Microsoft’s in-game advertising dream gets its first test via two minutes of preroll ads per hour of cloud gaming playtime.

This FAQ examines in-game ad formats, audience demographics, and emerging opportunities like rewarded advertising that are reshaping how brands connect with gamers across platforms.

Nintendo reported blockbuster financial performance for its most recent quarterly earnings, with revenues surging over 90% YoY and profits rising more than 270%, per CNBC. This growth is largely driven by the successful launch of its Switch 2 flagship console, which debuted in June. As gaming consumption shifts to handheld and hybrid devices, brands should explore partnerships and placements that align with Nintendo’s highly curated experiences rather than disrupt it. Because Switch 2 and its games are ad-free, brands can engage players through co-branded campaigns, limited-edition content, and cross-platform tie-ins on Twitch, Discord, YouTube, and social media.

Media habits in East Asia and Oceania are being redefined. Streaming outpaces broadcast, creators rival traditional TV, and new devices—from wearables to smart home tech—are reshaping how audiences spend time and money on content.

Despite its $999.99 price tag, the ROG Xbox Ally X is selling out, showing there’s still strong consumer interest in on-the-go gaming experiences. Preorders for the handheld gaming console sold out Friday, per Xbox. Xbox console prices are inching up at a not-so-subtle rate—with two price bumps this year—undercutting the old adage that waiting to purchase until post-launch leads to lower costs. Companies should bundle experiences, not just hardware, lean into mobility features, amd address price increases head-on.

LG Electronics will integrate Xbox into its vehicle infotainment systems, allowing passengers to play games on the road, per Engadget. At the same event, IAA Mobility 2025, LG announced plans to incorporate Zoom, integrating a user experience that will allow drivers to participate in meetings without added distraction. LG’s integrations open up new in-vehicle advertising opportunities within premium ad formats, including in-game inventory. With LG’s data, brands will be able to geotarget the gaming and productivity demographics while they’re on the move—opening opportunities for gas stations, restaurants, and brick-and-mortar stores.

Xbox hits 500M MAUs and $5 billion Game Pass run rate: Franchise power and console loyalty fuel Microsoft’s gaming momentum.

Gaming in Canada has developed into an important advertising opportunity as audiences grow and in-game ads gain traction with mobile users.

More than just a cloud leader: Microsoft ad revenues surged 21%, gaming stabilized, and LinkedIn grew, too.

Digital gaming has become one of the most popular activities in the world, thanks mainly to the proliferation of smartphones and free mobile games. Here is our worldwide forecast for total gamers, with breakouts by region and for 13 countries.

Mobile-first gaming leads the charge into 2025: Smartphones and portable consoles are reshaping gaming as enhanced hardware makes premium mobile games a competitive force.

Nintendo’s Switch 2 faces fierce competition as Sony, Microsoft, and PC challengers vie for dominance in a $27.97 billion market fueled by young players.

The move could improve mobile gaming appeal but risks confusing users with fragmented offerings.

The card will expand Barclays’ presence in the US credit card industry and help diversify its card volume

Microsoft is taking advantage of Google’s antitrust ruling, enhancing its own mobile gaming strategy while increasing options for consumers.

Microsoft layoffs emphasize gaming’s biggest challenges: High production costs and a saturated market mean the industry has to change.

Gen Zers and millennials have normalized gaming into adulthood, but smartphones have opened the door for older generations.

As mobile games adjust to privacy rules and consoles pursue new native ad formats, brands finally have more chances to advertise in games.

Gamers who grew up on PC and console games are seeking sophistication in their mobile hybrid-casual games, AAA titles, and multiplayer mobile games. We dive into the future of gaming.