The Promising Future of the Video Game Industry
The video game sector remains a vast and evolving market with considerable potential for long-term growth. Although the success of major players in this industry can be influenced by the popularity of specific game releases and tends to follow cyclical trends, the outlook for the gaming industry appears encouraging.
Top Video Game Stocks to Consider in 2025
Companies that effectively adapt to the preferences of gamers and influence their interests in interactive entertainment are well-positioned to generate substantial returns for investors. Notable stocks to consider for long-term investment include Capcom, Take-Two Interactive, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Nintendo. Below, we delve deeper into each of these companies.
Capcom
Capcom, a renowned video game developer and publisher, is currently enjoying success due to its strong franchise offerings that have led to impressive sales and earnings growth. The company is best known for its popular series such as Resident Evil and Monster Hunter, alongside other beloved titles like Mega Man, Devil May Cry, and Street Fighter. Capcom has an extensive library of classic games that continue to resonate with fans. Its long-standing reputation in the gaming industry, coupled with the successful launch of Resident Evil 4—which sold over 9 million units by December 2024—positions the company as a formidable player in the market. Capcom also distributes dividends, aiming to return about 30% of its annual profits to shareholders, demonstrating its commitment to rewarding investors even amidst the industry’s unpredictable earnings.
Take-Two Interactive
Take-Two Interactive has seen a rapid increase in its market valuation, largely attributed to the success of its flagship franchises. The Grand Theft Auto series stands out as the company’s most significant asset and is one of the highest-grossing franchises in the gaming world. The Red Dead Redemption series has also garnered critical acclaim, while the NBA 2K series dominates the sports gaming genre. Take-Two’s growth is further fueled by its smaller franchises and innovative development strategies. Despite the complexities and resource demands of game development, Take-Two’s teams consistently deliver high-quality products, enhancing player engagement and in-game spending. The company’s strong financial health enables it to actively seek expansion opportunities, particularly in mobile gaming and esports. Notably, in 2022, Take-Two acquired Zynga, a leading mobile and social game developer, for $12.7 billion, enhancing its portfolio with popular mobile titles and benefiting from Zynga’s expertise in free-to-play gaming.
Microsoft
While primarily known for its productivity software and cloud services, Microsoft is also a significant player in the gaming sector. The company produces the Xbox console and its Windows operating system serves as the leading platform for PC gaming. Microsoft has an impressive roster of game studios, including Mojang, the creator of Minecraft, and Bethesda, known for the Elder Scrolls series. A landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $70 billion, which received regulatory approval in May 2025, further strengthens Microsoft’s gaming portfolio. Activision Blizzard is home to iconic franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, significantly enhancing Microsoft’s presence in both esports and mobile gaming. This acquisition also positions Microsoft favorably in the burgeoning metaverse landscape.
Electronic Arts
Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts continues to be a key influencer in the interactive entertainment market. It ranks as the second-largest video game company by revenue and holds a leading position in sports gaming. The company boasts several well-known licensed franchises, including Madden NFL and EA Sports FC, as well as original titles like The Sims, Apex Legends, Battlefield, and Dragon Age. Electronic Arts is strategically focusing on mobile gaming and in-game advertising as vital growth avenues for the future.
Nintendo
Nintendo is a trailblazer in the video game console arena, having introduced the Nintendo Entertainment System in the 1980s and following it with a series of popular consoles. The Switch has achieved remarkable success, selling over 152 million units worldwide since its introduction in 2017, with the anticipated Switch 2 expected to usher in another growth phase. The company is known for developing many of its most beloved games, with iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing, and Pokémon contributing to hundreds of millions in sales over the years. Nintendo’s enduring presence in the gaming industry, despite ongoing shifts, makes it a standout choice for investors looking for stability in video game stocks.
The Ongoing Growth of Video Gaming
The video gaming sector is likely to continue its upward trajectory as entertainment options expand. With diverse experiences that captivate players, the worldwide appeal of video games is expected to grow in the coming years, offering leading game publishers ample opportunities to attract new audiences and increase sales in both developed and emerging markets. While not every gaming company will maintain its popularity, those that excel in developing and expanding engaging content are poised to reap the most benefits from the ongoing gaming boom.