South America Gaming Market Outlook, 2030

The South American gaming market has experienced significant transformation over the past decade, driven by shifting consumer demands, technological innovation, evolving product designs, and a gradually stabilizing regulatory environment. With a youthful and increasingly tech-savvy population, countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile have become hotspots for gaming growth, where demand for immersive, mobile-friendly, and localized content is rising rapidly. The economic accessibility of mobile phones compared to high-end consoles has resulted in mobile gaming dominating the landscape, with games like Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and locally relevant titles witnessing massive success.

Developers are increasingly incorporating culturally relevant content and language support (Spanish and Portuguese), which has led to deeper market penetration and user engagement. Innovation in the gaming industry in South America is further evident through the integration of cloud gaming and esports platforms. Companies like Nimo TV and local startups are working with global publishers to bring scalable and low-latency cloud solutions to gamers, reducing the dependency on costly hardware. Esports has emerged as a key component of innovation, with tournaments gaining momentum in Brazil and beyond, attracting sponsorships from both tech and non-tech brands.

The growing number of local game studios also signals innovation at the grassroots level, as they produce indie games that reflect local stories, folklore, and environments, increasing relatability and community involvement. Brazil, the largest market, has made strides toward legalizing and regulating esports and online gambling, while other countries are at different stages of policy development. The absence of unified regulatory frameworks has sometimes limited international investment, but the trend is gradually turning positive as governments recognize the economic and cultural value of the gaming sector.

According to the research report "South America Gaming Market Outlook, 2030," the South America Gaming market was valued at more than USD 9.23 Billion in 2024. Urban centers across Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile are witnessing rapid digital expansion, opening new opportunities for gaming companies. Economic diversification and the rise of the middle class, albeit uneven, have also led to higher disposable incomes that can be spent on digital entertainment. In parallel, the growing acceptance of gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment and a legitimate profession particularly through esports is changing public perception and encouraging investment.

Social media platforms, YouTube Gaming, and Twitch are crucial for game discovery and community engagement in South America, further fueling the growth of the industry. The shift to digital distribution platforms such as Steam, PlayStation Store, and mobile app stores has eliminated many logistical barriers, giving gamers in the region greater access to global and indie games.

Brazil’s Wildlife Studios is a notable success story, ranking among the world’s leading mobile game developers with global hits like Zooba and Tennis Clash. Argentina-based Etermax, the creator of Trivia Crack, has also gained international acclaim. These companies not only produce content tailored for local audiences but also compete in the global arena.

Additionally, global firms like Sony, Microsoft, Tencent, and Ubisoft have strengthened their presence in the region through partnerships, regional offices, and localization efforts. Governments in countries like Brazil and Colombia are gradually recognizing the potential of the gaming sector, offering incentives for local developers and exploring regulatory frameworks to support the industry. The growth of online payment solutions, improved internet infrastructure, and the proliferation of gaming cafes and esports arenas also contribute to the expanding ecosystem.

Market Drivers

• Expanding Internet and Smartphone Penetration: One of the key drivers in South America’s gaming market is the growing accessibility of the internet and smartphones, particularly in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. The rise of affordable Android smartphones, combined with government-backed digital inclusion programs and the expansion of 4G (and emerging 5G) networks, has enabled millions to participate in mobile gaming. Mobile titles such as Free Fire, Call of Duty: Mobile, and FIFA Mobile are extremely popular due to their low device requirements and free-to-play models. This mobile-first environment is making gaming mainstream among youth and adults alike, especially in lower-income and rural communities.
• Youth-Dominated Population with Strong Gaming Culture: South America has a young, tech-savvy population with a strong passion for video games, esports, and social gaming. The demographic bulge in the 15-34 age group forms the backbone of the region’s gaming activity. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming are widely used, and gaming influencers from Brazil and Argentina often have massive followings. This cultural affinity for gaming is also reinforced by peer engagement, social competitiveness, and the growing availability of games in Spanish and Portuguese. This demographic trend drives consistent demand across both casual and competitive segments of the market.

Market Challenges

• Economic Instability and Low Disposable Income: A major obstacle in South America’s gaming industry is the economic volatility and relatively low purchasing power of many consumers. Frequent currency fluctuations, high inflation, and income inequality make it challenging for many gamers to afford premium titles, in-game purchases, or high-end gaming hardware. This limits the adoption of consoles and AAA games, especially in countries like Venezuela and Argentina. As a result, developers and publishers must adjust pricing models and focus on freemium or ad-based monetization to succeed in these cost-sensitive markets.
• Infrastructure Gaps and Payment Barriers: Although mobile internet access is growing, broadband and high-performance gaming infrastructure remain limited in several areas. Inconsistent internet speeds, lack of local game servers, and frequent outages affect the user experience for online and multiplayer games. Additionally, many users lack access to international credit cards or digital payment systems, making it harder to monetize games effectively. These barriers especially impact smaller studios and international developers trying to enter the market without adapting to local constraints.

Market Trends

• Surge in Esports and Game Streaming Communities: Esports and streaming are gaining massive momentum in South America, particularly in Brazil, which is emerging as one of the largest esports markets globally. Games like League of Legends, Valorant, and CS:GO have passionate fanbases, and regional leagues and tournaments are drawing sponsorships, media attention, and international viewership. Platforms such as Twitch and Trovo are booming, and local streamers and teams are becoming cultural icons. This trend is expanding gaming's influence beyond players to viewers, content creators, and brand sponsors, forming an entire entertainment ecosystem around games.
• Growth of Indie Development and Localized Games: South America’s gaming industry is also seeing a rise in independent game development, supported by digital distribution platforms like Steam and itch.io. Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are producing unique, culturally infused games that reflect regional narratives and art styles. Government incentives and startup incubators in countries like Colombia and Uruguay are further helping local developers scale up. This trend is not only fostering creativity and local entrepreneurship but also providing gamers with content that resonates more closely with their identity and heritage.

Mobile gaming is leading in the South America gaming industry due to the widespread affordability and accessibility of smartphones combined with improved mobile internet infrastructure across the region.

The dominance of mobile gaming in South America can be attributed to the region’s growing smartphone penetration and increasing access to affordable mobile data, which has made gaming more accessible to a broad demographic, including lower- and middle-income groups. In many South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, smartphones serve as the primary digital device for the majority of the population, bypassing the need for expensive consoles or high-performance PCs. This trend is further fueled by the availability of low-cost Android smartphones, often supported by flexible payment options, making mobile devices a viable entertainment platform for a large audience.

Moreover, mobile network infrastructure has significantly improved in recent years, with 4G coverage expanding rapidly and 5G beginning to roll out in urban centers, providing users with smoother, faster, and more reliable online gaming experiences. The popularity of free-to-play games with in-app purchases, such as Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty Mobile, has also contributed to the mobile gaming boom, offering engaging content without upfront costs. These games are not only data-efficient and optimized for a range of devices but also heavily social, enabling multiplayer interactions and competitive gameplay that appeal to South America's youth-driven population.

Additionally, mobile platforms support localized content, including language customization and culturally relevant themes, which boosts user retention and engagement. The social nature of mobile gaming, particularly through platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Gaming, allows users to share experiences, form communities, and participate in regional esports events or tournaments, further driving user participation. Developers and publishers are increasingly targeting the South American market due to its untapped potential and rapid mobile user growth, investing in region-specific marketing, influencer collaborations, and app store localization strategies.

Casual and puzzle games are moderately growing in the South American gaming industry due to their simplicity, low hardware requirements, and appeal to a broad, often non-traditional gaming audience, including older adults and women.

The moderate growth of the casual and puzzle genre in South America's gaming industry is primarily driven by its accessibility, universal appeal, and compatibility with the region’s dominant mobile gaming platform. These games are typically easy to learn and play in short bursts, making them ideal for players who engage during commutes, work breaks, or leisure time at home - situations common among South America's urban and semi-urban populations. Unlike more complex or hardware-intensive genres, casual and puzzle games like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Brain Test, and Gardenscapes require minimal processing power and storage, allowing them to run smoothly on low- to mid-range smartphones that dominate the market.

This genre resonates especially with demographics traditionally underrepresented in gaming, such as older users and women, who are now entering the gaming space in greater numbers thanks to the approachable and stress-free nature of casual titles. Additionally, these games often feature intuitive gameplay, colorful graphics, and rewarding progression systems that keep users engaged without needing extensive tutorials or prior gaming experience. Social integration through platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp allows players to share progress, request lives, and compete with friends, adding a layer of community and interactivity that enhances user retention.

The freemium model is also a key driver of growth, enabling players to enjoy the core experience at no cost while generating revenue through optional in-app purchases such as boosters, extra lives, or cosmetic upgrades. South American game developers and publishers have begun recognizing the potential of this genre, leading to more localized versions that incorporate regional languages, cultural themes, and familiar aesthetics, which improve relevance and engagement. Furthermore, casual/puzzle games are well-suited for ad-based monetization, a growing trend in South America where many users are price-sensitive and prefer watching ads over spending money. This dual monetization model supports profitability without alienating non-paying players.

The Pay-to-Play (Full Game Purchase) revenue model is moderately growing in South America's gaming industry due to increasing digital payment adoption and a growing middle class willing to invest in premium, ad-free gaming experiences.

The moderate growth of the Pay-to-Play (Full Game Purchase) revenue model in South America stems from a combination of economic and technological shifts that are gradually making premium gaming more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. As the region’s middle class expands, particularly in countries like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, there is a rising segment of consumers with increased disposable income and a growing appetite for high-quality, uninterrupted gaming experiences. These users are beginning to see value in paying upfront for complete games that offer immersive narratives, better graphics, and freedom from in-app purchases and ads.

The digital transformation across South America, spurred by greater access to credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and localized online payment platforms like Mercado Pago and PicPay, has also made it significantly easier for consumers to make one-time digital purchases. This shift has particularly benefited PC and console gaming communities, where full-game purchases have long been standard, but it is now trickling into the mobile and indie game ecosystems as well.

Additionally, improvements in internet infrastructure and broader access to online marketplaces such as Steam, PlayStation Store, and Nintendo eShop have enabled South American gamers to purchase and download games directly, reducing dependency on physical copies and piracy, which historically limited revenue growth from full game sales. International publishers are increasingly offering regional pricing, which tailors game costs to local economic conditions, further encouraging legitimate purchases.

At the same time, the growing popularity of narrative-driven games, indie titles, and remastered classics among South American gamers has contributed to the appeal of full-game ownership over freemium models. However, despite this positive momentum, the model’s growth remains moderate rather than explosive due to persistent economic disparities, high taxes on digital goods in some countries, and a large segment of the population still relying on free-to-play content.

The less than 18 age group is the largest in the South America gaming industry due to the region's youthful population structure combined with widespread access to mobile devices and free-to-play games.

The dominance of the under-18 age group in South America's gaming industry is largely driven by the region’s demographic makeup, where a significant portion of the population is under the age of 18, particularly in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. This youthful population, paired with increasing digital connectivity, has created a fertile ground for gaming adoption at an early age. Most young individuals now have access to smartphones or tablets, either their own or shared within households, making mobile gaming the most accessible form of entertainment. Affordable Android devices, improved internet access, and public Wi-Fi hotspots have further enabled this demographic to engage with games regularly.

Additionally, the popularity of free-to-play titles such as Free Fire, Subway Surfers, Roblox, and Among Us - which are not only free but also social and easy to understand - caters perfectly to younger audiences who often seek fun, fast-paced, and community-driven gaming experiences. These games are heavily promoted on platforms frequently used by younger users, such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, creating viral trends and peer-driven interest. Schools and peer groups also play a critical role in spreading game adoption, with games becoming part of social interaction and identity among teenagers.

Moreover, parental acceptance of mobile gaming as a relatively safe and affordable entertainment option means many children are introduced to gaming at an increasingly younger age. The gamified learning apps and child-friendly content also ease parental concerns and further support early engagement. Esports and streaming culture, too, have begun influencing this age group, with young players aspiring to become streamers or competitive gamers, especially as local tournaments and influencer content become more visible in South America. Although their direct spending power is limited, this group significantly influences household spending through requests for in-game purchases, gaming subscriptions, or upgraded devices.

The female gender segment is growing fastest in South America's gaming industry due to the rise of mobile gaming and casual genres that offer inclusive, accessible, and socially engaging experiences.

The rapid growth of the female gamer segment in South America is closely tied to the mobile gaming boom and the increasing availability of casual, puzzle, and social games that are more inclusive and less intimidating than traditional action or shooter games. As smartphones become nearly ubiquitous across age groups and income levels, many South American women who may not have previously identified as gamers are now actively engaging with mobile games during commutes, breaks, or downtime at home. Titles such as Candy Crush, Gardenscapes, Coin Master, and Among Us have broad appeal because of their simple mechanics, colorful visuals, and low entry barriers, which resonate with both casual players and newcomers.

These games often integrate social features, such as sharing lives, competing with friends, or collaborating in events, which enhance the appeal for women who value social interaction and community-driven experiences. Additionally, the rise of female influencers, streamers, and esports participants in South America has contributed to shifting perceptions of gaming from a male-dominated hobby to a more inclusive activity, encouraging more women to join and participate openly. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have played a major role in spreading gaming content targeted at or created by women, further normalizing their presence in the gaming space.

Game developers and publishers are increasingly recognizing this shift, leading to the design of gender-inclusive content, diverse characters, and safer online environments, all of which contribute to a more welcoming atmosphere for female players. Furthermore, the expansion of localized and culturally relevant content has helped attract more female users in South America, where language and cultural themes in games can significantly influence engagement.

Brazil is the largest in the South American gaming industry due to its large, youthful population, growing internet and mobile penetration, and an active gaming culture supported by local content creation and community engagement.

Brazil stands as the largest gaming market in South America, primarily driven by its massive and youthful population, rapid digitalization, and deeply rooted enthusiasm for gaming across social and cultural layers. With over 200 million people and a median age of around 33, Brazil has a vast demographic segment that is highly engaged in gaming, particularly mobile and free-to-play formats which align with the country's affordability dynamics. The widespread use of smartphones and increasing internet access, especially through mobile data, has dramatically expanded the gaming user base, making mobile gaming the dominant platform.

Games like Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Clash Royale have become cultural staples, with competitive play and streaming deeply embedded in youth entertainment. Brazil also leads the region in gaming-related content creation home to a robust community of streamers, YouTubers, and esports influencers who fuel engagement, shape trends, and attract sponsorships. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming have massive Brazilian user bases, further reinforcing gaming’s social presence. Local developers are increasingly producing games tailored to the preferences and realities of Brazilian gamers, which helps deepen market relevance and build community loyalty.

Furthermore, Brazil has a strong esports culture, supported by professional leagues, gaming events, and a passionate fan base. Tournaments in games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Global Offensive and Free Fire draw huge online and in-person audiences, often ranking among the highest in global viewership. Government and private sector initiatives are also beginning to recognize gaming’s economic potential, with policies encouraging digital inclusion, tech innovation, and creative industry development. Despite economic challenges and high import taxes on gaming hardware, Brazilians show remarkable adaptability embracing digital distribution, freemium models, and budget-friendly hardware alternatives to stay connected to the gaming ecosystem.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Gaming Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Platform

• Mobile Gaming (Smartphones & Tablets)
• PC Gaming
• Console Gaming
• Cloud Gaming / Game Streaming

By Revenue Model

• Free-to-Play (F2P) with In-App Purchases (IAP)
• Pay-to-Play (Full Game Purchase)
• Ad-Supported Gaming
• Others

By Age Group

• Less than 18
• 19-35
• 36 and above

By Gender

• Male
• Female

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.