• Early launch could bolster Christmas sales.
• Release is part of the 20-year Xbox anniversary.
• Video game console sector valued at US$159 billion in 2020.

Microsoft’s surprise early release for Xbox fans of the Halo Infinite multiplayer game could be a boon for video game console sales this Christmas.

The release of the new multiplayer game is part of the 20-year Xbox anniversary.

And global sales of video games are poised to skyrocket.

Whether you are looking for a similar multiplayer game, fun internet games, kid games, or even a retro video game console like Nintendo, many people this festive season could be staying inside to play, rather than watch the likes of San Marino vs England, or a Marilyn Manson concert.

According to research by Statista and NewZoo, the video gaming industry is already growing and was estimated to be worth US$159.3 billion in 2020, which is an increase of 9.3% from 2019. 

Current forecasts predict the video game console industry could be worth US$268 billion by 2025, with the biggest growth areas in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

The market in China is comparable to the US in terms of consumer spending on gaming with both valued at about US$40 billion.

It looks like Microsoft is looking to shoot down competitors early this Christmas with the launch of the Halo Infinite multiplayer game.