Research firm DFC Intelligence reckons that the PC and console will hit a record $72 billion in 2022.

That's a five per cent increase on last year's figure, which itself was already a record, with subscription services apparently being a driving force.

"A major driver of this growth is not new releases, but increasing usage of subscription services from Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, and others," the company said.

"The console game business is expected to see a third of software/service revenue going to Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo for their game subscription services, Game Pass, Switch Online, and the newly revamped PlayStation Plus."

DFC also reckons that the PC and console markets will continue to see growth, despite fears about hardware shortages.

"Even as prices rise and the possibility of recession lurks, the core game industry should continue to grow," the outfit said.