PC Gaming vs. Console: Why the PC Market Is Booming in 2025

The gaming industry is not smooth at the moment. After a steady growth in the decade between 2011 and 2021, revenue has hit a bottleneck, confusing many developers and investors (and tight wallets). But in this slightly bleak scene, there is a silver lining: PC gaming.

PC games lead the industry

Matthew Ball, CEO of investment strategy company Epyllion, has published a new report that hailed PC gaming as a leader in the current gaming industry. According to the analysis (data from market research giants such as IDG and Newzoo), PC games currently have revenues that exceed console games, becoming a rare highlight in the stagnant market.

• Data: Since 2021, PC game revenue has increased by 20%, while console games have basically stagnated. Yes, the time you spend adjusting graphics card settings may indeed be worth the money.

Reasons for winning PC games

Epyllion attributes this success to several "compound advantages" that PC games have over console games:

1. Larger Gaming Library: PC offers a huge library of games, including games that have been around for decades due to backward compatibility. Try doing this on the PS5 without paying for a remake.
2. Flexibility: Need to view Reddit in the game? Live on Twitch? PCs can handle it easily – no doubt.
3. Performance: High-end PCs can go beyond the console, providing a smoother gaming experience and clearer graphics (if your wallet keeps up).
4. Portability is coming: With the advancement of portable PC devices such as Steam Deck, even console-only gaming is infiltrating the PC ecosystem.

Oh, and Roblox. According to Epyllion, it is unlikely that kids who are addicted to Roblox beg for a $500 console to play AAA games. Honestly, they might be right.

Not everyone agrees with this data

Although Epyllion paints a beautiful future for PC games, there is some controversy over who is the real king. In 2023, Newzoo reported that console games revenue was $56.1 billion, while PC games revenue was $40 billion. Matthew Ball attributes this difference to the differences in how researchers track game sales, especially in areas such as China where PC games dominate the AA/AAA level.

Ultimately, Ball said the data suggests PC gaming will continue to climb, especially as platforms like Steam expand into the living room and handheld gaming space.

What does this mean for the industry

For PC players, it's a sure thing about their efforts: all those custom builds, driver updates, and debates about RGB lighting are worth it. For host manufacturers, it may be time to start nervous.

As the industry grows, it’s clear that PCs are no longer exclusive to hardcore players—they are becoming the preferred platform for flexibility, performance and convenience. So, next time someone asks you why you spend more time on a gaming computer than on a couch, just tell them: “This is for the development of the industry.”

After all, the future is bright – at least for PCs. Host? Well, they may need to speed up.

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