If you care about live games, critically acclaimed documentaries, and every possible angle on sports, the new ESPN DTC–FOX One bundle for $39.99 is a powerful foundation, but it’s only the beginning.

For sports streamers who need to fill their gaps in other linear broadcast sports from the Big Three and Warner Bros. Discovery, adding Peacock, HBO Max, and Paramount+, you’ll have a near-complete streaming setup for the sports-crazy household.

The latest bundle between FOX and ESPN highlights how much the sports streaming landscape has changed since earlier this year. Venu Sports, a joint venture sports-streaming app between Warner Bros. Discover, FOX, and ESPN, was set to launch at $42.99 per month; however, the idea was scrapped as the companies chose to focus on their existing offerings.

With a growing number of sports fans becoming frustrated with fragmentation, figuring out where and what to watch can sometimes be challenging. Many are preparing for the upcoming NFL season and other fall sports to adjust their budgets accordingly.

Find out below why each service is worth adding, what kinds of sports and events they typically bring to the table, and exactly how much the combinations will cost based on the plans you provided.

The Price of Streaming for Sports Fans

As cable subscribers continue to decline, fans of sports that air on traditional TV, including NBC, CBS, and the Turner Networks (TNT, TBS, truTV), have added Peacock, Paramount+, and HBO Max, respectively. With the news of the FOX-ESPN bundle, the chart below shows how much it would cost to add the other three services to your arsenal.

What is the ESPN-Fox Bundle

The ESPN and FOX One bundle brings both companies’ direct-to-consumer offerings under one roof for only $39.99. The bundle is set to launch on Thursday, October 2. However, each service is set to launch sooner individually, and here’s what they include:

ESPN DTC

For many, the ESPN app is a must-have as it has nearly everything for every sports fan. The flagship direct-to-consumer app will launch on Thursday, August 21, at $29.99 per month. With the app, subscribers get access to all of ESPN’s linear networks, streaming content from ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, ACCNX, and cover an estimated 47,000 live events annually.

FOX One

The FOX One app launches on the same date as the ESPN app and brings FOX’s content without the hassle of the cord. FOX One packs the company’s entertainment, news, and sports content together for as low as $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. Highlights from the FOX brand that will be available include FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Weather, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes, B1G, FOX Local Stations, the FOX Network, FOX Nation, and B1G+. FOX Sports offers the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, NCAA sports (college football and basketball), FIFA World Cup, IndyCar, horse racing, MLS, and international soccer.

Why Add Peacock

• Peacock Overview (Plans, Pricing & What to Watch):
  • Premium: $10.99 per month | $109.99 per year
  • Premium Plus: $16.99 per month | $169.99 per year
  • Sports to Watch: NFL, PGA Tour, WWE, NBA, NASCAR, College Sports, Premier League & More
• Watch Peacock Today

Peacock is a smart add for viewers who want broad, event-driven coverage beyond what the ESPN-FOX bundle covers, as it complements:

• Marquee matchups during the NFL season with Sunday Night Football
• Big-time matchups on the hardwood throughout the NBA and WNBA seasons
• Soccer and international competition, including the Premier League on NBC/Peacock feeds and studio shows.
• WWE Network (WWE PLEs*, archives, and original content)— *this changes in 2026
• Olympic and major-event coverage, plus replay libraries and live-streamed niche sports produced by NBC Sports.
• College athletics, including college basketball and football featuring the Big Ten, Notre Dame and more.
• Live golf during the collegiate season and the LPGA and PGA Tour
• Racing, including the Kentucky Derby and Thoroughbred Racing, and motorsports like NASCAR, SuperMotorcross, and other top leagues

Peacock brings the NBC Sports’ lineup that fills the “big occasional event + deep archive” gaps. It offers hundreds of live events you might not get on ESPN or FOX, and on-demand replays and extras that make bingeing highlights easy.

Beyond sports, Peacock gives you thousands of shows, movies, and original content, including the library of NBC, Bravo, and other popular networks. You can choose the Peacock Premium plan, which includes ads, or upgrade to Peacock Premium Plus to watch without ads and get access to your local NBC station. Peacock also offers student discounts and savings for adults aged 18-24.

Why Add HBO Max

• HBO Max Overview (Plans, Pricing & What to Watch):
  • Basic: $9.99 per month | $99.99 per year (No Sports)
  • Standard: $16.99 per month | $169.99 per year
  • Premium: $20.99 per month | $209.99 per year
  • Bundle with Hulu & Disney+ (With Ads): $16.99 per month (No Sports)
  • Bundle with Hulu & Disney+ (No Ads): $29.99 per month
  • Sports to Watch: NASCAR, AEW, MLB, NHL, March Madness, College Football, French Open, U.S. Soccer & More
  • Watch HBO Max Today

HBO Max isn’t primarily a live-sports destination, but it completes a sports lineup by offering premium context and storytelling:

• Feature-length sports documentaries, behind-the-scenes series, and long-form analysis.
• Event specials and occasional live-sports tie-ins that are great for fans who value background, history, and high-end production on the biggest sports stories.
• A rotating catalog of sports films and premium TV that rounds out game-day viewing (pre/post-game film nights, biopics, documentaries).

HBO Max will look different after the completion of the Warner Bros. Discovery spin-off of its linear network. Until then, subscribers can find a solid lineup of sports content airing on TNT, TBS, and truTV on the platform.

The USMNT, USWNT, AEW, March Madness, Big 12 sports, Big East men’s and women’s basketball, College Football Playoffs, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, tennis, The Match, French Open, Savannah Bananas, and Unrivaled are just a few of the highlights that fall under the TNT Sports portfolio, you can stream live on HBO Max with the Standard or a higher tier plan.

Like Peacock, HBO Max offers a large library of on-demand content, including premium shows, reality TV, Discovery content, and thousands of hours of entertainment. If you want the storytelling and premium-content layer on top of live-game coverage, add HBO Max to your lineup. Also, the platform offers a student discount.

Why Add Paramount+

• Paramount+ Overview (Plans, Pricing & What to Watch):
  • Essential: $7.99 per month | $59.99 per year
  • Premium: $12.99 per month | $119.99 per year
  • Sports to Watch: NFL, WNBA, PGA Tour, NCAA Basketball + Football, March Madness, Big 3, NWSL & More
  • Try Paramount+ for 7 Days Free

Paramount+ is the natural complement to the ESPN–FOX bundle for U.S. broadcast-driven sports as it features a diverse sports lineup:

• CBS Sports content (NFL games carried by CBS, college football/basketball games on CBS, Army-Navy and Big Ten, Pac-12, Mountain West packages).
• Golf coverage, including the Masters and PGA Tour rights held by CBS
• Marquee WNBA matchups, WSL, and NWSL games highlight women’s sports on the platform
• European club soccer and tournament feeds from UEFA, Serie A, USL Championship, AFC Asian Cup and others
• Additional live coverage from regional/league partners and plenty of replay access.

Beginning next year, combat sports fans can find the Octagon on Paramount+ after the UFC agreed to an exclusive rights deal. Adding Paramount+ gives you the broadcast-rights muscle for key national matchups and marquee league windows that pair well with ESPN and FOX event stacks.

The Paramount+ Essential plan includes ads, and you get access to the NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, over 40,000 movies and shows, up to 3 simultaneous streams, and select SHOWTIME Originals. Upgrade to Premium and get an ad-free experience, full access to the SHOWTIME library, download movies and shows, and watch your local CBS feed for even more live sports and events.

Cord cutters who utilize Walmart+ can watch Paramount+ for free. Those going back to school save 50% with the Paramount+ student discount. The platform offers a 7-day free trial and you can sign up below.

Other Streamers Beyond the Traditional Networks

Outside of the Big Four broadcast networks and the Turner Networks, many tech companies have acquired rights to live sports. Some other options you may want to consider are:

• Netflix: Starts at $7.99 per month, offers WWE Raw, boxing, the NFL on Christmas, select live events + thousands of shows, movies, documentaries and more
• Prime Video: Starts at $8.99 per month after a 30-day free trial, includes NFL, NBA, WNBA, NASCAR, boxing, and more than 25,000 titles
• Apple TV+: Starts at $9.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, includes MLB Friday Night Baseball, critically acclaimed shows, and movies. Additionally, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV features every MLS game without blackout restrictions.
• NFL Sunday Ticket: The official home of live NFL out-of-market games streams on YouTube and YouTube TV, starting at $23 per month. (find out more here)

Keep in mind that a few streaming platforms are included or discounted as perks in other services you might already be paying for, such as Verizon Wireless and Home Internet, Boost By Kroger Plus, Straight Talk Unlimited, T-Mobile and Home Internet, and others.

HFA’s latest Global Report shows record memberships, rising revenues and booming wellness trends, signaling a worldwide industry in peak form and hungry for even more growth

With half of 2025 in the books, one thing is clear from the Health & Fitness Association’s (HFA) newly released global report: more people worldwide are treating fitness as a necessity, not a luxury.

That is the main takeaway from the 2025 HFA Global Report, but it’s not the only one. There’s plenty to be encouraged by, as the global fitness industry started the year with strong momentum, propelled by record memberships in key markets, steady facility growth and a consumer shift toward treating their health as a priority.

“The Global Report is one of the most important resources we provide because it brings together market data, consumer trends, and policy developments from across the world in one place,” HFA president and CEO Liz Clark said. “It offers a clear picture of where the industry is going and how stakeholders can help shape its future.”

The comprehensive annual study is based on insights from operators, financial data and market analysis in more than 60 countries, taking the pulse of the global fitness industry and where it’s headed next. It also spotlights policy developments from countries such as Australia, Brazil and the United States, markets where fitness is gaining recognition as a vital contributor to public health, tax reform and healthcare integration.

Here are some noteworthy insights from the 2025 HFA Global Report:

US Remains on Top, but Global Markets Are Ripe for Growth

The U.S. remains the largest fitness market, with high penetration and a broad spectrum of offerings from high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms to luxury clubs. 

Industry sentiment is also overwhelmingly optimistic: 91% of operators expect revenue gains, 83% anticipate improved profitability and a majority are projecting membership growth in 2025, according to the report.

Such confidence is fueling an aggressive search for new opportunities, particularly in markets where penetration remains low. Countries like India, Japan and Saudi Arabia are beginning to draw serious interest from global operators. The HFA report notes early moves from international brands in these regions, from new market entries to franchise deals.

GymNation, one of the GCC’s fastest-growing fitness chains, has opened a new headquarters in Riyadh, unveiled senior hires and is preparing to surpass 50 locations by year-end. Its first Saudi club, in Riyadh’s Qurtubah District, drew more than 7,000 founding members ahead of its June 20 opening.

International franchises are also staking their claim. Body Fit Training (BFT), the Australian-born, Xponential Fitness-owned backed brand known for its strength-focused group workouts, has launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with plans to open more than 50 studios over the next decade. A new flagship in Doha’s West Walk will anchor the expansion, with locations in Riyadh, Dubai, and Kuwait City slated within the next year.

Meanwhile, in India, a rapidly growing middle class and government-led wellness initiatives are creating fertile ground for new concepts. Additionally, easing inflation, higher disposable incomes and greater public spending on physical activity are expected to sustain global industry growth through 2025.

M&A Reshapes the Market

Consolidation defined the fitness industry in 2024, with major mergers and acquisitions reshaping the competitive fitness arena. Leading the charge was the formation of Purpose Brands, created through the merger of Self Esteem Brands and Orangetheory Fitness. The combined entity marked one of the biggest fitness industry consolidations in recent memory, generating $3.5 billion in system-wide sales across a portfolio of brands that spans 7,000-plus locations in nearly 50 countries.

Other headline-grabbing deals further altered the map. PureGym expanded its North American footprint with the $121 million acquisition of Blink Fitness, adding more than 100 locations to its network. LA Fitness also bolstered its regional presence, acquiring XSport Fitness to grow in key U.S. markets.

See Also

M&A was also a hot topic at the ATN Innovation Summit in June, where McKinsey & Company’s Eric Falardeau and Jeff Rudnicki, along with L Catterton’s Marc Magliacano, stressed that M&A is a tool, not a strategy, and urged operators to reframe the question from “What’s our M&A plan?” to “What’s our strategy, and how can M&A accelerate it?”

Strength Training Dominates Floor Plans

Strength training continues to reshape club design, with strength zones now occupying 42% of modern gym floor space, the highest share on record, per HFA. By comparison, cardio areas have shrunk to 12% while functional training zones account for 15% of total space.

AI Adoption Shows Generational Divide

When it comes to AI in fitness and wellness, younger consumers are miles ahead. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (and a strong share of Millennials) have tried an AI-powered app, compared with just 17% of Baby Boomers, HFA noted in its report, citing data from ABC Fitness’ recent Wellness Watch report. Once people start, they tend to stick with it: almost half of adopters use AI daily, tapping tools for everything from personalized workout plans and nutrition advice to recovery tracking and mental wellness support. 

Frequent users report feeling more motivated and seeing better results, but older generations remain cautious, often citing privacy concerns and a preference for human coaching.

For operators, the takeaway is to meet members where they are. HFA’s report suggests integrating AI features into the broader member experience, such as personalized programming or progress tracking, and using them to enhance, not replace, human interaction. Education is also key, particularly for older members, to build trust and highlight clear benefits.

The complete 2025 HFA Global Report is now available for download here

Introduction:

The global cloud gaming industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. As the market expands, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a pivotal force, reshaping every facet of the cloud gaming landscape, from infrastructure to player experience. It enables smarter resource allocation, real-time content personalization, latency reduction, and advanced game logic. By moving game processing away from local devices and into the cloud, AI helps deliver stable, engaging experiences on virtually any device. Its application across both infrastructure and user experience is making cloud gaming more efficient, immersive, and accessible to a global audience. According to IMARC’s cloud gaming market report, in 2024, the global cloud gaming market was valued at approximately USD 2,705.9 Million, reflecting strong momentum driven by mobile gaming adoption, widespread 5G availability, and rising demand for platform-agnostic gaming environments enhanced through intelligent AI systems.

Key Industry Trends:

• AI-Driven Latency Reduction and Network Optimization: AI is critical in predicting network congestion, reallocating bandwidth dynamically, and optimizing server placement. Real-time analytics allow gaming providers to minimize lag and deliver low-latency performance across varied geographies, which is essential for multiplayer and competitive gameplay.
• Personalized Gaming Experiences via AI: AI technologies are enabling real-time personalization by analyzing player behavior and preferences. This allows cloud gaming platforms to dynamically adjust difficulty levels, storylines, and in-game content. Such adaptive gameplay significantly boosts user engagement and loyalty, positioning AI as a key enabler of innovation and retention in the evolving cloud gaming landscape.
• Intelligent NPCs and Adaptive Game AI: AI-driven non-player characters (NPCs) now exhibit learning behavior, decision-making based on user strategies, and context-aware reactions. This enhances gameplay by introducing unpredictability and realism that traditional scripting could not achieve. For instance, in January 2025, NVIDIA launched ACE autonomous game characters, enhancing NPCs with generative AI for realistic interactions. These characters can perceive and act like players, providing dynamic gameplay. Partnering with developers, NVIDIA aims to create engaging experiences with adaptable enemies and companions in various game titles.
• Enhanced Cloud Security and Anti-Cheat with AI: AI tools are improving detection of cheating patterns, bot activities, and account takeovers. Real-time behavioral analysis and threat prediction models are reinforcing trust among competitive gamers and esports professionals. For instance, in March 2025, Tencent Cloud partnered with Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE) and Asphere to enhance game security and combat cheating in popular Southeast Asian games like Nine Dragon Ultimate. This collaboration leverages ACE’s anti-cheat solutions and Tencent Cloud’s global infrastructure to provide a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for players.
• AI-Optimized Streaming and Visual Quality: Through AI-based upscaling, frame interpolation, and dynamic resolution adjustments, cloud platforms are delivering high-fidelity graphics without overloading network resources. AI helps maintain consistent visual quality even under fluctuating bandwidth conditions.
• AI for Cloud Gaming Infrastructure Management (AIOps): AIOps solutions are being deployed to automate cloud infrastructure monitoring, fault detection, and capacity scaling. This reduces downtime, improves cost-efficiency, and ensures consistent performance across global server networks.
• Rise of AI-Powered Esports Analytics and Coaching: AI tools analyze gameplay footage, player movement patterns, and strategy execution. These insights are being used by esports organizations to optimize training, scout talent, and design strategies, further professionalizing the competitive gaming segment.

Market Segmentation and Regional Insights:

Device Type:

Smartphones dominated the cloud gaming landscape with 40.2% market share in 2024. Their portability, app support, and cloud streaming compatibility allow users to play high-quality games without needing high-end hardware. Widespread mobile broadband availability makes smartphones the most accessible platform for casual and on-the-go gamers globally.

Smart TVs support cloud gaming through built-in applications or external devices, allowing users to access game libraries directly on their screens. The convenience of controller pairing and no-console gameplay makes Smart TVs an appealing option for family and casual gaming setups, especially in regions with robust home internet infrastructure.

Cloud integration in consoles allows users to stream games directly from servers, expanding access to titles without requiring downloads or physical discs. This enhances the user experience by minimizing storage needs and enabling real-time access to new releases. Consoles remain a preferred choice for dedicated gamers seeking performance and immersive gameplay.

Tablets serve as a flexible gaming option, bridging portability and screen size. With cloud support, they allow seamless gameplay across locations. Their compatibility with Bluetooth controllers and stable Wi-Fi access enhances user engagement, particularly among casual gamers and younger audiences who prefer lighter, mobile-based gaming experiences.

PCs continue to attract both casual and hardcore gamers due to their customization, processing capability, and wide game compatibility. Cloud gaming further extends the life of mid-range PCs by offloading processing to remote servers, allowing high-end gaming without continuous hardware upgrades, and supporting multi-device gameplay synchronization.

Genre:

• Adventure/Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

RPGs offer expansive storylines, character customization, and dynamic world-building, making them ideal for immersive, cloud-delivered experiences. The genre’s depth and progression systems align well with cloud architecture, where players can resume gameplay across devices. The evolving narrative structure is well-supported by AI enhancements and responsive streaming technologies.

Puzzle games attract a broad user base with logic-driven, mentally stimulating challenges. They range from simple casual formats to complex sequences, appealing to all age groups. Cloud gaming enables access without installations, offering quick-load play on smartphones and tablets, which aligns well with shorter, on-demand gaming sessions.

Social games integrate multiplayer and community features, allowing players to interact, compete, or collaborate in real-time. Cloud platforms support this dynamic by facilitating cross-device interaction and shared progress. Their low barrier to entry and social engagement factor makes them especially popular among mobile-first users and casual gamers.

Strategy games involve tactical decision-making, resource management, and long-term planning. These require real-time responsiveness and stable connectivity, which cloud infrastructure supports effectively. The genre benefits from cloud processing power and AI integration, which help deliver smoother experiences, especially in large-scale multiplayer and simulation-driven scenarios.

Simulation games replicate real-world activities or systems, often requiring intensive processing for realistic outcomes. Cloud gaming allows players to engage with high-fidelity simulations without needing advanced hardware. This expands accessibility for titles in business, farming, driving, or city-building simulations, making them viable across a broader user base.

Technology:

Video streaming led the market with 54.8% share in 2024. It entails rendering games in real-time on remote servers, with the visual output being streamed to the user’s device. Input commands are transmitted back, enabling gameplay without high-spec local hardware. This method ensures high visual quality and accessibility across smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

File streaming sends essential game data to the user’s device while the remaining content loads progressively. This hybrid method can reduce bandwidth use and offer smoother performance with localized caching. It requires faster, more stable connections but enables more responsive play compared to traditional video streaming under ideal network conditions.

Gamer Type:

Casual gamers account for 52.5% of the market. They play occasionally and value convenience, ease of access, and multi-device compatibility. Cloud gaming removes hardware and update barriers, allowing seamless gameplay across smartphones, tablets, and TVs. This accessibility makes it particularly attractive to this broad and growing segment.

Hardcore gamers dedicate significant time to gaming and seek performance, competitive edge, and access to premium titles. While traditionally dependent on powerful local hardware, many are adopting cloud gaming for its flexibility and on-demand access. AI-enhanced features and reduced latency are making cloud platforms increasingly suitable for this segment.

Regional Analysis:

Asia Pacific led the market with 47.9% share in 2024. Factors include widespread smartphone usage, growing esports participation, and expanding internet infrastructure. According to industry reports, Asia Pacific’s mobile internet users will rise from 1.4 billion to 1.8 billion. 5G is expected to add USD 130 Billion, with data traffic quadrupling by 2030. The rising middle class and urbanization, coupled with strong demand for mobile entertainment, continue to drive adoption across both casual and competitive gaming communities.

North America is experiencing stable growth due to technological integration, platform innovation, and a mature consumer base. High disposable income, growing esports viewership, and access to high-speed internet support cloud gaming expansion. Market players in the region continue to partner with tech firms to enhance delivery and user engagement.

Europe is showing strong adoption rates, supported by policy harmonization, cross-border digital services, and broadband penetration. Local developers are also increasingly utilizing cloud platforms to reach wider audiences. The region benefits from growing interest in immersive entertainment and favorable digital infrastructure in key countries such as Germany, the UK, and France.

Latin America is an emerging cloud gaming market, propelled by rising smartphone penetration and younger demographics. Challenges in console affordability are mitigated by the availability of low-barrier cloud access. As connectivity improves, adoption is expected to accelerate, especially among mobile users seeking affordable, high-quality gaming experiences.

The Middle East and Africa show rising potential with increased digital engagement and improvements in internet infrastructure. As local telecom operators expand 4G and 5G services, cloud gaming is becoming more viable. Regional interest in mobile-based entertainment and government-backed digital transformation initiatives are also contributing to market development.

Forecast (2025-2033):

The cloud gaming market size 2025 is estimated to reach USD 3,785.53 Million, driven by advancements in AI, increased demand for immersive experiences, broader device compatibility, and rising adoption across emerging markets with improving internet infrastructure. By 2033, the market is projected to reach USD 77,711.9 Million, growing at a CAGR of 39.90% during 2025-2033.

Demand Drivers of Cloud Gaming Market:

• Growing Demand for Immersive and Personalized Gaming

Modern gamers are increasingly drawn to rich, cinematic experiences that feel tailored to their play style. This rising demand for immersive environments and interactive storytelling is reshaping expectations across platforms. The appeal of customizable journeys and seamless cross-device play is driving long-term adoption, especially in subscription-based cloud gaming models.

• Increased Accessibility and Device Agnosticism

Cloud gaming, powered by AI, enables high-quality performance on both premium and entry-level devices. This flexibility attracts a wider audience, particularly in developing regions, where advanced hardware penetration is limited. The cloud gaming market analysis reveals a clear shift toward device-agnostic gaming experiences driven by intelligent infrastructure.

• Desire for Dynamic and Ever-Evolving Game Worlds

AI technologies allow games to evolve dynamically based on player decisions, behavior, and real-time global trends. This creates non-linear experiences and continuous content updates, which boost retention and replay value. Such adaptive gameplay is becoming a core expectation among players, driving long-term demand and user loyalty.

• Rising Expectations for Realistic and Intelligent In-Game Characters

AI-powered non-player characters (NPCs) now simulate human-like decision-making, conversation, and adaptive behavior. This level of realism significantly enhances storytelling and immersion. The demand for emotionally intelligent, responsive game environments is leading studios to invest in advanced AI engines, driving market expansion and development complexity.

• Cost-Efficiency for Both Players and Developers

Cloud gaming reduces upfront investment for players by eliminating hardware dependencies, while developers benefit from lower distribution and maintenance costs. AI further optimizes server management, user analytics, and content delivery, enabling more efficient monetization strategies and scalable operations, improving margins across the value chain.

Conclusion:

The global cloud gaming industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with artificial intelligence playing a central role in reshaping gameplay, infrastructure, and user engagement. From latency reduction and immersive personalization to intelligent NPCs and AI-driven infrastructure management, the integration of AI is redefining the boundaries of interactive entertainment. As demand grows across regions and devices, cloud gaming is poised for sustained growth through 2033. Industry stakeholders must invest in scalable, AI-enhanced solutions to remain competitive and capitalize on emerging opportunities in this rapidly evolving digital gaming environment.

Partnering with IMARC Group for Innovation in Cloud Gaming:

IMARC Group supports stakeholders across the cloud gaming ecosystem with strategic guidance to navigate the fast-paced transformation driven by artificial intelligence. Our services enable clients to identify new opportunities, mitigate operational risks, and foster innovation in the next generation of gaming platforms through:

• Market Insights: Understand global trends shaping the cloud gaming sector, including the rapid integration of AI, growing demand for immersive, cross-platform experiences, and shifts in user behavior. Our research highlights key focus areas such as AI-enabled personalization, intelligent NPCs, and seamless game streaming across devices.
• Strategic Forecasting: Plan for the future of cloud gaming with insight into evolving technology models, player expectations, and service delivery mechanisms. Our forecasting capabilities help businesses adapt to continuous innovation, track AI-driven infrastructure changes, and align strategies with long-term market dynamics.
• Competitive Intelligence: Monitor key developments in cloud gaming technologies, including enhancements in visual quality, infrastructure automation, and security frameworks. We provide detailed analysis on how leading companies are embedding AI to differentiate offerings, expand reach, and improve the gamer experience.
• Policy and Regulatory Analysis: Gain clarity on emerging policy frameworks and how evolving data, digital, and connectivity regulations affect cloud gaming delivery. Our analysis examines the implications of shifting compliance requirements and regional infrastructure standards on platform design and market access.
• Customized Consulting Solutions: From product strategy to geographic expansion, our tailored consulting services are designed to align with specific business goals. Whether enhancing operational efficiency, integrating AI-driven capabilities, or responding to new market demands, we support decision-making with practical, evidence-based recommendations.

As the cloud gaming landscape continues to transform, IMARC Group remains a reliable partner for delivering strategic insight, fostering innovation, and supporting business growth in a competitive and intelligent digital environment.

By the end of the year, sports fans without a pay TV subscription would, in theory, need to subscribe to nine separate streaming services to watch every major sporting event in the United States.

That’s right, nine streamers: ESPN, Fox One (Fox’s upcoming streaming sports service), Paramount+, Peacock, Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, the future TNT Sports streamer (currently on HBO Max), and wherever Versant, NBC’s forthcoming spinoff, decides to put its sports properties. Add in a regional sports network subscription, and you’re up to ten.

When sports fans say streaming is becoming just as expensive as the old cable bundle, they’re not exaggerating.

Of course, no one in their right mind is going to subscribe to nine or ten separate streaming services to watch all the sports they want. At a certain point, a traditional or virtual pay-TV bundle, such as Comcast, DirecTV, or YouTube TV, would become significantly more cost-effective.

But, the sheer absurdity of needing 1o separate streaming services to access everything you used to get for one simple monthly price demonstrates just how excessive sports fragmentation has become.

However, we are beginning to see early signs of the long-awaited “re-bundling.” On Monday, Fox and ESPN announced that they will bundle their respective streaming services together, beginning in October, recreating two-thirds of the doomed Venu Sports joint venture that died on the vine after Fubo filed an antitrust lawsuit.

Antitrust concerns lie at the heart of the re-bundling debate. Whether federal regulators will allow media companies to combine and sell offerings directly to consumers remains a major legal question. But honestly, is there any other way to fix this mess?

Even setting aside the price for a moment, the current reality is far from consumer-friendly. Sports fans who would rather watch games through streaming services rather than a pay TV bundle are forced to download any number of apps to view the content they paid for. That alone creates friction.

Say it’s early afternoon on a Sunday during NFL season, and you’d like to keep an eye on both the CBS game and the Fox game. Instead of simply flipping a channel, which takes seconds, fans must close one app and launch another just to switch games, which can take a minute or more. Already, regardless of price, there’s a market for a platform that integrates these streamers for a seamless experience.

Of course, when considering price, the proposition to allow bundling becomes even greater. Already, bundling ESPN and Fox One will save consumers $10 per month off the a la carte price. Those savings will presumably increase as more companies are added to the bundle. A larger offering, including more media companies and content, mitigates churn, allowing companies to offer a more competitive price. It’s partly how the cable bundle survived (and thrived) for decades. Nobody was going to cut off access to all of their television entertainment at once.

The fear from regulators is that a bundle formed directly between media companies without a distributor like Comcast or DirecTV serving as an intermediary would spur anticompetitive practices. One could imagine that a hypothetical bundle featuring all nine or ten sports streaming services could begin charging outrageous prices if such an offering reached a critical mass of users. If this bundle were the only platform to get all of your sports in one place, it could begin to charge whatever it wanted.

Bundling could also dampen bidding wars for sports rights. Why outbid a rival if winning rights still boosts subscriptions to a shared bundle you both benefit from? These are serious, legitimate antitrust concerns.

But that’s all under the assumption that such a bundle would, in fact, reach a critical mass of subscribers. That logic, the same logic that persisted throughout legal decisions during the Venu Sports debacle, is flawed, especially now that each major media company boasts its own individual streaming service. Consumers now have a choice. They can mix and match à la carte offerings based on the content they want to watch, or they can choose a bundle.

When Venu Sports was announced, ESPN’s standalone streaming service was still shrouded in mystery, with no exact timetable or details about the product having been announced. Fox had yet to announce a standalone streaming service at all. At the time of Venu, there was a legitimate argument that, if Venu was the only way to buy ESPN or Fox direct-to-consumer, it could lead to anticompetitive practices. That type of offering would’ve certainly hurt cable and satellite distributors, which, at the time, were unable to offer sports-specific “skinny bundles.” Now, as ESPN and Fox prepare to launch separate standalone streamers next week, and distributors are able to sell genre-specific packages, both points are moot.

ESPN or Fox would rather have someone subscribe to its standalone streaming service than a bundle. That subscriber is going to pay a higher monthly fee than an individual subscribed to a bundle, and they’ll also be interfacing with the network’s content in a way that allows for more personalization, hence higher ad rates and longer time spent on platform. That’s partly why, even if someone pays for the ESPN and Fox One bundle, they’ll still have to launch each individual app to access the content, rather than having one integrated into the other.

In other words, ESPN and Fox will still be competitors despite offering a bundle that includes both of their streaming services. The same can be said for hypothetical future bundles that include more sports broadcasters.

Since Venu earlier this year, ESPN and Fox have taken measures to avoid the same regulatory scrutiny that killed the joint venture before it ever began. With skinny bundles now on the market, and both ESPN and Fox’s linear channels available à la carte, it’s difficult to argue that bundling isn’t a consumer-friendly proposition.

Imagine an NFL bundle where ESPN, Fox, Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime Video all come together to offer their streaming services for a single monthly price from September through February. Or an NBA bundle between ESPN, Peacock, and Prime Video during basketball season. Or a year-round bundle that included all of the sports streaming services one could need.

Every consumer has different preferences. One might want the NFL bundle. Another might want everything. No single offering will reach the type of critical mass that regulators feared with Venu. There will be options, perhaps too many options. Media companies will still compete for sports rights, allowing them to remain a viable partner within these bundles.

It’s easy to envision a tech-forward platform where users can select exactly which services they want, access them seamlessly, all in one place, and pay the lowest possible price. That might be many years away, but it can and should happen.

But first, companies have to be confident that they can bundle their offerings together without facing regulatory hurdles. Those legal challenges look far less likely now than they did one year ago, when there were legitimate reasons to fear Venu’s potential monopoly power.

With ESPN and Fox’s direct-to-consumer services finally coming to market in the matter of days, it’s only a matter of time before numerous bundles do too.

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Pakistan’s gaming and app development ecosystem has been growing rapidly, with locally-produced apps recording a compound annual growth rate of 32% in global downloads between 2018 and 2023.

A technical assistance programme, using Esports as a vehicle to engage youth, create employment, and drive digital skills, has been completed by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Social Policy Development, Youth and Gender team. With over 170 million young people in Pakistan, there is ample opportunity not only to tap into the local market but to further expand international reach.

The Government has outlined a three-pronged approach to creating new opportunities for specialised training, funding initiatives, and targeted support for local entrepreneurship initiatives.

Invited by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), the Secretariat is collaborating with the British Esports Federation to bolster Pakistan’s digital knowledge and skill. This will involve drafting an Esports Policy, which is currently being consulted on, and creating a framework for the Pakistan Esports Federation, which will promote esports across the country.

The draft policy and the framework are expected to be adopted in the next few months, ahead of the launch of a national Esports federation.

The Commonwealth’s visit to Pakistan also involved forming partnerships with relevant ministries and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the departments of IT, Education, and Sport, the British Council, and the private sector.

Head of Social Policy Development, Youth and Gender, Layne Robinson, said:

“Today, Pakistan stands at the threshold of a new digital era—where Esports is no longer just a game, but a gateway to skills, jobs, innovation, and global relevance. Through this landmark collaboration with the Commonwealth, the Prime Ministers Youth Programme, British Esport Federation and local stakeholders have laid the foundation for Esports Pakistan—a national platform that harnesses the power of youth, technology, and talent. What begins as play will shape our future.”

Formal meetings also took place which brought together national stakeholders and international partners, including the Commonwealth Secretariat and the British Esports Federation, to reinforce shared goals in youth development, esports innovation, and digital inclusion.

The meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and co-chaired by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the PMYP. Also in attendance were senior government officials including the Secretary of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Secretary of the IPC, Secretary Education and Acting Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), as well as Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and PMYP representative Syeda Amnah Batool.