Social gaming involves playing digital games with other players online through social media platforms or dedicated gaming platforms. Social games allow users to connect and interact with friends virtually through gameplays. Key games categories include online casual games, massive multiplayer online games, and social match-3 games. The popularity of mobile devices and platforms has significantly boosted social gaming. Mobile-based social games are easy to play on the go and allow spontaneous interactive sessions. Popular social games franchises including Candy Crush, Words with Friends, Temple Run, Gardenscapes, and Clash of Clans have massive daily active user bases on mobile. The globalization of internet access and emerging markets adopting smartphones at a rapid pace has expanded the potential player base for social games.

The global Social Gaming Market is estimated to be valued at Us$ 36.42 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR Of 6.6% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Social games continue to be the primary driver of in-app revenue and monetization strategies for app publishers and platform holders like Facebook, Nintendo, Apple and Google. Social features in the games foster continued engagement and drive additional game sessions through competition and collaboration between peers. However, concern over excessive smartphone use and addiction potential of engaging gameplay mechanics remains a challenge for the industry.

Market key trends  :

One of the dominant trends driving growth in the social gaming market is the focus on hyper-casual games genres that prioritize quick gameplay sessions over deep narratives and long-term challenges. Hyper-casual games by design have a very low barrier to entry and are well-suited for short mobile play sessions on public transports or during work breaks. Developers continue to innovate around hyper-casual genres like puzzles, arcade, and simulation to onboard casual players in large numbers. Another supporting trend is the growing live operation capabilities of game studios that optimize in-game economies and update content regularly to maintain high player engagement and monetization over many months of gameplay.

Porter’s Analysis

Threat of new entrants: The global social gaming market has medium threat of new entrants. New entrants face challenges in terms of developing new games that attract large number of users and compete with the wide range of options already available from established players.

Bargaining power of buyers: The bargaining power of buyers is high in the social gaming market. Buyers have a wide range of options to choose from in terms of different genres of games. They can switch between games easily if a game does not offer engaging gameplay or good monetization features.

Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is low. The industry players source generic hardware and software components from various suppliers globally. Switching costs are also low for suppliers.

Threat of new substitutes: The threat of new substitutes is medium. While some new distractions like streaming media could impact social gaming, it still provides highly engaging and interactive experiences that attract specialized demographics like younger users.

Competitive rivalry: The competitive rivalry is high given the large number of players offering varied gaming experiences targeted at social interactions. Players compete based on regular release of new features, levels, missions and in-app purchases.

Key Takeaways

The Global Social Gaming Market Demand is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period. Powered by increasing penetration of smartphones and internet globally. The global Social Gaming Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 36.42 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.

North America currently holds the leading share in the social gaming market owing to high adoption of mobile gaming apps. Countries like the US and Canada have seen exponential growth in mobile gamers over the past few years. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest growing market with China, India and Japan expected to emerge as major markets. Rapid digitization and rising popularity of casual games on mobile platforms will drive growth in the region.

Key players operating in the social gaming market are Waste Management Inc., Republic Services Inc., Clean Harbors Inc., Covanta Holding Corporation, Stericycle Inc., Advanced Disposal Services, Casella Waste Systems, Recology, Biffa, and REMONDIS SE & Co. KG. Players are focusing on developing innovative formats that facilitate social interactions like collaborative and competitive gameplay. They are also investing in technologies like augmented reality that enhance gaming experiences. Acquisitions and partnerships remain key strategies by existing industry leaders to expand diversity in gaming portfolios.

Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it