North American Gamers Spend $325 Annually

North American gamers spend an average of $325 each year on gaming, making up 28% of the total global market spend, according to a new industry report.

The joint study by Newzoo and Tebex analyzed gaming behavior, spending patterns, and payment trends across Western markets.

The findings reveal that while the gaming industry continues to grow, the pace of new paying players in the West is slowing. Between 2023 and 2027, North America’s "payer growth" is expected to see only a 1.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), while Europe is projected to grow at 3.1% CAGR.

Spending Growth Rates (Year-over-Year)

• Middle East & Africa: +7.4% (highest growth)

• Latin America: +5.4%

• Asia-Pacific: +3.9%

• Europe: +3.0%

• North America: +1.6% (lowest growth)

• Global Total: +4.1%

The global gaming market is currently valued at $189 billion, up 3.4% from last year. North America accounts for $52.7 billion of this figure, while Europe contributes $33.1 billion. Interestingly, these two regions represent just 20% of the global player base — around 3.54 billion people worldwide — yet together they contribute nearly half (46%) of global spending.

Global Payerbase

• Asia-Pacific: 48% (742M payers) - Largest player base

• Latin America: 17% (171M payers)

• Middle East & Africa: 14% (222M payers)

• Europe: 11% (264M payers)

• North America: 10% (162M payers) - Smallest player base

Spending habits vary significantly between regions. In North America, players spend an average of $325 annually, while European gamers average just $125. Combined, Western gamers spend $170 per person each year, more than three times the average spending of Eastern players ($51.60).

Motivations also differ. In North America, 34% of players spend to unlock exclusive content, and 29% focus on personalisation or character customization. In Europe, 28% are drawn to deals and discounts, while 21% value ad-free gaming.

Microtransactions remain a key revenue driver — accounting for 49% of PC and 52% of console income in North America, with shooters as the most popular genre.

In Europe, the numbers are slightly lower at 42% for PC and 51% for consoles, with sports titles taking the lead. Mobile revenue in both regions is almost entirely generated from in-game spending.