The Best Performing Gaming Stocks of 2025
The gaming world in 2025 is shaping up to be a tale of two booming industries: video games and gambling. The global appetite for sports betting and iGaming is expanding, driving the growth of gambling companies such as Inspired Entertainment and Light & Wonder. These companies, along with traditional entertainment stocks like Capcom and Nintendo, continue to delight investors with blockbuster franchises. Together, they show how different corners of the gaming universe are delivering outsized gains for shareholders this year.
Capcom, a stalwart in the sector, continues to be a reliable performer. The company’s remake of Resident Evil 4, which surpassed 9 million units sold, is a testament to the strength of its long-standing franchises. With Monster Hunter, Street Fighter, and Mega Man still engaging millions of players, Capcom has both heritage and momentum. Its commitment to shareholders, with dividends targeting 30% of annual profits returned as cash payouts, stands out in an industry often known for cyclical earnings, providing a sense of security for investors.
Take-Two Interactive is another video game stock that continues to impress. Its Grand Theft Auto series is not only a cultural icon but also one of the most profitable entertainment products ever created. Add Red Dead Redemption and the NBA 2K franchise, and Take-Two has proven it knows how to create games that keep players hooked for years. The acquisition of Zynga further boosted its presence in mobile gaming, ensuring that it has both console and mobile audiences locked in.
Microsoft is not just a giant in gaming, it’s a visionary. Its $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard has cemented its position as a global leader in both console and mobile titles. Franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush add to an already formidable lineup. But perhaps most importantly, Microsoft’s expanded gaming arm strengthens its position in the emerging metaverse, providing a long-term growth story that extends beyond traditional gaming. This forward-thinking approach is sure to excite investors looking for future opportunities.
On the gambling side, Inspired Entertainment is making waves with a stock price that’s up nearly 21% this year. Known for innovative platforms across Virtual Sports, Interactive, and Gaming, the company’s newest release, 20p Boost Roulette, is designed to give players more excitement and control. This company is renowned for creating some of the best slots games that have global appeal, and with a market cap under $300 million, many investors see big upside ahead.
Light & Wonder is also climbing higher in 2025, with shares up over 12%. After a tough stretch marked by poor acquisitions, a revamped management team has sharpened its focus on social gaming and equipment. The turnaround is paying off, with double-digit growth across its major business lines. Investors are particularly encouraged by the strength of its SciPlay and iGaming operations, which look poised for further gains as online gambling adoption accelerates worldwide.
Nintendo, a resilient player in the industry, continues to intrigue investors. With the Switch console surpassing 152 million units sold, the upcoming Switch 2 could mark another strong growth cycle. What sets Nintendo apart is its ownership of iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, which not only drive hardware sales but also provide a unique edge in the market. Few companies in gaming have shown this kind of staying power over multiple decades, making Nintendo a compelling investment for those interested in the long game.
The picture that emerges in 2025 is clear: gaming stocks, whether focused on video game franchises or gambling platforms, are beating the broader market and giving investors multiple ways to play the sector. From Capcom’s steady dividend-paying approach to Inspired’s small-cap growth story, the best performers highlight how diverse and dynamic this space has become. For investors looking for growth, entertainment, and a touch of unpredictability, the gaming sector is once again proving it has plenty of firepower.
