SAGE Industry Deep Dive: Gaming

In-Game Loot When it comes to video game merch – the options are endless. Characters are jumping off the screen and into kids bedrooms with action figures and playsets like Peach’s Castle or Minecraft’s Ender Dragon battle set. You can snuggle your favorite Pokémon plush as you fall asleep at night. Desk mats are popular for computer gamers who have built their own “rigs” (aka computers). And of course, there is an abundance of wearable merch from apparel to accessories. Plus, a lot of exclusive, exciting merch can be found at conventions. Germany’s Gamescon, one of the biggest gaming conventions in the world, saw over 370,000 attendees in 2022. The same year, the Tokyo Game Show had over 270,000 attendees. There are also prop replicas like Master Chief’s helmet from Halo or a Black Soul Gem & Spell Book from Bathesda’s wildly popular Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (The Elder Scrolls is a franchise spanning back to the 90s). Or, even a real working Pip Boy from Bathesda’s other wildly popular game franchise: Fall Out. All of these may find their way into a home office, living room, or bedroom. Master Chief Helmet Replica PlayStation Heritage Beanie PlayStation Pride Stickers Source: Entertainment Software Association Demographics of US Video Game Players US Video Game Industry Sales, 2002 - 2024 (in billions)

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