According to VentureBeat , the global gaming market has seen a strong recovery in investment capital after a downturn in 2023. Total investment in the gaming industry in 2024 reached $4.3 billion, a significant increase from $3.1 billion the previous year. Including mixed reality and sports technology, total investment in these three sectors has exceeded $10 billion.
Investment in the gaming industry is expected to surge, while mixed reality and sports technology are projected to decline in 2024.
The US continues to be the largest recipient of funding, with total investment in the gaming industry reaching $2.9 billion in 2024. This figure is nearly three times higher than in 2023, when US gaming companies raised only about $1 billion. One notable deal last year was Epic Games successfully raising $1.5 billion, exceeding the total investment in the US gaming industry for the entire year of 2023.
Europe also saw growth in investment, although still lower than the US. The region now has 31 gaming companies valued at over $1 billion (unicorn companies), nearly matching the 34 in the US. However, in terms of total market value, the US gaming industry still dominates with a valuation of $3.8 trillion, compared to Europe's $197.4 billion.
Virtual reality and 3D simulation technologies are revolutionizing automotive design and manufacturing processes.
One of the prominent investment trends in 2024 is the growth of mixed reality technology, particularly augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications beyond gaming. According to Hiro Capital, investment in spatial computing in the UK has increased by 141% year-on-year. Technologies like AR, VR, and 3D are not only serving entertainment but are also expanding into sectors such as healthcare , skills training, and automotive.
However, not all areas related to gaming have maintained growth. Investment in sports technology – a sector increasingly converging with gaming – decreased from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $1.8 billion in 2024. Nevertheless, many experts believe this may only be a temporary adjustment, as technologies related to sports and interactive games continue to attract investor interest.
Several game and entertainment technology companies have recorded significant success over the past year. For example, independent studios like Game Science – the developer of Black Myth: Wukong – have made a big impact on the market. High-quality and innovative products continue to attract the attention of both gamers and investors.
Black Myth: Wukong is a testament to the breakthrough of independent studios with its innovative gameplay and impressive visuals.
Despite a resurgence in investment in the gaming industry, 2024 remains a challenging year. A wave of layoffs continues at many large companies, partly due to massive hiring in the post-pandemic era. Some investors believe the period between 2020 and 2022 saw too many overvalued but unsustainable deals, leading many companies to restructure to adapt to market realities.
However, experts remain optimistic about the future of the gaming industry. The emergence of new technologies such as AI, virtual reality, and innovative business models is helping the industry continue to expand. In addition, strategic investors are returning to the market, seeking opportunities to acquire promising studios or key technologies.
Looking ahead, many experts expect 2025 to continue to be a year of growth for the gaming industry, especially with the development of mixed reality technology and innovative game titles. With investment capital gradually recovering, the gaming industry could continue to surge in the coming years.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thi-truong-game-toan-cau-but-pha-trong-nam-2024-185250203232145424.htm
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