A Look at Player Numbers in Different Gaming Verticals 

The global gaming industry now reaches more than 3.58 billion people. Around 61% of the online population are active gamers. But while “gaming” is often discussed as one unified industry. It actually spans several distinct verticals. Each one has its own audience and business model. 

From fast-paced mobile titles to immersive console experiences and online casino entertainment, the gaming world is more diverse than ever before. This article will explore how player numbers vary across gaming verticals and what those numbers reveal about how and where people are playing today. 

The major gaming verticals

It’s easier to make sense of the gaming world when you’re aware of the main verticals. While gaming falls into several categories and niches, these are the five main verticals: 

• Mobile gaming: The most accessible and widely adopted form of gaming, dominated by free-to-play apps available on smartphones and tablets.
• PC gaming: Known for competitive esports, customisation and indie creativity.
• Console gaming: Built around dedicated hardware platforms like PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo.
• Cloud & VR/AR gaming: Exciting gaming experiences that offer a new way for users to interact with gaming.
• Casino gaming: A fast-growing sector blending entertainment and real-money play through online casinos, slot games and live dealer experiences.

Each vertical appeals to different audiences and engagement styles. They range from casual mobile users to high-stakes casino enthusiasts. 

Regional and demographic trends 

Geography and demographics play an important role in player distribution: 

• Asia-Pacific: Dominates mobile gaming, accounting for over half of global players. Mobile-first markets in China, India and Southeast Asia continue to grow.
• North America and Europe: Lead in console, PC and casino gaming due to mature infrastructure and established gaming cultures.
• Emerging regions: Latin America and Africa are rapidly expanding mobile and online casino markets. This is thanks to improved connectivity and smartphone penetration. 

Age demographics show that 18-34-year-olds remain the most active across most verticals. While casino and mobile gaming are increasingly attracting older audiences. Gender balance is improving, especially in mobile and casino games, although PC and console gaming still skew slightly towards males. 

Player numbers by vertical 

Based on recent industry reports, here are the estimated player numbers for each vertical in 2025: 

• Mobile gaming: Approximately 3.3 billion players, driven by widespread smartphone adoption and the growing variety of accessible games. (TekRevol)
• PC gaming: Around 936 million players, with a strong presence in North America and Europe and a growing base in Asia-Pacific (Gam3s)
• Console gaming: Emerging as a significant trend, with 40-60 million users around the world. (InvestGame)
• Casino gaming: The global online casino market is projected to reach $21.36 billion in 2025. This growth is attributed to factors such as increased smartphone penetration, high-speed internet access, and the expansion of regulated online gambling markets. (Grandview Resort)
• Cloud gaming: Emerging as a significant trend, with 40-60 million users around the world. (Gam3s)
• VR and AR: While still emerging, VR and AR gaming are experiencing rapid growth, with the number of active VR users expected to reach approximately 216 million globally by the end of 2025. (HQSoftware)

Exploring player preferences and popular games

Gamers today have more choices than they have ever had before, from mobile battle royales to immersive console adventures.

One vertical that has seen rapid growth is online casino gaming. This is where players are drawn to interactive experiences and the thrill of real-money play. For those looking to explore this space, the best slot games at Casino.co.uk provide a great starting point.

Casino.co.uk is an online platform dedicated to providing comprehensive information about online gambling and casino games. It features detailed casino reviews, game options, bonus offers, and guides to help players navigate the online casino landscape.

By leveraging such resources, players can make informed choices, discover new games, and enjoy a safer and more engaging online casino experience.

The future of gaming verticals 

The gaming industry is forecast to generate $188.8 billion in revenue in 2025. Growth is shifting from simply acquiring new players to engaging existing audiences. Trends you should watch include: 

• Mobile gaming is maintaining dominance but facing saturation in some regions.
• PC and console gaming are evolving with hardware advancements and exclusive game releases.
• Casino gaming is expanding through gamification, live streaming and VR integration.
• Cloud gaming is increasing accessibility and removing hardware barriers.
• VR/AR gaming adoption is growing as technology becomes more affordable and immersive and content increases. 

Understanding the modern gaming landscape 

Gaming in 2025 is more diverse and expansive than ever. Each vertical offers unique experiences, appealing to different audiences and motivations.

Mobile gaming dominates in player numbers, PC and console maintain loyal fan bases and casino gaming continues to grow in both reach and sophistication. 

Gaming is no longer a single activity; it’s a rich, interconnected ecosystem where technology, entertainment, and play engagement converge. As platforms and verticals continue to evolve, the future of gaming promises even greater diversity and innovation.