Top 13 Gaming Companies & Biggest Brands in the World

The global gaming industry has transformed into one of the most dynamic and lucrative entertainment sectors worldwide. The global gaming market size reached USD 241.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 535.29 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.30% during 2025-2033. This remarkable growth trajectory is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of mobile gaming, enhanced smartphone penetration, and affordable data plans that have made gaming accessible to broader demographics globally.

The growth in the industry is driven by a number of dominant demand drivers such as the increased trend of esports and multiplayer tournaments, advances in technology such as cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), and the increased use of smartphones, tablets, and laptops for gaming. Asia-Pacific is leading the market currently with a large market share of more than 49.5% in 2024. Asia-Pacific leads due to its immense population of tech-savvy people, especially younger ones, and strong internet infrastructure development.

Consumer adoption has been driven by gaming becoming a major source of entertainment and social interaction. The market has responded to sustainable growth through diversified revenue streams such as in-game spending, subscription services, and ad partnerships. Cross-gaming capabilities and the incorporation of social media-based features have also driven user engagement and retention, setting the gaming market for continued growth through 2033.

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List of Biggest 13 Gaming Companies and Brands Worldwide:

The global gaming market comprises several major players including Activision Publishing, Inc., Apple Inc., Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc, Electronic Arts Inc., Epic Games Inc., KRAFTON, Inc, Microsoft Corporation, NetEase, Inc., Nintendo Co., Ltd., Rovio Entertainment Ltd., Sega of America, Inc., Sony Corporation, Tencent Holdings Limited, etc.

1. Activision Publishing, Inc.

Establishment:	1979
Headquarters:	Santa Monica, California, USA
Website:	https://www.activision.com

Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading global video game publisher, known for blockbuster franchises such as Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, and Spyro. Specializing in action, adventure, and shooter genres, the company excels in advanced game engine development, cross-platform integration, and live-service operations that keep players engaged with ongoing content. Serving console, PC, and mobile audiences worldwide, Activision emphasizes competitive multiplayer and esports, strengthening its position in the industry while driving long-term growth through innovation and immersive entertainment experiences.

2. Apple Inc.

Establishment:	1976
Headquarters:	California, United States
Website:	https://www.apple.com/

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company known for its innovative and popular consumer electronics. Its product and services portfolio includes iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, Apple Watch, Air Pods, macOS, and iOS operating systems. The rapid ascent of remote gaming and online casinos serves to push Apple further ahead in the race. This makes it possible for the iPhone and iPad devices to have finely tuned hardware, high-resolution displays, and camera technology to provide an ultimate experience for gaming. Apple's gaming subscription service now has a great deal of ad-free games. Apple TV with Apple Arcade on board could serve as a gaming device for casual gamers. With the increasing popularity of remote gaming, gamers demand game subscription services like Arcade. Such services boost subscriptions and involve per-game download costs as well as in-app purchases for the service. It has already become a significant portion of the App Store revenue. In June 2024, Apple introduced a new feature to enhance the gaming experience on iPhones – Game Mode in its iOS 18. This innovative mode promises to optimize the device's performance during intense gaming sessions, offering a smoother and more immersive experience.

Popular games developed: Fantasian (via Apple Arcade), What the Golf (via Apple Arcade), Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm (via Apple Arcade), The Pathless (via Apple Arcade), Sneaky Sasquatch (via Apple Arcade).

3. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

Establishment:	2005
Headquarters:	California, USA
Website:	https://www.bandainamco.co.jp/en/

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is a multinational video game developer and publisher, as well as an amusement park operator. The company develops various platforms for games, including consoles, handheld devices, and smartphones. It is working to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable packaging. The company has established several programs to support these goals, including training programs for female employees and initiatives to promote work-life balance. Besides, it has developed several AR games that combine real-world environments with digital gameplay, creating a unique and immersive experience for players.

Popular games developed: Pac-Man, Tekken series, Dark Souls series (in collaboration with FromSoftware), Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Tales of Arise.

4. Electronic Arts Inc.

Establishment:	1982
Headquarters:	California, United States
Website:	https://www.ea.com/

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is a video game company that develops, markets, and distributes interactive entertainment software and services for various platforms, including consoles, personal computers, mobile devices, and the Internet. Its product portfolio includes Madden NFL, FIFA, The Sims, Battlefield, Need for Speed, and Star Wars. The company has committed to reducing its environmental impact by implementing various initiatives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy and water, and recycling waste. It has also established several initiatives, including employee resource groups, unconscious bias training, and partnerships with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the company is committed to promoting responsible gaming and has established several initiatives to help players stay safe and avoid harmful behaviors.

Popular games developed: FIFA series, The Sims series, Battlefield series, Need for Speed series, Apex Legends.

5. Epic Games Inc.

Establishment:	1991
Headquarters:	Cary, North Carolina, USA
Website:	https://www.epicgames.com

Epic Games Inc. is a global leader in gaming and technology, recognized for Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, a standard in real-time rendering. Its business spans game development, engine licensing, and digital distribution through the Epic Games Store, which challenges platform monopolies. Innovations include battle royale gameplay, advanced graphics technology, and developer-friendly revenue sharing that empowers independent creators. Serving developers worldwide and millions of Fortnite players across platforms, Epic drives industry standards in graphics, multiplayer infrastructure, and cross-platform gaming experiences.

6. KRAFTON, Inc.

Establishment:	2007
Headquarters:	Bundang-gu, Seongnam, South Korea
Website:	https://krafton.com

KRAFTON, Inc. is a South Korean video game holding company best known for PUBG, a title that revolutionized the battle royale genre worldwide. Focused on delivering innovative multiplayer experiences, KRAFTON combines tactical gameplay with social interaction across PC and mobile platforms. Its strengths include advanced networking infrastructure, realistic graphics, and cross-platform solutions. Serving a global audience with strong presence in Asia, the company expands through acquisitions and investments in blockchain and metaverse technologies, securing its edge in the evolving gaming industry.

7. Microsoft Corporation

Establishment:	1975
Headquarters:	Washington, United States
Website:	https://www.microsoft.com/en-in

Microsoft Corporation is a multinational technology company that develops, licenses, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, and personal computers. The company produces hardware products such as the surface line of tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and related accessories. Microsoft Gaming comprises 5 development and publishing labels to which it is affiliated, these include: Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks (the publisher of ZeniMax Media), Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, and King. The company developed the Xbox console that offers high-quality graphics and introduced several features that were ahead of its time, including built-in Ethernet ports and an internal hard drive. In July 2024, Microsoft partnered with Amazon to integrate the Xbox cloud gaming subscription service with Fire TV sticks. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription provides access to video games including Fallout 4, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5.

Popular games developed: Minecraft (via Mojang Studios), Halo series, Forza Horizon/Forza Motorsport, Gears of War, Starfield.

8. NetEase, Inc

Establishment:	1997
Headquarters:	Hangzhou, China
Website:	https://ir.netease.com/

NetEase Inc. is a Chinese technology company that provides a wide range of internet services, including online gaming, e-commerce, music and video streaming, social media, and online education. It offers a variety of popular games, including Fantasy Westward Journey, Westward Journey Online II, and New Ghost. The company has committed to sourcing its electricity from renewable energy sources in the coming future. It is investing in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power to achieve this goal. Additionally, the company is encouraging its employees to reduce waste and recycle more and is implementing waste reduction programs in its offices and data centers.

Popular games developed: Fantasy Westward Journey, Westward Journey Online II, Identity V, Onmyoji, Knives Out.

9. Nintendo Co., Ltd.

Establishment:	1889
Headquarters:	Kyoto, Japan
Website:	https://www.nintendo.com/

Nintendo Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational video game company that designs, develops, and produces video games, consoles, and gaming accessories. It developed Mario and Zelda Games, Nintendo Game & Watch, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Nintendo 3DS. The company encourages the recycling of its products and has established a program in which consumers can send in their old Nintendo products for recycling. It has implemented policies to ensure that the materials used in its products are sourced responsibly and sustainably. Additionally, the company has committed to only using paper and pulp products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and has also taken steps to ensure that its suppliers follow ethical labor practices.

Popular games developed: Super Mario series, The Legend of Zelda series, Pokémon (in collaboration with Game Freak and The Pokémon Company), Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. series.

10. Rovio Entertainment Ltd.

Establishment:	2003
Headquarters:	Espoo, Finland
Website:	https://www.rovio.com

Rovio Entertainment Ltd., a Finnish mobile game developer, is best known for the iconic Angry Birds franchise, which redefined mobile gaming and expanded into films, merchandise, and attractions. Specializing in casual mobile games, Rovio focuses on simple mechanics, engaging characters, and cross-media integration. Its strengths include physics-based engines, social features, and data-driven design that enhance player retention. Serving global audiences, Rovio excels at creating viral gaming phenomena, sustaining its success through innovation, licensing partnerships, and extending franchises beyond traditional gaming boundaries.

11. Sega of America, Inc.

Establishment:	1940 (Sega), 1986 (Sega of America)
Headquarters:	Irvine, California, USA
Website:	https://www.sega.com

 

Sega of America, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the iconic Japanese gaming company, is renowned for franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, Yakuza, and Total War, along with its arcade gaming legacy. The company engages in game development, publishing, and IP management across platforms, blending nostalgia with modern innovation. With strengths in arcade systems, creative design, and strategic partnerships, Sega serves diverse communities—from retro fans to console and PC players—while bringing Japanese gaming culture to Western markets through evolving entertainment experiences.

12. Sony Corporation

Establishment:	1946
Headquarters:	Tokyo, Japan
Website:	https://www.sony.net/

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate that operates in a wide range of industries, including electronics, gaming, entertainment, and financial services. Its product portfolio includes TVs, digital cameras, smartphones, and home audio systems. The company has developed a virtual reality system for the PlayStation called PlayStation VR, which allows users to immerse themselves in a variety of virtual environments. The PlayStation 3 was a strategic step into Blu-ray technology. The PlayStation 4 ensured Sony's hold on the gaming market by offering exclusive titles, social features, and performance. The PlayStation 5 (PS5), was marked by some ground-breaking technologies like ray tracing, ultra-fast SSDs for near-instant loading, and immersive haptic feedback through the DualSense controller. Sony has also led the way in virtual reality, from the launch of PlayStation VR (PS VR) in 2016 to the recent launch of PS VR2 in 2023.

Popular games developed: God of War, The Last of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn/Horizon Forbidden West, Uncharted series, Spider-Man.

13. Tencent Holdings Limited

Establishment:	1998
Headquarters:	Shenzhen, China
Website:	https://www.tencent.com/

Tencent Holdings Limited is a multinational conglomerate holding company. It offers various services, including social media, online gaming, e-commerce, fintech, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and entertainment. The company has implemented several corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, philanthropy, and community engagement. It developed the WeStart Social Entrepreneurship Platform that supports social entrepreneurs by providing them with funding, mentorship, and resources to develop innovative solutions to social and environmental problems. Besides, the company is a major player in the online gaming industry and has developed and published several popular games, including Honor of Kings, League of Legends, and PUBG Mobile. Additionally, it has developed several AI-powered products, including speech recognition, natural language processing, and computer vision.

Popular games developed: Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor), PUBG Mobile (in partnership with Krafton), League of Legends (via Riot Games), Call of Duty: Mobile (in partnership with Activision), and CrossFire.

Key Trends Driving the Gaming Industry:

• Rapid Adoption of Cloud Gaming: With the implementation of cloud gaming, users do not have to invest in high-end hardware as they can directly stream games from remote servers. High-speed internet connections, 5G technology, and advanced cloud infrastructure altogether enable seamless gameplay across smartphones, tablets, and smart televisions. In line with this, companies including Microsoft (Xbox Cloud Gaming), NVIDIA (GeForce Now), and Amazon (Luna) are investing heavily in this space by making gaming accessible to a broader audience. For instance, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision was valued at USD 68.7 Billion and it is the largest investment in the gaming industry. This strategic move helped bring popular franchises including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush under Microsoft's Xbox division.
• Technological Advancements: The increasing innovations in gaming hardware, such as high-performance consoles, VR, and AR, are influencing the market growth. For instance, in March 2024, Virtuix, the developer of the “Omni One” full-body VR treadmill and gaming system, announced a lineup of 35 games for the Omni One’s consumer launch. Omni One is a complete entertainment system featuring a proprietary 360-degree treadmill that enables players to physically run around inside virtual reality games while remaining in the same spot in their play space. The system also comes with a customized Pico 4 Enterprise headset, as well as a dedicated game store with titles optimized for Omni One. Such developments are expected to boost the market potential over the coming years.

Challenges and Market Opportunities:

• Challenges: Some of the challenges in the industry include the escalating price of game creation, which generally results from greater expectations for graphics and games, and emerging technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality. Monetization strategies, such as those seen in microtransactions and loot boxes, have drawn scrutiny and critique along with regulation, leading to uncertainty and fear among publishers. In addition, gaming companies face cybersecurity concerns including hacks and data breaches.
• Opportunities: With the changing face of emerging technologies, the advent of cloud gaming and Web3 integration, the gaming market promises great potential. Mobile gaming continues to thrive, attributed to the growing numbers of smartphones and improving connectivity in developing regions. The eSports segment is catching up and expanding, from sponsorship to viewership and more professional leagues to captivate a wider audience. Cross-platform play and emerging subscription models such as Xbox Game Pass are generating new revenue opportunities.
• Future Outlook: The future of the gaming industry is set for immense growth, driven by developments in cloud gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 535.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% during 2025-2033. Web3 technologies and blockchain are projected to open up new horizons for players through more immersive experiences and decentralized economies with ownership of in-game assets. It is expected that the expansion of mobile gaming and the proliferation of high-speed internet services in developing areas will bring in open new growth avenues. The sector is set to cement its foundation as a cornerstone of global media and technology, as gaming is paving its way into social interaction and digital entertainment.

About Author:

Shree Basu Senior Content Writer at IMARC Services Private Limited Shree Basu is an experienced content writer with a passion for researching about diverse markets, ranging from technology to chemistry to agriculture. She has around two years of experience in different aspects of market research and has worked with multiple startups and enterprises in the B2B, B2C, and retail industries. In her free time, Shree enjoys reading, feeding stray animals, and watching crime documentaries.