By Maxym Dmytriyev
Futuresource Consulting

According to Futuresource Consulting’s latest Gaming Headset Market H2 2021 report, the overall gaming accessories market is expected to grow 10% year-on-year in 2021, despite a deceleration in volume and value growth compared to 2020. Onset by the continuous efforts in combating COVID-19’s spread, work-from-home trends have supported market growth, as consumers cross over the use of gaming accessories to the use for work.

Blurred Lines Between Office and Gaming Headsets

Ongoing convergence between office headset and gaming headset usage has led to calculated projections of 14% year-on-year growth in the gaming headset market. This is due, in part, to the convenience of the gaming headset’s quality sound and the detachable microphone utility. There’s no doubt that a portion of end-users are also cross using these headsets for both entertainment and work purposes, as the popularity of online gaming, streaming, and eSports have seen strong growth since time spent at home has increased during the pandemic. This appears to be no short-lived phase, as thought-leaders at Futuresource forecast a CAGR of 12% market growth between 2021—2025. New Generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft, as well as TWS style earbuds, will also contribute to long-term growth.

Software-based Spatial Audio Solutions are Well Underway

Gaming speakers have reached a stagnation point in both price and features, yet we expect to see moderate growth as consumers continue to expand their in-home entertainment setups inspired by COVID-19 related lockdowns. PC gaming also continues to grow in popularity and brands like Razor and THX look to deliver software-based spatial audio solutions, impacting long-term growth. With this integration becoming the norm, consumers will begin to see spatial sound as a given feature in the future.

Gaming Peripherals Appealing to both PC Gaming Enthusiasts and At-home Workers

“Customisability and functionality have become key focuses for gaming peripherals’ brands, as it appeals to PC gamers and workers who are free to choose their own PC peripherals in a home working environment,” comments Maxym Dmytriyev, Gaming Analyst at Futuresource Consulting.

“In addition, after a slowdown in 2020, the gaming keyboards market is recuperating,” continues Dmytriyev, “continuing its volume growth between the forecast years of 2021—2025. Gaming mice’s volume is also showing growth throughout the recovery.”