(*6*) 6 and ongoing Swap 2 gross sales may make 2026 an enormous yr for the online game trade. Advertising information agency Circana has predicted that (*6*) 6 will assist gas a record-breaking yr, projecting a complete earnings of $62.8 billion. That quantity would exceed 2021’s earlier report of $61.7 billion and would symbolize a 3% development over 2025, which broke $60.7 billion.
(*6*) 6 represents the best “buy intent” recorded since Circana started monitoring the metric. The agency additionally predicts the sport’s gross sales will assist drive accent and subscription purchases. The Swap 2 is already the fastest-selling console of all-time; Circana predicts the momentum will proceed into 2026. Subscription companies like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Recreation Go have been additionally main drivers of income in 2025 and are anticipated to proceed to develop within the present yr.
Moreover, Circana’s report emphasizes that 2026 has a set of challenges. Rising {hardware} prices, escalating costs in different financial sectors, and the rising recognition of free-to-play PC and cell video games like Roblox and Fortnite may shake up the trade. The discharge of the Steam Machine may additionally symbolize a major shift out there.
Whereas 2025 represented a development in general earnings, it was additionally a hard-hitting yr for layoffs throughout publishers and studios. Amongst many others, Microsoft and Sq. Enix fired a whole bunch of staff. Already in 2026, Ubisoft and Riot Video games applied wide-ranging layoffs.
Different consultants have expressed skepticism that (*6*) 6 may save the AAA trade. Analyst and NYU Stern professor Joost van Druenen mentioned in an interview in November 2025 that, “I notice that many within the trade are wanting ahead to this undoubtedly pivotal second. There’s even a considerably naive expectation that this one launch will reverse the trade’s present route. It will not.” By this metric, 2026 may very well be a report yr, however a harsh comedown may observe.