PC gaming hardware remained one of the most important drivers of growth for the computer and peripherals manufacturers in the B2C field in the first half of 2017 as well. In addition to desktop PCs and notebooks, gaming accessories also benefited from the continuing boom in the world of electronic games. These are GfK’s findings for the global PC gaming hardware market on the occasion of IFA 2017 in Berlin.
After challenging years with new technologies like tablets or smartphones, gaming PCs have developed from a niche segment to a strong selling mainstream product. This trend continued in the first half of 2017 and gaming desktop PCs managed to increase their global revenue by 55 percent compared to the previous year. Portable gaming PCs had a revenue increase of 24 percent. In total, global revenues of all gaming PCs (desktops and notebooks) in the markets measured by GfK (excluding North America) amounted to €1.5 billion.
The greatest share of the revenue here was from the Western European market, which was responsible for 44 percent of all sales at €682 million (a revenue increase of 11 percent). The Asian-Pacific economic region had a share of 34 percent (revenue: €522 million; revenue growth up 67 percent) and Eastern Europe (including Russia) 12 percent (revenue: €193 million; revenue growth up 42 percent).
High demand for PC gaming accessories continues
PC gaming accessories (mice, keyboards, headsets, monitors) also enjoyed persistent high popularity among consumers and can continue the growth of recent years full speed ahead. Worldwide, this segment has achieved an increase in sales of 56 percent over the previous year for the period of January to June. Overall, revenues for the first half of 2017 amounted to 1.1 billion euros.
With revenue growth of 114 percent, gaming monitors in particular made a major contribution to this very good result. High consumer demand was seen around large-format screens (24 inches and above) with high refresh rates, GPU synchronization or curved screens. Gaming monitors are not only the fastest growing accessory segment, but also the highest-selling by far with a share of sales of 57 percent (sales: €597 million). But gaming mice (sales: €130 million; sales growth: up 15 percent), gaming keyboards (sales: €117 million; sales growth: up 23 percent) and gaming headsets (sales: €210 million; sales growth: up 10 percent) were able to achieve significant growth in the first half of 2017, too.
Ongoing growth in PC gaming hardware can also be expected in the second half of the year. The success of e-sports and the continuing spread of virtual reality may provide further positive impulses and generate additional momentum.
About the method
GfK regularly collects point-of-sale data through its retail panel in over 100 countries worldwide regarding IT hardware and software as well as accessories. This data is analyzed in terms of current developments in consumer demand in the international, European and German IT markets in the first half of 2016. Since 2014, GfK has been integrating the data of distributors, retailers and IT solutions providers in a single database. This consistent pool of data is used to identify the potential within supply chains for improvement and greater efficiency and to create competitive and profitable distribution strategies.
GfK’s activities at the IFA, September 1-6, 2017, Berlin:
1) Visit the GfK Info Point at the IFA press center to collect all the information published by GfK during IFA.
2) Come and chat with our experts in the GfK office at the IFA (VIP Room 2, Großer Stern).
3) Join us at the GfK Technical Innovation Conference “Digital Transformation” on August 31, 1-3 pm, IFA, Marshall Haus Trade Fair Grounds Berlin. You can download the agenda here: http://www.gfk.com/insights/event/ifa-2017-digital-transformation/
On the occasion of IFA 2017, GfK will be publishing press releases relating to the sectors IT, TV, Smartphone & Wearables, Audio, Small Domestic Appliances and Major Domestic Appliances. All information is available here: http://www.gfk.com/de/presse/press-releases/
About GfK
GfK is the trusted source of relevant market and consumer information that enables its clients to make smarter decisions. More than 13,000 market research experts combine their passion with GfK’s long-standing data science experience. This allows GfK to deliver vital global insights matched with local market intelligence from more than 100 countries. By using innovative technologies and data sciences, GfK turns big data into smart data, enabling its clients to improve their competitive edge and enrich consumers’ experiences and choices.
For more information, please visit www.gfk.com or follow GfK on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GfK
