Niko Partners
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PlayStation ending physical games is "like Apple removing the CD Drive from its laptops," says analyst: "Not a single person is complaining about it today"Analyst Daniel Ahmad compares Sony's move away from physical PlayStation games to Apple's removal of CD drives from laptops, arguing the shift to digital is inevitable. He cites high digital sales percentages and publisher preferences for higher margins, while also discussing the future cost of consoles and the importance of consumer rights in a digital-first market.
Viral indie hit Meccha Chameleon sells a massive 15 million copies in less than a month, becomes the fastest and…The indie multiplayer game Meccha Chameleon has achieved remarkable success, selling 15 million copies in under a month and becoming the fastest-selling game of the year. Analyst Daniel Ahmad noted the game's strong sales performance, surpassing major titles, and praised the developers for consistent updates and bug fixes.- 400 Million Fans: Study Finds How Esports Influences Gen Z and Their Purchasing Behaviours A new study by ESL FACEIT Group, Hero Esports, and Niko Partners reveals that esports significantly influences Gen Z purchasing behaviors, with 74% reporting that advertising and brand participation in gaming spaces affect their buying decisions. The research, based on 8,000 Gen Z respondents aged 13-30, highlights that 85% notice branding in esports, and 66% have purchased products due to collaborations with esports teams, games, or players. The study also details Gen Z's diverse interests beyond gaming, including music, streaming, and sports, indicating broad opportunities for authentic brand engagement.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour Dev Defends GenAI UseKenji Kanno, the original creator of Crazy Taxi, has defended Sega's use of generative AI in the development of Crazy Taxi: World Tour, stating that AI is used only as a reference for artists. The game's publisher, Sega, confirmed that generative AI was used for background assets, with all AI-generated content reviewed by human developers. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad noted that while genAI use is more accepted in Asian markets, there's little evidence of a negative sales impact for disclosed AI usage in games.
Asia and MENA games market revenue predicted to grow 16.5% to over $103bn by 2030Niko Partners reports that the Asia and MENA gaming markets generated $88.9 billion in 2025 and are projected to reach $103.6 billion by 2028. India is expected to exceed $1.8 billion in revenue by 2030, while China, Japan, and Korea remain the most mature markets. The report highlights expanding player bases and multi-dimensional growth as key drivers for these regions, contrasting with challenges in North American and European markets.