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Video Game Sales Set to Fall This Year After Pandemic Boom, Predicts Ampere Analysis

Sales are down, but probably not for long.

MaryBeth Monaco-Vavrik Writer Intern
MaryBeth is a writer intern with the CNET Home team covering a wide array of topics such as appliances, tech, money, wellness and health. She is finishing her undergraduate degree in political science and communication studies at Davidson College in North Carolina, where she works to reduce sexual violence. She believes in the power of information, racial and gender equity, communication and a good sit-com.
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The video game industry is predicted to shrink for the first time since 2015. In a report released this week, UK-based market research firm Ampere Analysis said the global video games content and services market will decline by 1.2% in 2022 to $188 billion. 

The annual decline comes after a boom in video game sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2021, the market expanded by 26%, hitting a record $191 billion last year, according to Ampere.  

The market report cites supply shortages, the war in Ukraine and a potential recession as factors contributing to the decline. Ampere research director Piers Harding-Rolls said the industry isn't "recession proof." 

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"After two years of huge expansion, the games market is poised to hand back a bit of that growth in 2022 as multiple factors combine to undermine performance," said Harding-Rolls in the report. "Even so, the year will end well ahead of pre-pandemic performance, and the outlook for the sector as a whole remains positive."

The market is predicted to continue growth in 2023, with sales expected to rise from their record-breaking mark in 2021 to $195 billion.