What is the Historical Analysis of the Online Microtransaction Market Size?
The online microtransaction market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• The expansion of the online microtransaction market has been swift and significant in recent years. It is projected to increase from $77.8 billion in 2024 to $86.51 billion in 2025. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%.
The significant growth witnessed in the past can be accredited to the expansion of the gaming industry, the digitalization of entertainment, the acceptance of the free-to-play model, the proliferation of virtual goods and cosmetics, and the widespread adoption of mobile gaming.
How Does the Forecast Look for the Online Microtransaction Market?
The online microtransaction market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• Predictions indicate a swift expansion in the size of the online microtransaction market in the upcoming years, with it expected to reach $129.76 billion in 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%.
This steep incline during the forecast period can be linked to factors such as the booming digital economy, the ongoing supremacy of free-to-play models, incorporation of live streaming and esports, and the use of blockchain and digital assets, along with personalized and social interaction features. The forecast period is also expected to showcase trends such as monetization across different platforms, the incorporation of blockchain and cryptocurrency, the growth of social commerce and virtual marketplaces, offerings in customization and personalization, as well as increased regulatory scrutiny and protections for consumers.
Which Drivers Are Accelerating Growth In The Online Microtransaction Market?
The augmentation of in-app purchases in mobile applications is predicted to fuel the expansion of the online microtransactions market in the future. In-app purchases, transactions conducted within mobile apps or software, allow users to procure digital commodities, elements or features, typically in complimentary or freemium apps, thereby enriching or customizing their experience. Incorporating in-app purchases is anticipated to stimulate online microtransactions, as it offers a handy and reachable method for users to obtain digital items and content, leading to a rise in revenue for the online microtransactions market. For example, Business of Apps, a UK-based top industry media and information platform, reported in July 2023 that in-app purchases account for one of the most common monetization strategies, with roughly 50% of non-gaming apps and 79% of gaming apps employing this approach. In the first quarter of 2021, Google Play generated $36.7 billion in sales, while Apple App Store made sales of $31.8 billion, with projections of nearly $200 billion by 2025. Hence, the expansion of in-app purchases in mobile apps will push the online microtransactions market growth in the coming years.
How Are The Segments Defined Within The Global Online Microtransaction Market?
The online microtransaction market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: In-Game Currencies, Random Chance Purchases, In-Game Items, Expiration
2) By Device: Mobile, Console, PC
3) By Model: Prepay Model, Postpay Model, Other Models
Subsegments:
1) By In-Game Currencies: Virtual Currencies, Subscription-Based Currencies, Earned Vs. Purchased Currencies
2) By Random Chance Purchases: Loot Boxes, Gacha Mechanics, Surprise Mechanics
3) By In-Game Items: Cosmetic Items, Functional Items, Season Passes And Battle Passes
4) By Expiration: Time-Limited Offers, Consumable Items, Event-Specific Purchases
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How Are New Trends Expected To Influence The Growth Of The Online Microtransaction Market?
Leading firms involved in the online microtransactions marketplace are leveraging new gaming technologies like Champions Tactics to establish a competitive advantage. Champions Tactics is the first offering from the game developer to incorporate blockchain technology. As an example, in June 2023, Ubisoft Entertainment, a video game publisher based in France, debuted a blockchain-based technology called Champions Tactics. This technology enhances online gaming through amplified security, authentic ownership of in-game properties via NFTs, assured transparency, facilitated interoperability, automated procedures with smart contracts, and promoted decentralization whereby players can impact the direction of game development and governance.
Who Are the Key Players in the Online Microtransaction Market?
Major companies operating in the online microtransaction market include:
• Microsoft Corporation
• The Walt Disney Company
• Tencent Holdings Limited
• Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.
• Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
• NetEase Inc.
• Valve Corporation
• Activision Blizzard Inc.
• Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
• Electronic Arts Inc.
• CyberAgent Inc.
• Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.
• Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.
• Zynga Inc.
• Nexon Co. Ltd.
• King Digital Entertainment plc
• Konami Holdings Corporation
• NCSoft Corporation
• Supercell Oy
• Ubisoft Entertainment S.A.
• Riot Games Inc.
• Smilegate Holdings Inc.
• Wargaming Public Co. Ltd.
• Capcom Co. Ltd.
• GungHo Online Entertainment Inc.
• Glu Mobile Inc.
• Niantic Inc.
• Machine Zone Inc.
• Kabam Inc.
• Gameforge 4D GmbH
• Rovio Entertainment Corporation
• Miniclip SA
• Playtika Holding Corp.
• Big Fish Games Inc.
• GREE Inc.
• DeNA Co. Ltd.
• Com2uS Corp.
• Jam City Inc.
• Scopely Inc.
What Is The Most Dominant Region In The Online Microtransaction Market?
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the online microtransaction market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global online microtransaction market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the online microtransaction market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
