A penetration rate of 53% in 2017 and 58% in 2022 earned Japan the top spot in both years. South Korea, home to many elite e-sports players and organizations, also snags a top 5 spot and even comes in third in 2022.
In the future, the UK will most likely overtake Japan in terms of user penetration. By 2027, 70% of UK residents are expected to qualify as gamers, reflecting the importance of the market. In a Newzoo ranking, the country places sixth with estimated revenue of $5.7 billion in 2022.
Overall, video games have become the most lucrative media segment concerning revenue over the last few years. 2022 will see the market grow to over $196 billion, according to Newzoo estimates, with $104 billion generated with mobile gaming alone.
In comparison, revenues from the music and film industries reached $25.9 billion and $21.3 billion in 2021, while video streaming providers like Netflix and Disney+ generated an estimated $62 billion in 2020.
