Game engine is a primary software of a computer game or video game. The software is used to create and develop video games for consoles, mobile devices, and personal computers. Game developers use 2D- or 3D-based game engine software to plan and code the game quickly and easily. Important functions of game engines include, scripting, sound, animation, Artificial Intelligence, collision detection, physics engine, and memory management. Game engines are a medium to develop a game and to have full control and command over the game and game settings. Game engines also save a considerable amount of time by offering several preset modules, libraries, effects, and tools.

The global game engines market was valued at US$ 1,717.2 million in 2017 and is expected to reach US$ 4,186.9 million by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.6% between 2017 and 2026.

Factors Driving Growth of the Global Game Engines Market

Growing gaming industry is expected to drive growth of the global game engines market. Moreover, increasing number of mobile gamming applications is also expected to boost growth of the market. For instance, according to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, the global mobile gaming industry generated revenue of US$ 55.8 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach US$ 107 billion by 2021. Moreover, increasing app store spending by consumers is expected to drive growth of the game engines market. According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, user expenditure on apps stores worldwide is expected to reach US$ 106 billion by 2018 and over US$ 156 billion by 2022. Furthermore, improved infrastructure such as better broadband and Wi-Fi connection, advanced graphics, and improved computing power at lower costs are some of the factors expected to fuel growth of the global game engines market.

However, high cost of game engine software for vendors is expected to restrain growth of the game engines market. Continuously changing preferences for new games by consumers and rapid adoption of new technologies in gaming industry such as AR and VR are factors restraining growth of the game engines market.

Developments in technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is expected to positively impact growth of the global game engine market. Development in gameplay sequences, 2D and 3D design tools, instant play mode for rapid editing, and iteration and powerful animation systems is expected to boost the game engines market growth during the forecast period.

Game Engines Market: Regional Insight

On the basis of region, game engines market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Asia Pacific game engines market is projected to account for the highest market share in 2017. China, Korea, India, and South East Asia are major growth engines in Asia Pacific. According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, app downloads are expected to increase by 45% to reach US$ 258.2 billion during 2019-2022, globally. Major contribution for this growth is from economies such as China, India, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. According to Coherent Market insights’ analysis, China is the largest mobile app market worldwide and accounts for around 40% of the global market in terms of value in 2018.

Key Players in the Global Game Engines Market

According to Harvard Business School, Unity Technologies held dominant position in the global game engines market, with around 42-45% share of the global game engines market in 2017 by value. Other prominent players in the market include, Chukong Technologies, Valve Corporation, The Game Creators Ltd., Leadwerks Software, Epic Games, Inc., CRYTEK, YoYo Games Ltd, Marmalade Game Studio Ltd., Idea Fabrik, PLC., SONY INDIA, Amazon.com, Inc., GameSalad Inc., Scirra Ltd, Corona Labs Inc., GarageGames.com, Silicon Studio Corp., Briar Wallace/Blender Foundation (Organization), Mario Zechner (Personal), Godot Engine (Community developed), and the OGRE Team (Organization).

Game Engines Market: Taxonomy





By Product Type

3D Game Engines

5D Game Engines

2D Game Engines

By End User

PC Games

Mobile Games

TV Games

Others (console games and video games)

By Region