Gaming industry experiences cultural and technological shifts in Latin America

gaming industry video game consumption PC gaming gaming hardware digital vs physical media

The global gaming industry is undergoing significant structural and cultural shifts. In Mexico, gaming has evolved from a niche hobby into a major consumption ecosystem. Data from Rappi indicates that orders and sales associated with video games and peripherals have grown by over 64%, with gamers increasingly investing in hardware and accessories to enhance their play experience.

Technological demands are also reshaping hardware preferences. While consoles remain popular, PC gaming is projected to lead sales by 2028 due to the influence of platforms like Steam. High-performance components, such as 32GB of RAM and advanced GPUs, are becoming essential for modern AAA titles and AI-driven workflows. In Peru, the gaming community has reached 7.8 million players, driving demand for high-end hardware.

Simultaneously, the industry is seeing a tension between digital and physical formats. While major players like Sony move toward digital-only models, companies like Atari are capitalizing on a resurgence of interest in physical media, such as classic cartridges. Additionally, the rise of 3D printing is allowing enthusiasts to customize their gaming setups with bespoke, low-cost accessories.

In Chile, the professionalization of the sector has led to a significant increase in video game exports, growing from 0.4% in 2020 to 9.5% in 2025, supported by specialized university programs and institutional backing.

Entities

ADWEEK · ASUS · Atari · Kantar IBOPE Media · Kingston Technology · Mexico City · Polyforum Siqueiros · ProChile · Rappi · Social Media Week Mexico · Sony · Soulnet

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Mexico has more than 76 million active gamers.
[○ 1 SOURCE] 86.9% of gamers in Mexico play on mobile devices.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Colombian gaming market exceeded US$600 million in 2025.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The esports sector in Colombia reached US$8.79 million in 2024.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The gaming industry in Mexico generates $2.3 billion in annual revenue.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The number of gamers in Mexico reached 72.6 million in the first half of 2025. inversorlatam.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Supply shortages driven by AI-related memory demand and geopolitical issues have reduced Sony's available console stock. www.3djuegos.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Latin America led global gaming industry growth with a 25% increase.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Gaming-related purchases on Rappi grew by over 68% in orders and 64% in sales. inversorlatam.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The global gaming industry generated US$ 39.4 billion between July 2025 and June 2026.