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‘GTA VI’ Delay Slows Global Video Game Market Growth, Newzoo Report Shows

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The global video game market’s growth is projected to improve slightly in 2025, increasing by 3.4% to reach $188.9 billion, according to a report by research firm Newzoo, exclusively seen by Reuters on Tuesday. This marks a modest rise from last year’s 3.2% growth.

Industry experts had anticipated a stronger surge in 2024 driven by the anticipated launch of Take-Two Interactive’s blockbuster title Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) alongside new gaming consoles. However, the game’s delay to 2026, combined with hardware price hikes caused by tariffs, has created uncertainty in consumer spending patterns.

Michiel Buijsman, Newzoo’s principal analyst, noted that the forecast accounts for factors such as hardware cycles, pricing trends, growth in installed user bases, and the slate of upcoming game releases. Despite the delay, Newzoo projects an average annual growth rate of 3.3% through 2027, down from an earlier forecast of 3.7%.

The market is expected to benefit from GTA VI’s launch in 2026 and other premium games such as Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem. The PC release of GTA VI is also predicted to sustain growth through 2027.

Price increases for major consoles like Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation have raised concerns about slowing hardware sales amid global economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s Switch 2 has become the company’s fastest-selling console to date, bucking this trend.

Buijsman highlighted that Xbox sales continue to lag behind PlayStation’s previous generation, projecting moderate hardware sales ahead. Xbox recently announced its new handheld device, the Xbox Ally, developed with ASUS, which is slated for release during the 2025 holiday season.

Sony Expected to Reveal PS5 and PS5 Pro Price Cuts Ahead of Days of Play Event

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Sony is gearing up to launch its annual Days of Play promotion, which is expected to bring attractive discounts on PlayStation consoles, games, and accessories. This yearly event typically takes place toward the end of May, and it has become a much-anticipated opportunity for gamers to grab deals on popular PlayStation products. This year, Sony is reportedly planning to offer price cuts not only on the standard PS5 but also on the recently launched PS5 Pro, marking the first official discount for the higher-end model since its release last year.

Reliable leaker billbil-kun shared details of the upcoming Days of Play sale, suggesting the event will run from May 28 to June 11. According to the report, both physical and digital editions of the PS5 slim will see significant price reductions. In Europe, the PS5 slim is expected to get a €100 discount, dropping from €549.99 to €449.99 for the standard edition, and from €499.99 to €399.99 for the digital-only version. Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro, which debuted at €799.99 last November, is rumored to receive its first-ever price cut of €50, bringing its cost down to €749.99.

In addition to the consoles, the Days of Play promotion is also set to include discounts on PlayStation accessories. The PS VR2 headset and select DualSense controllers could see a €50 price drop as well, making it an appealing time for players to upgrade their gaming setup. Sony is expected to officially announce the full details of the promotion sometime this week, with an announcement date anticipated around May 27.

For gamers in India, Sony is likely to offer a localized version of the Days of Play sale. Although the PS5 Pro is not currently available in the Indian market, discounts on the PS5 slim, games, and accessories are expected. This event will provide Indian gamers with an excellent chance to access deals on PlayStation products, keeping the excitement alive for the gaming community ahead of the summer.

Sony Slashes Prices on PS5 Slim Models in ‘Summer Sale’ Offer: Check the New Prices

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Sony Launches ‘Summer Sale’ Offering Discounts on PS5 Slim Models in India

Sony has kicked off a limited-time “summer sale” in India, offering discounts on select PlayStation 5 slim models. This exciting offer is available for a limited period, starting Thursday, April 17, and continuing until May 14, or until stocks last. As part of this promotion, the PS5 slim models are receiving a price cut of Rs. 5,000, making them more affordable for gamers looking to grab the latest console.

The PS5 slim sale includes two specific models: the PS5 slim physical edition (CFI-2008A) and the PS5 slim digital edition (CFI-2008B). The physical edition, which features a Blu-Ray disc drive, is now priced at Rs. 49,990, down from its usual retail price of Rs. 54,990. Meanwhile, the digital edition, which does not have a disc drive, is available for Rs. 39,990, down from Rs. 44,990. These discounts make the PlayStation 5 even more accessible for those interested in upgrading their gaming setup or jumping into next-gen gaming.

The sale is live on various online and offline platforms, including Amazon, Blinkit, Croma, Flipkart, Reliance, Sony Center, Vijay Sales, and more participating retailers. However, it’s important to note that the offer only applies to the PS5 slim models and excludes accessories, the PS VR2, and the PS Portal remote player. This promotion follows a recent price hike in other regions like Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as Australia and New Zealand, where Sony increased the retail price of the PS5 due to higher tariffs and inflationary pressures. However, the prices in the US and India have remained unchanged for now.

The PS5 slim models, introduced in India on April 5, 2024, are thinner and lighter than the original PS5, offering a sleeker design while maintaining the same high-quality performance. These slim versions replaced the older PS5 models and provide a more compact option for gamers without sacrificing the core gaming experience. With this summer sale, Sony aims to provide even greater value for customers looking to enjoy the full capabilities of next-gen gaming at a more attractive price.