PlayStation leads the reacceleration in console player growth, thanks to just 5 days of GTA VI sales, according to a new report.
According to gaming market research firm Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report 2026, the worldwide video game market is projected to generate $213.9 billion in revenue in 2026, representing 6.1% year-over-year growth. The November launch of Rockstar Games’ open-world action-adventure game, GTA VI, is expected to play a major role in driving the console market’s recovery.
The Newzoo data shows console revenue reaching 46.9 billion US Dollars in 2026, accounting for 22% of the global games market. This compares with 121.1 billion US Dollars, or 57%, for mobile and 45.9 billion US Dollars, or 21%, for PC. Console revenue is forecast to grow at a 2.6% compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2029, following 1.7% growth between 2023 and 2026.
As per the market research firm, PlayStation is at the forefront of the renewed growth in console players, gaining from the significant impact of GTA VI. The upcoming title already ranks #1 in the adventure genre for console revenue based on pre-orders after just 5 days of going on pre-sale, months before its November 19, 2026, release. The report estimates that without GTA VI, console revenue would actually decline year over year.
The game’s influence is also reflected in the overall performance of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. GTA V ranks #2 in the adventure genre for console revenue, trailing only GTA VI, 13 years after its original release.
Newzoo’s findings point to a maturing game industry in which sustained engagement with major franchises is becoming increasingly important. Rather than relying primarily on a constant influx of new players and releases, publishers and platform holders are increasingly dependent on extending the lifespan of major hits and retaining their audiences.
Newzoo estimates a total of 3.7 billion player worldwide across all platforms. On PC, Gen Z remains the largest demographic in 2026, while Gen Alpha is the fastest-growing audience, steadily increasing its share of the PC player base.
