With everything we've heard about Project Helix recently and all of the Xbox news coming out GDC this week, we know that Microsoft is moving towards bridging the gap between console and PC as part of its current gaming strategy - and looking at some fresh data from Newzoo, that might be a wise move to make.
GamesIndustry.biz has just shared a new report from Newzoo, where the data firm reckons that PC gaming revenue will surpass console revenue by 2028. It puts that down to various factors, including improved PC gaming adoption in Asia and the fact that the console market relies more on generational hardware cycles and blockbuster game releases.
"It [PC] doesn't grow in the same way as console, because consoles have these cycles: You have a console generation, and you'll see upgrades, and then you'll see changes in people's spending behaviours around this."
The outlet also provides some interesting stats around console revenues in general, including those related to premium games, microtransactions and subscription services. Premium title revenue on console grew 12% year-on-year in 2025, while microtransaction revenue declined slightly and subscription revenue grew modestly. This led to a conclusion that console "remains more dependent on blockbuster premium releases and hardware" as opposed to a more resilient PC market across the board.
The firm closes out its findings by touching on Xbox, Game Pass and how those revenues are all shaking out these days. Newzoo says it sees evidence that Game Pass does affect game sales on Xbox, but that such a trend isn't as pronounced on PC, which sees more "impressive raw sales numbers" overall.
"Having your game on Game Pass means you might get people who are trying it and talking about it, generating more buzz. [...] It's a very complicated one to unpack what's happening on Xbox. But if you look at the raw sales numbers, it does look a little bit less impressive than on PC – especially in those pricing categories."
This all sets up an interesting few years for Microsoft and Xbox, as Project Helix gets closer and closer to merging the PC and console market.