Microtransactions accounted for 58% of PC gaming revenue last year

Bottom line: PC gamers continue to show a strong willingness to spend on in-game purchases, according to the latest findings from Newzoo's 2025 PC and Console Gaming Report. It found that microtransactions accounted for a significant 58 percent of all PC gaming revenue in 2024, reaching $24.4 billion. This marks a year-over-year growth of 1.4 percent.

The report pointed to three standout titles driving this surge in microtransaction revenue: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Roblox, and Fortnite. These games have successfully capitalized on their players' appetites for additional content, such as cosmetic upgrades.

However, microtransactions are a divisive issue among both PC and console gamers, often criticized for their potentially exploitative nature. The free-to-play PC and mobile title Diablo Immortal, for example, has been widely condemned for essentially locking late-game content behind paywalls.

Additionally, loot boxes – a common form of microtransaction – have sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that they resemble gambling, exposing underage players to addictive behaviors.

Microtransactions weren't the only revenue stream that saw gains last year. Downloadable content (DLC) also experienced a slight uptick, with revenue rising by 0.8 percent to $5.3 billion. This figure represented 14 percent of total PC gaming revenue, fueled by expansions and updates for blockbuster titles such as Diablo 4, Elden Ring, and World of Warcraft.

While microtransactions and DLC saw growth, the same could not be said for premium games – traditionally one of the cornerstones of PC gaming. Revenue from premium titles fell by 2.6 percent year-over-year, totaling $10.7 billion in 2024 and accounting for 28 percent of all PC gaming revenue. This decline reflects shifting consumer spending habits as players increasingly opt for free-to-play models supplemented by optional purchases.

Despite these mixed trends across individual categories, overall PC gaming revenue remained stable, edging up by just 0.1 percent to reach $37.3 billion in 2024. Over a two-year span, however, the sector has seen more robust growth, climbing 5.4 percent since a dip between 2021 and 2022.

Newzoo projects continued growth for the PC gaming market, forecasting revenue to rise to $37.9 billion in 2025 and eventually surpass $40 billion by 2027.