Research shows that in 2024, microtransactions account for 58% of PC gaming revenue.
According to a report by research firm Newzoo, microtransactions — small purchases made by gamers on items like clothing or gestures, including Fortnite and Roblox — continue to account for most PC gaming revenues and add 58% of gaming companies’ revenues.
According to PC and Console Gaming Report, funds from PC gaming microtransactions grew 1.4% in 2025, totaling $24.4 billion in PC gaming sales in 2024.
Downloadable content (usually other game-level or bonus content) has also increased by nearly a percentage point, accounting for $5.8 billion last year.
Although microtransactions are not that dominant on gaming consoles, accounting for 32% of revenue, they have seen a higher growth than on PC, with sales from 2023 to 2024, totaling $42.8 billion from 2023 to 2024, totaling $13.9 billion. Subscriptions to services such as Nintendo Online, Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus grew by 14.1%.
Overall PC gaming sales remained stable, up 0.1%, but console gaming revenue fell 3.9%. This could change with the arrival of the main new console, Nintendo's Switch 2 (this year), which could drive new game sales.
Microtransactions have been controversial among gamers, some of whom would rather pay a fixed fee for game content than pay a step-by-step payment for rewarding virtual merchandise or game additions. However, according to the research report, they are very popular in game franchises such as Fortnite, Roblox and Dutase Calls Callsing.
Another interesting trend in the report? “Recursive nostalgia,” which includes game franchises including Fortnite, Overwatch and Destiny 2, brings gamers to live service with old-fashioned content. “With the 5 or even 10 years of on-site service in the market, they finally have a deep enough history to miss,” the report said.
