We all know the online games industry is huge, but its size staggers when you see the numbers. Adroit Market Research estimates global online gaming to be worth $79 billion by 2025. The fastest-growing segments of this market are teenagers and the youth population. However, online gaming remains strong in the 35-44 year old group, and beyond. Key drivers of growth are advancements in technology such as greater mobile usage and better internet coverage.
The other key component is just how entertaining this industry has become. Modern online games offer a level of immersion that was unthinkable a decade ago, and the trend for bigger and better experiences is set to continue. Those pushing the envelope of what online games can do include big-name developers such as:
- Ubisoft
- Activision Blizzard
- Microsoft
- Sega
- Sony Corp
There are many more than we could add to this list, but it is the potential market giants we are concerned with here. Let’s take a look at several noteworthy examples aiming to upset the status que.
Zynga
Zynga launched in San Francisco in 2007 and now has offices in Canada, UK, Ireland, Turkey, and Finland. An impressive, one billion people have played their social network games, and the company is set to achieve its highest revenue to date. Popular Zynga games include:
- Farmville
- Hit it Rich
- Zynga Poker
These highly shareable hits have contributed to creating Zynga’s highest cash flow in years in 2020.
SciPLay
SciPlay’s data-driven approach to gaming combined with high-quality content has made them a respected developer of online digital games. The company used to be the social division of entertainment giant Scientific Games (SG), a well-established provider for the online casino industry. In 2019, SciPLay gained independence and hasn’t looked back. Their current hits include:
- Jackpot Party Casino
- Quick Hit Slots
- Bingo Showdown
In 2020, SciPLay saw its revenue increase by 40%, while net income skyrocketed by 86%. Branching off from SG is certainly paying dividends for the developer.
EA
EA is a well-known name, creating games from its headquarters in Redwood City, California since 1982. The studio develops games for mobile, desktop, and console devices, boasting over 300 million registered users. EA’s range of sports titles such as Fifa and Madden NFL are legendary, contributing billions in micro transactions such as loot boxes alone. With the hit to live sports from the Covid-19 pandemic, their online sporting could continue to see big growth as a replacement.
Glu
The last developer on the list is Glu, a leading publisher of mobile games founded in 2001. The company is headquartered in San Francisco but has an international presence with offices in Toronto and India. Glu focuses on interactive experiences, producing a wide range of online gaming titles. For a taste of Glu’s eclectic mix, check out:
- Covet Fashion
- Deer Hunter
- Design Home
- Diner DASH
- Disney’s Sorcerer
Glu’s games can be found in Google Play as well as Apple’s App Store meaning no one misses out. In 2020 Glu’s bookings rose by 79% and overall revenue by 40%, making them a strong candidate for a market giant.
Wrap up
One common characteristic with all of these developers is that revenue is well up in 2020. Thanks to a combination of factors such as social distancing, lockdowns, and increased mobile usage, online games are booming. These five developers form the vanguard of a tidal wave of growth which shows no signs of abating.