The gaming world never rests. Between announcements of cutting-edge hardware, unexpected collaborations, and a market slowly moving beyond its era of unbridled growth, the current state of the video game industry offers a landscape as varied as it is interesting. This week, the news has come from Berlin, with IFA and Gamescom as a backdrop, and also from analytical reports that paint a picture of a sector in the midst of transformation.
If you're thinking about upgrading your setup or simply want to know where the industry is headed, there's a bit of everything: portable consoles with next-gen processors, pocket-sized controllers, and even gaming-inspired living room furniture that won't look out of place . Of course, your budget matters, and it's not all good news when it comes to prices.
The industry is settling down and growth is moderating.
The global video game industry has experienced a decade of spectacular expansion, with revenues rising from $131.000 billion in 2017 to $211.000 billion in 2021, representing a compound annual growth rate of nearly 13%. However, the days of double-digit growth rates are over, and the market is now experiencing annual growth rates of between 0,2% and 3,2% , according to the latest industry reports.
In Spain, the industry generates over €2.200 billion and boasts some 23 million players, practically half the population. Employment has also responded positively: more than 11.000 professionals work directly in video game development, production, and marketing, with a projected 12% growth by 2025. Notably, 27% of these positions are held by women, two percentage points higher than the previous year and above the European average of 24,9%.
Mobile has become the dominant platform, accounting for roughly half of the sector's global revenue, with an estimated turnover of between $92.500 billion and $100.300 billion and sustained year-over-year growth of 2,8% to 5,5%. Meanwhile, traditional consoles are experiencing declines of between 2,5% and 4%, and PC gaming remains stable with slight upticks . This snapshot confirms a shift in gaming habits that is hard to ignore.
The sector's maturity is also evident in its diversification. Gamification is gaining ground in education, healthcare, corporate training, and marketing, while esports is establishing itself as a distinct vertical with leagues, sponsorships, and audiences that replicate the dynamics of traditional sports. Video games are no longer just entertainment, but a technological and cultural platform with applications across multiple industries.
Acer is betting on the compact format with the Predator Atlas 7
In the hardware arena, Acer unveiled its new Predator Atlas 7 handheld console in Berlin, a 7-inch device that inherits the performance of the 8-inch model launched at Computex, but in a more manageable form factor. The system features an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor and Intel Arc B390 graphics, along with an FHD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of peak brightness.
Cooling is one of its strong points, with a dual-fan system that includes an 89-blade Predator AeroBlade metal fan just 0,1 mm thick, capable of increasing airflow by up to 10%. The battery reaches 80 Wh, allowing for extended gaming sessions away from home. For those seeking precision, the joysticks offer tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) functionality, which promises to eliminate dreaded drift, and the analog triggers with Hall effect respond to different pressure ranges.
The device will arrive in Spain in November 2026, while the larger model, the Predator Atlas 8, will be available in September. Acer also showcased the Project DualPlay Mini, a convertible concept that functions as both a portable console and a mobile productivity station , featuring a backlit physical keyboard and a console mode for arcade-style games.
Razer Prio, the controller that fits in your pocket
Razer has also made waves with the Razer Prio, a foldable mobile controller that shrinks down to the size of a credit card (107 × 67 × 23 mm) and weighs just 101 grams . Its rotating unlocking mechanism allows it to unfold to accommodate smartphones up to 7 inches, including models with thin cases—a welcome feature for those who protect their phones with a protective case.
The major innovation lies in its capacitive joysticks, which operate via electromagnetic sensing without physical contact, completely eliminating mechanical wear and drift. This is complemented by a full button layout with low-noise microswitches and a direct USB-C connection that eliminates latency and doesn't require an internal battery, as it's powered by the phone itself. Pricing starts at €109,99 and it's available now on the manufacturer's website and at select retailers.
IKEA and Xbox: when the living room is also a battlefield
One of the most unexpected collaborations at Gamescom was that of IKEA and Xbox. The YXSTABY collection, comprised of nine products, features a clean, Nordic design that blends seamlessly into any living room without sacrificing its gaming essence . Highlights include the VISSLE armchair, with built-in controller storage, the side table with integrated charger, and the joystick-shaped stool.
Prices start at €14,99 and go up to €129, and the collection will be available from October 1st in IKEA stores. The aim is clear: to bring gaming into the heart of home life, subtly, with furniture that serves the dual purpose of being practical and offering a nod to the passion for video games.
All this activity leaves one clear impression. Gaming is no longer a niche market, but an industry moving in several directions simultaneously: more powerful and portable hardware, accessories that adapt to everyday life, and a market that is maturing steadily. For Spanish gamers, the options are more varied than ever, although it's wise to keep an eye out for sales: with memory and components skyrocketing, a good deal on a gaming laptop could be the best news of the month.
