Despite significant layoffs and studio closures in the gaming industry at the start of 2026, consumer spending on video games has increased by 3% year-over-year, reaching $4.3 billion in January. This growth is attributed mainly to a 23% rise in non-mobile subscription services, generating $596 million in revenue. Hardware sales also saw an uptick, driven by the strong launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, despite declines for older consoles. Notably, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 topped sales charts, despite mixed reviews from fans and critics, indicating its continued dominance in the FPS genre. Other top-selling titles included NBA 2K26, Madden NFL 26, and Minecraft, while new ports of Final Fantasy 7 Remake for the Switch 2 had a surprising resurgence in the charts.

What factors are driving consumer spending growth in the gaming industry despite layoffs?

The growth in consumer spending can be attributed largely to the increasing popularity of non-mobile subscription services, which have seen significant revenue gains. Additionally, the successful launch of new gaming hardware, like the Nintendo Switch 2, has contributed to the overall rise in sales, even as older console sales decline.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is a long-standing franchise known for its competitive multiplayer and engaging campaigns. Black Ops 7 continues the series' legacy, cementing its presence in the gaming landscape and proving its resilience even amid changing consumer expectations. This resilience is especially notable considering the reception of recent entries in the series, spotlighting the franchise's powerful brand recognition and loyal player base.