Newzoo Forecast Sees Marginal Growth Amid Hardware Price Hikes and Game Delays
The much-anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been officially delayed to 2026, casting a shadow on global video game market growth projections for 2025 GTA 6 delay. According to a new report from research firm Newzoo, the video game market is projected to grow 3.4% this year, reaching $188.9 billion (roughly Rs. 16,33,527 crore), up slightly from 2024’s 3.2% growth rate.
Industry experts had anticipated a stronger surge this year driven by blockbuster game launches like GTA 6 and new console hardware releases. However, shifting release timelines and rising hardware costs have dampened some of that optimism, making consumer spending more unpredictable across global markets.
GTA 6 Delay Impacts 2025 Market Dynamics
Take-Two Interactive’s GTA 6 was expected to be a major catalyst for gaming industry growth this year, but its scheduled release has now been pushed to 2026. This postponement affects short-term forecasts, though longer-term projections remain strong due to pent-up consumer demand for the title.
“This forecast reflects concrete changes, hardware cycles, pricing trends, install base growth, and title pipelines,” said Michiel Buijsman, principal analyst at Newzoo. The delayed revenue boost from GTA 6 is now anticipated to spread into 2026 and beyond, especially once its PC version releases, which could carry significant growth into 2027.
Overall Industry Growth Outlook
Despite the delay, the global video game market remains robust, with Newzoo expecting an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% through 2027, slightly below its previous 3.7% forecast.
High-profile titles like Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, scheduled for release alongside GTA 6, are expected to fuel sales next year. Premium AAA titles, alongside sustained growth in the mobile and subscription gaming sectors, are also contributing to market stability despite economic uncertainty GTA 6 delay.
Hardware Price Increases Affect Consumer Spending
One of the key challenges for 2025 is rising hardware costs. Both Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation have seen price hikes on their consoles due to global tariffs and supply chain adjustments. These price increases have sparked concerns about hardware sales slowing down as global consumers face economic pressures GTA 6 delay.
While Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 has reportedly become the company’s fastest-selling console in select regions, Xbox appears to be falling behind its Xbox One predecessor in total sales. Sony’s PS5 is projected to narrowly trail behind PS4 lifetime sales but remains a dominant force globally.
Xbox Ally Handheld Launch Confirmed
Microsoft recently unveiled its first-ever handheld gaming device, the Xbox Ally, developed in collaboration with ASUS. Set for a holiday 2025 release, the handheld console represents a strategic expansion into portable gaming, which has seen significant consumer interest fueled by devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
GTA 6: The Most Anticipated Title of the Decade
Grand Theft Auto VI remains one of the most highly anticipated game releases in history. Following nearly a decade of anticipation since the launch of GTA V, Rockstar Games has promised a massive open-world experience with both single-player and multiplayer modes. Currently confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, PC gamers will see a staggered release afterward, contributing further to multi-year sales growth.
While the short-term delay is disappointing for gamers, industry analysts believe the eventual release of GTA 6 will trigger a significant spike in hardware and software sales globally. As 2026 approaches, Take-Two and Rockstar Games are expected to dominate gaming headlines once again.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and 2027
Though the delay impacts 2025 forecasts, the gaming industry’s longer-term outlook remains healthy. The release of GTA 6, paired with major titles from Capcom and others, will likely drive a substantial revenue spike starting next year and sustain momentum into 2027.
For gamers eagerly awaiting GTA 6 and other major releases, patience may pay off with an unprecedented wave of innovation and blockbuster experiences still on the horizon.
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