For the gambling industry, this shows the positive long-term potential for esports betting in the US.
These figures include revenue for all content categories, such as full-game, post-launch and subscription spending, as well as hardware and accessories.
In total, content spending for 2021 rose to $51.7bn, highlighting a 7% increase, whereas hardware spending increased by 14%, reaching $6.1bn. Accessories spending reached $2.7bn, showing a growth of 2%.
"The video game industry drives a dynamic and growing entertainment ecosystem that not only provides engaging interactive content, but also spurs local economic growth through live esports competitions, educational opportunities, and high-wage careers," commented ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis.
Additionally, mobile data provided by Sensor Tower showed US consumer spending in mobile games increased 14% from 2020.
Head of Insights at Sensor Tower Randy Nelson commented that "the outlook for 2022 sees a continuation of this growth velocity, on a wave of emerging trends that are growing the overall player base, such as console cross-play and high-spec mobile reimaginings of popular console franchises."
The top-ranking game in the US remains Call of Duty: Vanguard, with Call of Duty: Black Ops: Cold War following in second place. The top-grossing mobile game is Candy Crush Saga, with Roblox standing in second.
