For decades, the debate between PC and console gaming has raged on. Which platform reigns supreme? The answer may surprise you: mobile game development is where the real money is made. But what about PCs and consoles? Do they still have a place in this rapidly evolving landscape?

According to Visual Capitalist's recent infographic, PC games have generated more revenue than console games for the past 10 years. This trend is expected to continue, with PC revenues outstripping consoles since 2013. In fact, if we look at market data from 2022, mobile gaming dwarfs both PC and console gaming, raking in a staggering $101 billion.

But what about unit sales? On Steam alone, over 14.5 thousand games were launched in 2023, with Steam revenue estimated at $9 billion in 2020. Even consoles have seen a surge in 2023, thanks to the release of many AAA and AA games delayed by the pandemic.

While we often focus on PC and console gaming here at Tom's Hardware, it's impossible to ignore the impact of mobile game development on the industry as a whole. The rise of gacha games, for example, has become a global phenomenon, with two out of the top 10 grossing mobile games in 2023 being titles from Mihoyo, the developer of Genshin Impact (2020).

Of course, there are still debates around game publishers, developers, and business models. However, the statistics show that the industry is relatively healthy – at least when it comes to revenue.

But what about handheld gaming? Does the rise of devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck mean we'll see a shift in this trend? Not necessarily. As one user pointed out, emulation plays a significant role in PC gaming's dominance. Each console generation requires re-inventing the emulation wheel, whereas PCs can easily emulate older systems.

Additionally, consoles have limited lifespans, making it difficult for games to last decades upon decades. On the other hand, PCs can continue to play classic titles long after their initial release.

As we look to the future of mobile game development, one thing is clear: PC and console gaming still have a place in this rapidly evolving landscape.