Global Game IP Licensing Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2025-2031

The global Game IP Licensing market size is predicted to grow from US$ 84440 million in 2025 to US$ 121450 million in 2031; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2031.

Game IP (Intellectual Property) licensing refers to the legal agreements that allow third parties to use video game-related intellectual property, including characters, storylines, assets, and branding, in various media, products, and services. Licensing helps expand game franchises beyond their original platforms into new revenue streams.

Market development summary:

The game IP licensing market has shown a trend of sustained growth in recent years, mainly benefiting from the global expansion of the game industry, the rise of cross-border cooperation and the prosperity of the derivatives market. Game IP is not only limited to the game itself, but has penetrated into multiple fields such as film and television, animation, toys, clothing, novels, theme parks, etc., becoming an important part of the global entertainment industry.

Regional analysis:

The game IP licensing market shows a global development trend, but the main growth momentum comes from North America, Asia and Europe. The United States is the core of the global game IP licensing market and has many top game companies. Streaming media platforms such as Disney and Netflix are actively deploying game adaptation film and television projects. American consumers have a high acceptance of game IP peripheral products, especially the markets for trendy toys, clothing, and collectibles are active. Japan is a major IP licensing country in the world and has many well-known IPs. The Chinese market is growing rapidly, and giants such as Tencent and NetEase have expanded the game ecosystem through IP licensing, such as "Honor of Kings" and McDonald's, "Onmyoji" and luxury brands. South Korea's game IP licensing business revolves around "League of Legends" and "Dungeon and Warriors", covering e-sports, clothing, peripheral products, etc. The European market is dominated by e-sports and PC games. Theme parks and physical entertainment projects are developing rapidly, such as the combination of the Harry Potter theme park in the UK and game IP.

Market competition analysis:

At present, the game IP licensing market is highly competitive, mainly divided into different types of competitors such as large game companies, IP licensing platforms, derivative companies, and film and television companies.

Market development opportunities:

As the global game market size exceeds US$200 billion, the commercial value of popular game IPs continues to rise. In recent years, successful cases such as "The Last of Us" and "Super Mario Movie" have driven more game IPs to enter the film and television industry, driving market growth. Clothing, toys, food and other industries cooperate with game IPs, such as Nike and "Fortnite" joint products, Lego and "Minecraft" cooperative products. The rise of e-sports events and game live broadcast platforms has made IP licensing involve more areas, such as the sponsorship of the "League of Legends" global finals and the market for licensed derivatives. In 2024, the release of several popular game adaptations of film and television works is expected to further promote the growth of the IP licensing market. The application of game IP in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and other fields will create more licensing opportunities.

Market risks:

The licensing of game IP involves complex legal issues, and copyright disputes may affect business operations. Excessive licensing may lead to market saturation and IP depreciation. The game market changes rapidly, and the life cycle of some IPs is short, making it difficult to make profits in the long term. Global economic fluctuations may reduce consumer demand for game IP-related products.

Latest developments:

Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard (US$68.7 billion) - further expands the game IP library and improves the competitiveness of the IP licensing market. Sony invests in game IP adaptation film and television - plans to launch more game IP adaptation film and television works in 2024, such as "Ghost of Tsushima". Tencent deploys overseas IP licensing - expands IP licensing business by investing in game companies in Japan, Europe and the United States. Netflix continues to develop game IP - launch more game adaptation film and television works, and develop interactive game content.

LPI (LP Information)' newest research report, the “Game IP Licensing Industry Forecast” looks at past sales and reviews total world Game IP Licensing sales in 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Game IP Licensing sales for 2025 through 2031. With Game IP Licensing sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Game IP Licensing industry.

This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Game IP Licensing landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyses the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Game IP Licensing portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms’ unique position in an accelerating global Game IP Licensing market.

This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Game IP Licensing and breaks down the forecast by Licensing Type, by Merchandise Type, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Game IP Licensing.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Game IP Licensing market by product type, application, key players and key regions and countries.

Segmentation by Licensing Type:
Adaptation Licensing
Brand Use Licensing
Brand Agency Licensing

Segmentation by Merchandise Type:
Toys
Apparel
Entertainment & Media
Home Products
Others

This report also splits the market by region:
Americas
United States
Canada
Mexico
Brazil
APAC
China
Japan
Korea
Southeast Asia
India
Australia
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Russia
Middle East & Africa
Egypt
South Africa
Israel
Turkey
GCC Countries

The below companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing the company's coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration.
Nintendo
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Microsoft
Tencent
Ubisoft
Epic Games
Electronic Arts
Rockstar Games
Bandai Namco
CD Projekt Red
Tekken Series, etc.
SEGA Corporation
Games Workshop
Mob Entertainment

Please note: The report will take approximately 2 business days to prepare and deliver.