NA gaming spends hit new high

North American players spend $325 annually on gaming, accounting for 28% of global market spending.

North American Gamers Spend 325 Dollars a Year

North American gamers spend an average of $325 per year on gaming and in‑game purchases, according to a joint Newzoo Tebex report released on August 12, 2025. The West accounts for 28% of global market spending, a share worth about $52.7 billion from a total market size of $189 billion. Europe follows with 18% of the total, or roughly $33.1 billion. Though Western players make up 20% of the world’s 3.54 billion players, they account for 46% of global gaming spend. Within this group, NA leads in annual spend per player, while Europe spends less on average. Western gamers cumulatively spend about $170 per person, compared with $51.60 for Eastern players.

Facing a slower pace of payer growth, the report shows a compound annual growth rate of 1.1% in North America and 3.1% in Europe between 2023 and 2027. It suggests studios shift from chasing new players to maximizing value from existing ones. Microtransactions drive 49% of PC and 52% of console revenue in North America, with shooters leading in the region; Europe sees stronger spending on in‑game currencies and content packs, with sports games high as well. Mobile remains a near total source of in‑game revenue. To lift average transaction value, the study recommends offering alternative payment methods like Buy Now Pay Later and cryptocurrency, as long as volume does not fall. Motivations differ by region: 34% of North American players buy to unlock exclusive content and 29% for personalization, while Europeans emphasize deals (28%) and ad‑free experiences (21%).

Two trends stand out. First, high spending in North America and Europe comes with slower new-user growth, signaling a maturing market where loyalty and value matter more than new-user incentives. That suggests a shift in strategy for studios toward retention, better product storytelling, and clearer pricing. Second, regional differences shape monetization plans. NA players value exclusives and customization, while Europeans respond to bundles and ad‑free options. The call for more payment options could raise overall revenue if implemented with user-friendly design and transparent pricing.

Highlights

The next phase will test whether monetization creativity stays aligned with player trust.