Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2015-2030)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 2.9 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $5.6bn in 2025.
Trends and Insights
Robust acceleration of technology bolsters demand for social network games
- The broader gaming sector has benefited from the ease of access to gaming, with smartphones providing closer and more frequent game access for customers. Traditionally, gaming required significant investments into gaming consoles and software, with users having to play either at home or in a gaming arcade to access those games. With the proliferation of social network games, users can game at a higher frequency, with developers also benefiting from larger access to a wider, more diverse customer base with little hardware limitations.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2025-2030)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Strong economic growth will bolster operators' core revenue channels
- Since many in-game currencies and purchases depend on strong disposable income availability, improving economic conditions will allow for greater interaction and immersion of consumers' interests and capital within the social network gaming sphere.
Biggest companies in the Social Network Game Development in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2025 | Revenue ($m)
2025 | Profit ($m)
2025 | Profit Margin (%)
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zynga Inc. | 1,119.3 | 247.0 | 22.1 | |
King Digital Entertainment Plc | 525.6 | 116.0 | 22.1 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 2 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Puzzle games, Gambling games and Role-playing games. Puzzle games is the largest segment of the Social Network Game Development in the US.
Trends and Insights
Puzzle games are ubiquitous
- Puzzle games are a popular gaming genre that attracts customers of various backgrounds and ages. These games draw players with simple mechanics and rewarding problem-solving challenges. Titles like Candy Crush Saga consistently appear in top-grossing charts, reflecting sustained popularity. Monetization employs microtransactions for power-ups and ad revenue from extensive playtime.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Companies in this industry develop video games played on a social network platform, including websites such as Facebook and smartphone applications. The games developed within this industry are free to play and do not require the user to own any software or console to participate. Companies earn revenue through the sale of virtual goods within a game as well as through advertisements. The Social Network Game Development industry is a fairly new research area that was established in 2005.
What's included in this industry?
Puzzle gamesGambling gamesRole-playing gamesStrategy gamesSimulation, lifestyle and arcade gamesCompanies
Zynga Inc.King Digital Entertainment PlcPurchase this report to view all 2 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
SMARTPHONESSTARTUPSRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D)ROLE-PLAYING GAME (RPG)INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYGAMERMAUSOCIAL NETWORKIndustry Code
NAICS 511210 - Social Network Game Development in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
The continued acceleration of smartphone usage enlarged the social network’s customer base. As more customers adopt smartphones, social networks like Facebook could expand th...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2015-2024) and forecast (2025-2030)
- Employees, including historical (2015-2024) and forecast (2025-2030)
- Businesses, including historical (2015-2024) and forecast (2025-2030)
- Profit, including historical (2015-2025)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
The popularity of collaborative gaming enhances puzzle games’ appeal. Since consumers primarily play puzzle games as fun challenges among family members, this enhances demand...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2025
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2025
- Major market segmentation in 2025
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Robust software company presence bolsters establishment growth. Regions that house a significant chunk of the technological sector are more appealing to developers because th...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2025
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2025
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2025
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2025
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2025
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Social media use stabilizes gaming revenue. Consistent engagement on social networks boosts participation in social network gaming, cushioning developers against volatility. ...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2020-2025
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
King’s acquisition signifies strategic expansion by tech giants. Activision's purchase of King, followed by Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, highlights the pursuit of d...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2021 through 2025
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2025
- Overview of Zynga Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2019 through 2025
- Overview of King Digital Entertainment Plc's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2019 through 2025
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Zynga Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for King Digital Entertainment Plc, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Strong growth in internet traffic volume benefits developers. As more consumers use the internet more frequently, it will benefit operator demand and expand the broader custo...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2015-2030)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2015-2030)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Robust customer usage bolsters profit. As more users join social media platforms and purchase in-game currencies, operators will benefit from a diversified revenue stream and...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2025
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2025
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2018-2023)
- Industry Tax Structure (2018-2023)
- Income Statement (2018-2023)
- Balance Sheet (2018-2023)
- Liquidity Ratios (2018-2023)
- Coverage Ratios (2018-2023)
- Leverage Ratios (2018-2023)
- Operating Ratios (2018-2023)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2015-2030)
- Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2015-2030)
- Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
- Employees per Enterprise (2015-2030)
- Average Wage (2015-2030)
- Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2015-2030)
- IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
- Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2015-2030)
- IVA (2015-2030)
- Establishments (2015-2030)
- Enterprises (2015-2030)
- Employment (2015-2030)
- Exports (2015-2030)
- Imports (2015-2030)
- Wages (2015-2030)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States in 2025?
The market size of the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States is $5.6bn in 2025.
How many businesses are there in the Social Network Game Development in the US industry in 2025?
There are 2,933 businesses in the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States, which has grown at a CAGR of 3.9 % between 2020 and 2025.
How may import tariffs affect the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States?
The Social Network Game Development industry in the United States is unlikely to be materially impacted by import tariffs with imports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
How may export tariffs affect the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States?
The Social Network Game Development industry in the United States is unlikely to be materially impacted by export tariffs with exports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
Has the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States has been growing at a CAGR of 2.9 % between 2020 and 2025.
What is the forecast growth of the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Social Network Game Development in the US market in United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Social Network Game Development market in United States are Zynga Inc. and King Digital Entertainment Plc
What does the Social Network Game Development in the US in United States include?
Puzzle games and Gambling games are part of the Social Network Game Development in the US industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Social Network Game Development in the US in United States?
The company holding the most market share in United States is Zynga Inc..
How competitive is the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Social Network Game Development industry in the United States.
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Competitors
Complementors
View all industries in United States
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
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