These days, video games are much more than just fun. It’s a massive business worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Companies around the world make games, consoles, and online services for players. They’re all competing for attention. And investors? They’re chasing returns.
Gaming stocks can jump fast — especially after a strong game release or new platform launch. But they can also drop just as quickly if something flops. That’s why it helps to know which companies to keep an eye on. Here’s a list of 10 worth watching right now.
What Are Gaming Stocks?
Gaming stocks are shares in companies that make money from video games. But it’s not all that straightforward. The gaming industry is pretty broad. So it’s good to first figure out who’s actually part of this market. That makes it easier to spot which stocks might do well. Let’s break it down.
What about companies running BTC poker rooms? Technically, that’s gambling. But with the rise of cryptocurrency adoption, these platforms have carved out their own niche. BTC poker sites let players use Bitcoin to join cash games and tournaments, offering faster transactions, lower fees, and a level of anonymity traditional poker rooms often lack. As crypto gaming continues to gain traction, some investors are starting to consider whether companies in this space — particularly those leading the BTC poker market — might eventually fit into a broader gaming stock portfolio.
The same goes for online casinos. Do their shares count as gaming stocks? We’ll touch on that. For now, here are the main types of gaming companies:
- Developers. These are the people who create games. For example, Ubisoft, CD Projekt, or FromSoftware are such studios;
- Publishers. These companies are engaged in advertising, sales, and launching games in the world. They finance projects, negotiate with platforms, and work with stores. Examples include Take-Two and Electronic Arts;
- Cloud platforms. These are services where you can play games without a console or a powerful PC. It is possible to play via the Internet. These are such services as Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce Now;
- Services and subscriptions. These are those that sell access to the game library. For example, Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. Such services bring companies a constant income;
- Esports. Gaming tournaments are big business. Tickets are sold, broadcasts are conducted, and sponsors are attracted. Some companies specialize in this field;
- Gambling. This includes those that create online casinos, slots, and poker platforms. This is a different niche, but also a part of the big gaming world. For example, Evolution Gaming or DraftKings.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Stocks for Swing Trading Based on Performance
10 Gaming Stocks Worth Watching
Not all gaming companies are worth your time. Some are just riding the hype. Others have been solid for years. We picked those with real potential. Here’s our list of the top picks:
- Activision Blizzard (now part of Microsoft). This one’s a heavyweight. They made Call of Duty, Diablo, World of Warcraft, Overwatch — all massive titles. Microsoft bought them, and they’ve got deep pockets and big plans. For investors, that’s a mix of security and reach.
- Nintendo. Everyone knows Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. But Nintendo’s not just about old hits. Their Switch console is still flying off the shelves. It’s one of the top sellers globally.
- Sony (PlayStation). Their exclusive games are like blockbuster movies — Spider-Man, God of War, The Last of Us. People line up for these. Sony also makes money from consoles, gear, and PlayStation Plus.
- Microsoft (Xbox). Xbox is Sony’s main rival. But Microsoft’s playing a different game now — shifting how people play altogether. For investors, Microsoft isn’t just Office and Windows anymore. They’re a serious player in entertainment too.
- Electronic Arts (EA). One of the oldest names in gaming. They’re behind FIFA (now EA Sports FC), The Sims, Battlefield, Apex Legends. Fans love them, and love to hate them too — especially over microtransactions. But they know how to stay in the race.
- Take-Two Interactive. This is the company behind Rockstar Games — the team that gave us Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. GTA VI is on the way in 2025. If it lands well (and it probably will), the stock could surge.
- Roblox Corporation. More than just a game — it’s a whole platform. Users build their own games and spaces. It’s like YouTube, but for gaming. Kids love it. The company’s still finding its financial feet, but the potential is massive.
- Unity Software. Not a game maker — they build the tools. The Unity engine powers about half the mobile games out there. Indie teams and big studios alike use it. Long-term, this one’s worth a look.
- Sea Limited (Garena). A Singapore-based company known for mobile games across Asia. Their big hit is Free Fire — a battle royale game that runs even on cheap phones. That’s huge in places where not everyone has the latest devices. If those markets grow, Sea grows too.
- Tencent. One of the biggest publishers around. They own stakes in tons of studios. China’s strict rules gave them a hard time recently, but they’ve got global influence.
Final Thoughts
We’ve just gone through 10 gaming companies worth keeping on your radar. Some are giants like Microsoft and Tencent. Others, like Roblox or Unity, could surprise everyone. There are a few ways to invest in gaming. You can buy shares directly, or go through funds and indexes. However you do it, keep an eye on the industry. Follow the news. Check company reports. Watch the trends. Gaming stocks can be a solid way to grow your money — as long as you stay informed.
In another related article, Best Penny Stocks Under $10 to Swing Trade
