Pixel P&L: DreamHack’s Return, G2’s Cash Boost, and Gaming’s $280B Future

We spotlight DreamHack’s schedule for this year which includes a return to Hyderabad, G2 Esports’ seven-figure raise, another Indian startup securing millions to develop hybrid-casual games, a Midia Research report about the size of the gaming industry, and more in today’s Pixel P&L.

/ DreamHack Hyderabad Returns in 2025 After Record-Breaking Year

DreamHack Hyderabad is set to return from October 31 to November 2, marking its fourth edition in India. The festival’s 2024 event drew over 40,000 attendees, underscoring its growing influence in the country’s gaming and pop culture scene.

The Hyderabad stop is part of DreamHack’s expanded 2025 calendar, which includes the festival’s debut in Shanghai from May 16 to 18, DreamHack Stockholm at Stockholmsmässan in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 28-30, and DreamHack Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, also running from October 31 to November 2.

“With Hyderabad, Atlanta, and Stockholm closing out 2025, DreamHack’s global roadmap continues to meet gaming communities where they are,” said Shahin Zarrabi, vice president of festivals at ESL FACEIT Group.

More details on Hyderabad’s programming are expected closer to the event.

G2 Esports Secures Seven-Figure Series B Investment to Drive Expansion

G2 Esports has closed a seven-figure Series B funding round, adding high-profile investors to its ownership group. New backers include WISE Ventures, the investment arm of the Wilf family, which owns the Minnesota Vikings, and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. Former Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company also joined the round. Existing investors, including Bitkraft founder Jens Hilgers and sports investor Al Tylis, increased their contributions.

The fresh capital will support G2’s expansion into new esports titles and enhance its direct-to-fan initiatives. A portion of the funds will go toward G2’s entry into the Call of Duty League, following its acquisition of Minnesota Rokkr’s CDL slot from Version1. G2 CEO Alban Dechelotte highlighted the company’s financial strength, noting that G2 has remained profitable for several years.

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Bengaluru-based Startup Secures $1 Million to Develop Hybrid-Casual Games

Bengaluru-based startup Qila Games has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding led by Chimera VC, with participation from Visceral Capital, Atrium Angels, and others. Founded in 2024, Qila Games plans to use the funds to expand its game portfolio and develop new intellectual properties. The startup plans to focus on hybrid-casual games targeting Indian and global audiences.

Global Games Market Projected to Hit $280 Billion by 2031

The global games industry is projected to grow 4.6% in 2026, reaching $236.9 billion, with revenues expected to climb to $280.1 billion by 2031, according to Midia Research. Software revenue is forecast to rise to $203.2 billion in 2025, driven by major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Switch 2 titles. Hardware sales are expected to rebound, reaching $20.6 billion in 2025. Midia predicts slower growth overall, emphasizing a shift toward premium titles and innovation in a challenging market.

PS5 Sales Outpace PS4 in U.S. Market, Xbox Series Trails Predecessor

The PlayStation 5 is outperforming its predecessor, the PlayStation 4, by 7% in U.S. sales after 52 months on the market, according to Circana data. The PS5 has sold 75 million units globally, while the PS4 achieved 117.2 million lifetime sales. Meanwhile, Xbox Series X|S sales trail the Xbox One by 19% over the same period, with approximately 32 million units sold worldwide compared to the Xbox One's 57.9 million.

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💡Did You Know

The U.S. just released thousands of documents related to JFK’s assassination, but did you know a video game once awarded over $10,000 for recreating it? In 2004, creators of the controversial game JFK Reloaded offered this cash prize to whoever most accurately simulated President Kennedy’s assassination, aiming to test official findings from the Warren Commission. The game sparked backlash for turning a historic tragedy into interactive entertainment, yet it remains a striking example of how gaming can intersect—sometimes uncomfortably—with history and real-world events.

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