Comprehensive Snapshot for Gaming Gift Card Market Including Regional and Country Analysis in Brief.
Industry: IT and Telecommunication
Delivery Timelines: Please Contact Sales
Published Date: May-2025
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Number of Pages: 200
ID: PMRREP35305
The global gaming gift card market size is projected to rise from US$ 21,789.3 Mn in 2025 to US$ 62,556.8 Mn by 2032. It is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 16.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. Gaming gift cards provide a secure and convenient way to buy games, downloadable content (DLCs), in-game currencies, and memberships. With the global gaming community surpassing 3.3 billion players in 2024 across PC, console, and mobile platforms, demand for gift cards continues to rise. These cards are especially popular among Gen Z and Millennials, serving as flexible gifting options in regions with strong digital and mobile gaming adoption.
Key Industry Highlights
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Global Market Attribute |
Key Insights |
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Gaming Gift Card Market Size (2025E) |
US$ 21,789.3 Mn |
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Market Value Forecast (2032F) |
US$ 62,556.8 Mn |
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Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032) |
16.4% |
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Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024) |
14.5% |
Gen Z and millennials are leading the charge in the online gaming revolution, with nearly half (49%) of online gamers being millennials, surpassing other generations in gaming participation. As the gaming landscape evolves, projections indicate that by 2027, nearly 75% of Gen Z individuals will engage in digital gaming, driven by their desire for social connection and entertainment. In India, this trend is even more pronounced, with 69% of gamers under the age of 34, making these younger demographics the core audience for gaming. Their inclination towards digital transactions and in-game purchases, often facilitated through gaming gift cards, further amplifies the market demand.
The growing integration of gaming with industries like fashion is driving the demand for gaming gift cards, offering brands opportunities to connect with younger audiences through virtual goods and experiences. The rise of esports and competitive gaming has further expanded their role, with players using gift cards for in-game items and enhancements. As the gaming industry shifts towards monetization through in-game purchases and downloadable content, gift cards have become essential, with significant spending, as evidenced by the SMBC Consumer Finance survey showing 19% of Japanese individuals aged 20 to 29 spending excessively on gaming purchases.
Unauthorized transactions are prevalent in the gaming gift card industry, with fraudsters exploiting vulnerabilities in online platforms. A common tactic involves using microtransactions in games for card testing, where stolen credit card details are verified through small purchases before larger fraudulent transactions are made. This results in financial losses for gaming companies, as well as chargebacks, which negatively impact their revenue streams. Additionally, the digital nature of gaming gift cards exacerbates the issue, as fraudsters can quickly utilize stolen card details obtained through phishing attacks or data breaches, often before the legitimate owner can react.
The lack of stringent regulatory frameworks in many regions allows fraudsters to operate with relative impunity. While some jurisdictions have implemented laws targeting gift card fraud, enforcement remains inconsistent, and victims often struggle to recover their losses. This regulatory gap further complicates efforts to combat fraud effectively. For example, gaming continues to have the highest digital fraud rate in the U.S., rising from 10% in 2022 to 10.9% in 2023, followed closely by retail at 6.1%.
The rise of cross-platform gaming has significantly increased the versatility of gift cards, allowing users to redeem them across various devices and ecosystems. For example, a gift card for Fortnite can be used on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, expanding its appeal to a broader audience. This interoperability is particularly advantageous in markets with diverse gaming preferences, such as India, where mobile gamers, PC enthusiasts, and console users coexist. Cross-platform gift cards cater to this diversity, providing a unified solution that aligns with varied gaming habits and driving higher adoption rates.
Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus offer extensive game libraries for a monthly fee, with gift cards enabling easy subscriptions or gifting. These cards support recurring revenue, benefiting gaming companies and retailers by driving customer acquisition and engagement. Their popularity is especially strong among younger, tech-savvy consumers.
Esports transformed from a niche hobby into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon, with games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant leading the way in 2024. For example, League of Legends garnered over 6.9 million viewers in 2024 (excluding Chinese viewership), showcasing its massive appeal across diverse regions. This surge in viewership has been pivotal in driving new revenue streams from sponsorships, advertising, and media rights, fueling the rapid growth of the gaming industry. Competitive gaming now flourishes through global tournaments and leagues, offering large prize pools and drawing a diverse audience from casual gamers to professionals.
The growing popularity of XR technologies is enhancing gaming experiences driving demand for immersive VR and AR titles. This has boosted in-game purchases and digital content, benefiting platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam. Gift cards for these platforms have become increasingly popular. Indian game developers supported by state governments and industry bodies, are innovating and expanding the local gaming ecosystem.
Based on platform, the industry is divided into console gaming, PC gaming, and mobile gaming. Among these, PC gaming is projected to generate a market share of over 40% in 2025. Advancements in technology, high-quality graphics, and extensive game libraries make PCs a preferred choice for immersive gaming experiences. PC gamers benefit from a wide range of games across various genres, with greater flexibility in game settings, mods, and user-generated content. Console gaming, on the other hand, is expected to grow at a significant rate in the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of next-generation consoles such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The rise of digital storefronts and the popularity of online multiplayer experiences are contributing to the growing demand for console-specific gaming gift cards.
In terms of price range, the market is segregated into less than US$ 20, US$ 20 - US$ 50, US$ 50 - US$ 100, and more than US$ 100. Out of these, US$ 20 - US$ 50 is expected to account for nearly 43.8% share in 2025 due to its affordability and flexibility, making it an ideal gifting option. This range balances value and accessibility, appealing to both casual gamers and gift buyers. Less than US$ 20 price range is expected to grow significantly due to its affordability, making it attractive for casual gamers, gifting purposes, and microtransactions. It also appeals to younger audiences with limited spending power.
North America is projected to account for approximately 34.7% of the gaming gift card market share in 2025. In North America, the gaming industry continues to demonstrate robust growth, with over 190 million individuals in the U.S. engaged in video gaming and contributing nearly $66 billion to the GDP in 2023. In Canada, the industry plays a significant role in the economy, with 821 studios employing 34,010 people and contributing $5.1 billion to the GDP in 2024, according to a Nordicity study for ESAC. This expanding gamer base has led to rising demand for gaming gift cards, which provide a convenient way to access in-game content and subscriptions.
The preference for digital transactions is reshaping consumer behavior, with 95% of video game purchases now occurring digitally. Gaming gift cards align with this trend by offering seamless, contactless access to digital games and content. The rise of digital gaming platforms and the ongoing growth of Canada's software development and computer services industry support the infrastructure for digital gift card distribution. For instance, in Pennsylvania, the gaming sector experienced a 7.72% revenue increase across various formats, reflecting higher engagement and boosts demand for digital gaming gift cards.
China leads the region with a gaming user base exceeding 674 million in 2024, supported by the government's issuance of a record 1,416 game licenses, indicating strong institutional backing. This favorable environment fuels demand for gaming gift cards, offering users seamless access to digital content.
South Korea’s advanced gaming infrastructure and prominent e-sports culture, backed by government investments in digital technologies and gaming events, continue to elevate the market. Meanwhile, Japan, the third-largest gaming market by revenue, benefits from high smartphone penetration and major players like Bandai Namco and Sony, with user penetration is projected to grow from 48.5% in 2024 to 55.3% by 2029, enhancing the appeal of gift cards. In India, the surge of over 450 million online gamers driven by affordable smartphones and data plans is significantly increasing the demand for gift cards used in mobile gaming.
Germany's strong digital infrastructure and tech-savvy population have driven the rise of gaming gift cards, particularly among younger demographics. The country's emphasis on digitalization and e-commerce has created a fertile environment for the growth of this market. In Italy, the increasing interest in online gaming and esports, along with government support for digital innovation, has further contributed to the demand for gaming gift cards. Similarly, France has experienced steady growth, supported by a robust gaming culture and initiatives that promote digital literacy and responsible gaming practices among youth.
In 2023, the U.K. video game retail sales reached £4.7 billion, with 90% of this total attributed to digital sales, highlighting the growing significance of gaming gift cards for online purchases and in-game transactions. This shift toward digital platforms has boosted the popularity of e-gift cards, with digital gift cards accounting for over half of the market share in the U.K. and seeing a 21% year-on-year increase in 2024. As a result, consumers, especially within the gaming community, are increasingly opting for convenient and instant gifting options.
The global gaming gift card market is fragmented, with numerous players operating across various regions and catering to a wide array of consumer preferences. Providers use promotions, cashback, and bundled deals to attract price-sensitive consumers and create a perceived added value. Companies like Sony and Microsoft reinforce brand loyalty by offering platform-specific gift cards, encouraging users to stay within their ecosystems, and boosting recurring revenue through subscriptions and digital content.
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Report Attribute |
Details |
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Historical Data/Actuals |
2019 - 2024 |
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Forecast Period |
2025 - 2032 |
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Market Analysis Units |
Value: US$ Bn/Mn, Volume: As Applicable |
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Geographical Coverage |
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Segmental Coverage |
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Competitive Analysis |
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Report Highlights |
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Customization and Pricing |
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The global market is projected to be valued at US$ 21,789.3 Mn in 2025.
The growth of e-sports and gaming streaming platforms is the key market driver.
The market is poised to witness a CAGR of 16.4% from 2025 to 2032.
The rising popularity of subscription-based models and cross-platform play, and integration is the key market opportunity.
Xbox, Steam, and PlayStation are among the leading key players.
