study also spots down the existing gaming developer landscape, which consists of major players operating in the market.
The online casual games market is segmented by type (advertising, in-app purchase, and paid app) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa).
The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD billion) for all the above segments.
By Type | |
Advertising | |
In-app Purchase | |
Paid App |
By Geography | ||||||
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Latin America | ||||||
Middle East and Africa |
Online Casual Games Market Size Summary
The online casual games market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased internet access, smartphone penetration, and advancements in network connectivity like 5G. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, boosting the popularity of online gaming as people sought entertainment during lockdowns. Casual games, known for their low system requirements and engaging yet easy-to-play nature, have become a preferred choice for many, including children. The integration of cloud technology is expected to further enhance multiplayer engagement and drive market expansion. The sector's growth is also supported by continuous technological advancements in hardware and software, making online casual gaming a major contributor to the overall gaming industry.
The market is characterized by a fragmented landscape with numerous global and regional players such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Zynga Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Apple Inc., and Konami Digital Entertainment, primarily based in the Asia-Pacific region. These companies are focusing on expanding their consumer base through strategic partnerships and investments in research and development. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, is poised to hold a significant market share due to rising technological adoption and a robust gaming ecosystem. In India, the availability of affordable internet and smartphones is driving the growth of casual games, with a diverse user base engaging in various gaming formats. The market's expansion is further supported by the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, with 5G and unlimited data plans expected to play a crucial role in the success of cloud gaming globally.
Online Casual Games Market Size - Table of Contents
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1. MARKET DYNAMICS
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1.1 Market Drivers
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1.1.1 The Increasing Penetration of Internet and Smartphones Boosted the Demand for the Online Casual Games Market
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1.1.2 Rising Popularity of Cloud Gaming Encouraging the Expansion of the Gaming Industry
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1.2 Market Challenges
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1.2.1 Online Security One of the Major Challenges for Online Gaming
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2. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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2.1 By Type
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2.1.1 Advertising
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2.1.2 In-app Purchase
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2.1.3 Paid App
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2.2 By Geography
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2.2.1 North America
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2.2.1.1 United States
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2.2.1.2 Canada
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2.2.2 Europe
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2.2.2.1 United Kingdom
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2.2.2.2 France
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2.2.2.3 Germany
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2.2.2.4 Rest of Europe
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2.2.3 Asia-Pacific
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2.2.3.1 China
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2.2.3.2 India
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2.2.3.3 Japan
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2.2.3.4 Rest of Asia Pacific
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2.2.4 Latin America
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2.2.5 Middle East and Africa
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Online Casual Games Market Size FAQs
How big is the Online Casual Games Market?
The Online Casual Games Market size is expected to reach USD 20.48 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.12% to reach USD 27.56 billion by 2029.
What is the current Online Casual Games Market size?
In 2024, the Online Casual Games Market size is expected to reach USD 20.48 billion.