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GTA 6 Breaks A Record, And It’s Not Even Out Yet
Grand Theft Auto 6 has set a new record for purchase intent among US console and PC gamers, with nearly one in three planning to buy the game upon release. This unprecedented demand, fueled by a 13-year gap since Grand Theft Auto 5, is expected to boost sales of hardware and accessories. Despite the immense commercial anticipation, experts believe the game will not solve deeper issues within the industry.
Indies and non-sequels have exploded in the last year, and it's not all friendslop
An analysis of industry trends reveals a significant surge in breakout indie games and non-sequels over the past year, with indie titles making up 43% of all breakout hits. While major AAA blockbusters have remained stable, the data suggests a strong performance for smaller, original titles, indicating a healthy and diverse market.
Indies and original IP blew up in 2026
Research indicates a significant surge in indie games and original intellectual property (IP) success in 2026 compared to the previous year. Indie titles and new series comprised a larger portion of top-selling games, with some indie breakouts like Meccha Chameleon achieving massive sales figures. While AAA games maintained steady sales, the growth in the market is largely attributed to indie and AA studios experimenting with fresh ideas and franchises.
GTA 6 Is 148% Ahead Of This Other Popular AAA Game So Far
Grand Theft Auto 6 is significantly outpacing the preorder performance of major AAA titles released in the past six years, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Diablo 4, Hogwarts Legacy, and Marvel's Spider-Man. Data from Sensor Tower indicates GTA 6 preorders are 148% ahead of Modern Warfare 2's comparable period, with the majority of sales on PlayStation 5. The game is projected to generate over $2 billion in revenue before its November 19, 2026 launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Sensor Tower data shows the yawning gap between GTA 6 and everything else
Sensor Tower data reveals Grand Theft Auto 6 is significantly outperforming recent major game releases in digital preorders. At 45 days before launch, GTA 6 preorders are 148% ahead of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, with an estimated 6.08 million units sold digitally in the US, generating $594 million. The analysis indicates a strong preference for PlayStation preorders, and the majority are for the premium ultimate edition.
Resident Evil games engagement leapt 50% following release of Zach Cregger's movie, but analysts say real value is in brand building
Player engagement with Resident Evil games saw a 50% increase around the release of Zach Cregger's movie, with daily active users rising from 500,000 to 750,000. Analysts note that while the transmedia impact is measurable, its primary value lies in long-term brand building rather than short-term sales boosts. Discounts also played a significant role in driving engagement, particularly for older titles like Resident Evil 2.
Why Casual Gamers Are Ditching Browser Games for Squads - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Casual players are reportedly moving away from browser games due to repetitive gameplay loops and declining retention rates, despite low friction entry. They are migrating towards squad-builder football games, which offer persistent progression and a sense of ownership over their roster. This shift is driven by a desire for deeper engagement beyond the short-term distractions typically found in browser titles.
GTA 6 isn't too expensive for superfans, as 90% opt for the pricier $100 copy according to analysts: "It lives…
Despite a $100 price tag, 89% of Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are for the Ultimate Edition, significantly exceeding typical premium edition sales. Analysts from Sensor Tower note this unprecedented demand, suggesting it reflects both superfan dedication and the perceived value of the digital extras offered.
Analyst reports 89% of GTA 6 pre-orders are for the $100 Ultimate Edition — 'I have never seen a 90% premium…
An analyst report indicates that 89% of Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are for the $100 Ultimate Edition, a significantly higher premium share than typically seen in the industry. This trend is observed across both PlayStation and Xbox platforms, with the Ultimate Edition offering substantial additional content. Despite this strong initial demand for premium versions, it is expected that the percentage will normalize closer to industry standards as the game's launch approaches.
Almost 90% of Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are reportedly for the Ultimate Edition
A significant 89% of Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are for the $100 Ultimate Edition, a figure described as unprecedented by Sensor Tower analyst Karl Kontus. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick noted that pre-order numbers are astonishing but remains cautious about translating them into launch sales. Rockstar Games and Netflix are preparing a final major preview of the game before its release.
GTA 6 Preorders Alone Could Pay For Production Budget – Expert
An expert from Sensor Tower estimates that Grand Theft Auto 6 preorders could reach 25 million units, generating around $2 billion in revenue. This figure is projected to cover the game's production budget and a significant portion of its marketing costs. The analysis also touches on the pricing strategy for different editions and the expected timing of the main marketing campaign.
How Gaming Became Much More Mobile Focused - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The gaming industry has shifted significantly towards mobile platforms, with mobile devices becoming the primary gaming screen for many. This trend is driven by convenience and the increasing revenue generated by mobile games, which are projected to account for over half of the global games market by 2025. Even traditional genres like puzzle and adventure games are adapting to mobile-first design principles, while titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile highlight the challenges of porting console experiences without proper mobile optimization.
Mobile gaming has a new, and growing, measurement problem | Opinion
The mobile gaming industry faces a growing measurement problem as companies increasingly bypass app stores for direct-to-consumer web stores. This shift, driven by reduced platform fees and regulatory changes, makes it difficult to accurately track revenue and market performance. Companies like Apple and Google are adapting their fee structures, but the lack of reliable data across all channels hinders strategic decision-making and marketing campaign evaluation.
Sensor Tower acquires AppMagic
Sensor Tower has acquired mobile app intelligence firm AppMagic to enhance its offerings for small and medium-sized businesses. The integration aims to broaden data access for mobile studios and independent developers by expanding coverage across PC, console, and mobile platforms, as well as Live Ops Intelligence. This acquisition follows Sensor Tower's previous purchase of Data.ai.
Resident Evil Requiem tops US February charts, launch sales 60% higher than Village | US Monthly Charts
Resident Evil Requiem topped the US February sales charts, with launch week sales 60% higher than Resident Evil Village. The Nintendo Switch 2 hardware also saw strong performance, with sales 45% higher than the original Switch after nine months on the market. The overall US video game market generated $4.6 billion in February, showing flat year-on-year growth.
Australia’s video game industry shows revenue of AU$608.5 million
The Australian video game industry generated AU$608.5 million in revenue in FY25, according to the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA). The report highlights a maturing local industry with stable employment despite some job losses, and a positive outlook for hiring in 2026, supported by government initiatives like the Digital Games Tax Offset.
Mobile revenue remained flat across 2025, but PC gaming "sees another record year" | Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2026
Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report indicates flat revenue for mobile games in 2025, while PC and console gaming experienced double-digit growth, with PC achieving a record year driven by Steam sales. Shooters saw strong performance, with Battlefield 6 topping PC/console sales, and strategy games led mobile revenue growth. The report highlights a shift towards player retention and monetization in the mature mobile market.
