According to VentureBeat , the global gaming market has seen a strong recovery in investment capital after a slump 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, the total investment in these three areas has surpassed the $10 billion mark.
Gaming investment surges, while mixed reality and sports tech trend down by 2024
The US continues to be the region receiving the most funding, with a total investment value in the gaming industry reaching $2.9 billion in 2024. This is nearly triple the figure in 2023, when US gaming companies raised only about $1 billion. One of the notable deals of the past year was Epic Games successfully raising $1.5 billion, higher than the total investment in the US gaming industry in all of 2023.
Europe also saw growth in investment, though still lower than the US. The region now has 31 gaming companies valued at over $1 billion (unicorns), nearly on par with the US’s 34. 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 technology are revolutionizing automotive design and manufacturing processes
One of the prominent investment trends in 2024 is the development of mixed reality technology, especially augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications outside the gaming sector. According to Hiro Capital, investment in spatial computing technology in the UK increased by 141% compared to the previous year. Technologies such as AR, VR and 3D are not only serving entertainment but also expanding into industries such as healthcare, skills training and automobiles.
Not all gaming-related sectors are seeing growth, however. Investment in sports technology—an area that is increasingly converging with gaming—has dropped from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $1.8 billion in 2024. However, many experts believe this may be a temporary adjustment, as technologies related to sports and interactive gaming continue to attract investor interest.
Several gaming and entertainment technology companies have seen significant success over the past year. For example, independent studios like Game Science, the developer of Black Myth: Wukong , have made a big splash in the market. High-quality and innovative products continue to attract the attention of the gaming community as well as investors.
Black Myth: Wukong is a testament to the indie studios' breakthrough with innovative gameplay and impressive visuals.
Despite the rebound in gaming investment, 2024 is shaping up to be a challenging year for the industry. Layoffs are continuing at many major companies, in part due to the massive hiring spree in the post-pandemic era. Some investors say the 2020-2022 period saw too many unsustainably high valuations, 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 are helping the industry continue to expand. In addition, strategic investors are returning to the market, looking for opportunities to acquire potential studios or important technologies.
Looking ahead, many experts expect 2025 to be another year of growth for the gaming industry, especially with the rise of mixed reality and innovative titles. With investment capital gradually recovering, the gaming industry could continue to thrive in the coming years.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thi-truong-game-toan-cau-but-pha-trong-nam-2024-185250203232145424.htm
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