Video Games - South Africa | Statista Market Forecast

The Video Games market in South Africa is projected to reach a revenue of US$494.50m in 2024.
This sector is expected to show a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2024-2027) of 7.37%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$612.10m by 2027.
By that year, the number of users in the Video Games market is expected to amount to 8.6m users.
The user penetration rate is projected to be 12.3% in 2024 and is expected to increase to 13.4% by 2027.
Among the various segments, the largest market is Download Games, with a market volume of US$129.80m in 2024.
In a global comparison, China is expected to generate the most revenue, reaching US$94.49bn in 2024.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Video Games market is projected to amount to US$64.56 in 2024.
"South Africa's video game market is experiencing a surge in popularity among young adults, with a growing demand for locally-developed games that reflect the country's diverse culture and history."

Definition:

The video games market refers to the entire industry involved in the creation, development, publishing, distribution, and monetization of video games. This market encompasses a wide range of products, including console games, PC games, mobile games, and online games. It also includes hardware and accessories such as gaming consoles, controllers, and virtual reality headsets. The games market is a rapidly growing industry, with millions of people worldwide playing video games and billions of dollars in revenue generated each year.

Structure:

The games market contains out of several different markets, such as Online Games, Mobile Games or Cloud Gaming. Information on all the other markets can be found on the relevant page.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenues, users, average revenue per user, and penetration rates. Revenues are generated through in-game purchases, consumer spending on games, and subscription fees. Additional definitions for each market can be found within the respective market pages. Market numbers for download games, mobile games, online games and gaming networks can also be found in the digital market insights in the video games market. Key players in the market are companies like Activision (Call of Duty), PUBG Mobile or GeForce Now For more information on the data displayed, use the info button right next to the boxes.

Fee-based video games distributed over the Internet
Downloads of full versions for gaming consoles or PCs
Mobile games for smartphones and tablets (paid app downloads or in-app-purchases)
Free-to-play online/browser games (subscription-based or including in-game purchases)
Gaming networks

Physical video game sales
Demo/trial-versions

While all other Digital Media market markets have already gone through small revolutions caused by new business models like subscription-based services, the Video Games market is only at the beginning of this development. New offers like Ubisoft’s Uplay+ gaming flat rate or technical innovations like Google Stadia’s game streaming platform might attract even more casual gamers and revolutionize the way consumers play video games in general.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Video Games market. Digital video games are defined as fee-based video games distributed over the internet. These include online games, download games, mobile games, and gaming networks. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective market. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

Modeling approach / market size:

The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.

Forecasts:

We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis and additional information on the Digital market, in a PDF format.