Game Follows Console Giants

The video game industry has never been so dynamic. The latest consoles are completely redefining the gaming experience, as highlighted by Khalid Aourmi, a journalist and technology specialist: “Yes, especially with 4K graphics, high refresh rates (120 fps), and ray tracing. The almost nonexistent loading times thanks to SSDs also represent a huge advancement. Games are more immersive and fluid than ever before.”

The new generation of consoles like the PS5 and the Xbox Series X and S offer increased performance, stunning graphics, and innovative controllers such as the DualSense of the PS5, equipped with immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Furthermore, services like the Xbox Game Pass add a dimension of versatility, making these consoles suitable for different types of players, from casual gamers to enthusiasts.

Remarkable Growth

In Morocco, the video game market is experiencing remarkable expansion. According to statistics from the German company Statista, the revenue of this sector is expected to reach $582.60 million (approximately 5.5 billion dirhams) in 2025, with an estimated annual growth rate of 7.99%.

By 2029, the market volume could reach $792.20 million. The number of users is projected to reach 16.9 million by 2029, with a penetration rate of 39.3% in 2025 and an increase to 42.4% in 2029. The downloadable games segment will dominate the market, with estimated revenues of $110.70 million in 2025.

Moreover, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to rise to $397 (4,155 dirhams). This trend is accompanied by high demand for mobile games and the emergence of numerous local studios. Globally, the United States remains the undisputed leader, with projected revenues of $141.80 billion for 2025.

“The video game industry in Morocco is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by a young and increasingly connected population. This trend reflects a growing interest in digital entertainment and competitive gaming, demonstrating the enthusiasm of the new generations for technological innovation in this rapidly expanding field,” as reported on Statista.

The Bitter Rivalry

In Morocco, as well as around the world, Sony and Microsoft continue to battle for the throne with their flagship consoles. On one side, the PS5 offers spectacular exclusives such as Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, or God of War Ragnarök, while adopting a futuristic design and a smooth user interface.

On the other hand, Microsoft is revolutionizing the traditional model with its Xbox ecosystem, including cloud gaming and the Game Pass, providing access to a constantly evolving game library. “The Xbox Series X is more powerful (native 4K, 1TB storage, and 12 TFLOPs) with a disc drive. The Series S, more compact and affordable, targets casual gamers with limited resolution (1440p) and no disc drive,” as explained by Aourmi.

The Rise of the All-Digital Era

The crux of the matter lies in the game catalog that each manufacturer manages to develop for its console. When a console receives a positive commercial reception, the major publishers rush to include their titles. In this competition, Microsoft and Sony have no choice but to resort to a formidable strategy: exclusives, which are divided into two types.

On one hand, there are games developed by studios owned by the manufacturers, exclusively intended for their own platform. In this regard, Sony has a significant advantage thanks to its studios such as Naughty Dog and Guerrilla Games. On the other hand, Microsoft strives to acquire exclusives by purchasing them from third-party studios.

Physical video games, once collectible items (cardboard boxes, cartridges, floppy disks, CDs, plastic boxes with HD-DVDs and Blu-Rays, and especially sometimes generous content with booklets and stickers), are gradually being replaced by digital games. “With consoles without CD drives, everything goes digital. Advantages include simplicity and no CDs to manage. Disadvantages include reliance on a good internet connection and the inability to resell games,” notes Khalid.

This transition favors platforms like the PlayStation Store or the Xbox Store and strengthens the appeal of subscriptions, such as the Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. This evolution also raises questions about the permanence of physical collections and players’ relationships with video game works, often perceived as dematerialized goods and less tangible.

Cloud gaming, a technology that allows streaming gameplay without powerful hardware, reshapes the future of the industry. “Cloud gaming, like Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now, makes hardware less essential. You can play on a simple device if your internet connection is good. This changes the game for those who want to avoid investing in an expensive machine,” explains Aourmi.

This model offers new freedom to players but remains dependent on the quality of internet infrastructures, which are still improvable in some regions. Moreover, the issues related to latency and data consumption continue to fuel debates on the real accessibility of this technology on a global scale.

Nintendo, Fun at the Forefront

One of the key distinctions between Nintendo and its rivals Sony and Microsoft lies in the brand’s power of attraction and identification. While all three are console manufacturers and video game publishers-developers, Nintendo stands alone in solely focusing on this aspect.

Nintendo has made video gaming its core business. In the realm of portable console gaming, Nintendo rightfully claims the title of “Big N,” as the company reigns supreme in a segment it has significantly contributed to create and shape.

With the Switch, the Japanese manufacturer emphasizes fun and accessibility. Khalid highlights: “The Switch does not directly compete with the PS5 and Xbox Series in terms of power, but it remains unique with its hybrid mode and exclusives like Mario and Zelda.”

As the leading player in the portable console market, the Switch embodies a philosophy centered on user experience and family-friendly gaming.

The gaming community now eagerly anticipates the next generation of Nintendo, rumored to be the “Switch 2” by speculators. Rumors suggest a console with an enhanced OLED screen, improved battery life, and graphics performance on par with home consoles.

With prices ranging from 3,279 DH for the Xbox Series S to over 6,000 DH for high-end models, next-generation consoles reflect their technological advancements. However, models like the Series S or the Switch OLED aim to make gaming more accessible. As Khalid notes: “The Nintendo Switch maintains its leadership thanks to its affordable price and iconic games, while the Xbox Series S attracts with its excellent value for money.”

PC vs Consoles: A Strategic Choice

When asked, “Do players prefer consoles or PC gaming?”, Khalid responds: “It’s a divided preference. Consoles attract for their simplicity and exclusives, while PC gamers appeal with their flexibility, superior graphics, and the ability to mod games. It’s an investment, but it offers more long-term possibilities. PCs are also scalable unlike consoles.”

PC gaming platforms go beyond just gaming—they transform into versatile tools suitable for various purposes, from content creation to programming. Furthermore, their scalability allows players to adapt their machines to technological advancements without needing to replace the entire hardware, unlike consoles. This presents an economic and practical advantage for those looking to personalize their gaming experience.

However, the complexity of configurations, high initial cost, and the need for regular maintenance remain barriers for many players who prefer the ergonomics and accessibility of consoles. Whether avid or casual, every player will find their niche in this realm where the boundaries between console, PC, and digital blur gradually.

The coming years promise exciting advancements, both in technology and the immersive interactive experiences offered to players.