Over two decades, the share of leisure time spent on video games in the US has more than doubled. The share is even greater for younger people.
What you need to know and what (non-gamers) may be surprised to learn?
1. 80% of Millennials and Gen Z play online games
2. The global gaming market is forecast to grow >6% YoY to $250 billion by 2026
3. Video gaming companies typically outperform other forms of entertainment during periods of economic weakness given their low-cost nature
4. AI: The CEO of Electronic Arts (EA Sports FC – Formerly FIFA franchise) “As an industry we’re probably going to be one of the greatest beneficiary’s of AI. It will allow us to do what we currently do more efficiently.”
The technical improvements driving adoption are well known, yet often overlooked is the community aspect of video gaming.
The numbers from #Twitch, the largest streaming and community platform for gaming, are illustrative of consumer engagement:
1. 240 million monthly active users (10x since 2012)
2. 65% of users are <35 years old
3. 11 million unique streaming channels
4. 50 million app downloads (annualised 2023)
5. 5 billion hours of gaming watched per quarter
Gamers use Twitch to watch, connect and communicate with like-minded individuals.
In a similar way to other social platforms, “Influencers” command a vast and loyal fan base and shape game cultures and trends.
Devoted gamers spend up for in game assets, to reward their idols and for future products (no different to sport tragics or fashion fanatics).
In our view, the blend of community engagement and creative innovation is a key driver for the growth of the video game industry. This dynamic fosters positive experiences for consumers, who express confidence and satisfaction in the industry through their choices of games and spending habits.
Disclaimer
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS INVESTMENT ADVICE. This article has been prepared by Infusive and is not intended to be (and may not be relied on in any manner as) legal, tax, investment, accounting or other advice or as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of any investment product or any investment advisory service. The information contained in this document is superseded by, and is qualified in its entirety by, such offering materials. This document may contain proprietary, trade-secret, confidential and commercially sensitive information. U.S. federal securities laws prohibit you and your organization from trading in any public security or making investment decisions about any public security on the basis of information included in these materials. Any reference to third parties outside of Infusive is for informational purposes only. References to third parties should not be construed as endorsements by Infusive or its personnel.
THIS ARTICLE IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION FOR ANY SECURITY OR INVESTMENT. References to any portfolio investment are intended to illustrate the application of Infusive’s investment process only and should not be used as the basis for making any decision about purchasing, holding or selling any securities. Nothing herein should be interpreted or used in any manner as investment advice. The information provided about these portfolio investments is intended to be illustrative and it is not intended to be used as an indication of the current or future performance of Infusive’s portfolio investments.