Gaming
New Study Reveals the Hidden Gaming-Gems Worth a Fortune

- Slotswise reveals the card games, video games and gaming consoles you could own that are worth up to $85,100
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Investing in retro games for the future? Trends predict how much they could be worth by 2050
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Own a copy of Stadium Events on Nintendo? Its current sale price is more than $30,000
We’ve all heard of retro-tech and old school games that have ended up being worth a fortune, whether it’s a 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard that sold for $360,000 at auction or an original gaming console – so could you potentially have a gold mine hidden in the loft?
Slotswise has produced a study looking at how much your retro games are worth in 2021 and what they could be worth should you be wanting to make an investment for a future sale.
Taking into account the product release price, release date and current price, a prediction for 2050 was made based on its increase in value over time.
Blue Eyes Shining Dragon Retro Pack Could Be Worth $30,000 by 2050
The study analysed gaming cards such as Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh to find the top 10 most profitable. When looking at the top five alone, the average predicted percentage price increase by 2050 is 162%.
Rank |
Game |
Release Date |
Release Price ($) |
Current Value ($) |
2050 Prediction ($) |
% Increase to Current Value |
% increase to 2050 Value |
1 |
Blue Eyes Shining Dragon Retro Pack |
2009 |
$2.50 |
$9,000 |
$30,743.96 |
359900% |
241.60% |
2 |
Blue Eyes White Dragon First Edition PSA 10 |
2002 |
$2.50 |
$85,100 |
$214.985.66 |
3403900% |
152.63% |
3 |
Red Eyes B. Dragon 1st Edition |
2002 |
$2.50 |
$13,600 |
$34,354.08 |
543900% |
152.60% |
4 |
Base Set 1 Charizard #4 |
1999 |
$2.50 |
$15,000 |
$34,769.43 |
599900% |
131.80% |
5 |
Base Set 1 Blastoise #2 |
1999 |
$2.50 |
$2,000 |
$4,633.07 |
79900% |
131.65% |
Blue Eyes Shining Dragon Retro Pack is the most profitable pack you can find. Released in 2009, the card sold for just $2.50 but if you were lucky enough to pull this particular pack, it could be with up to $9,000 today.
Would you be tempted to sell if you do own one, or is it better to hold out a little longer? According to the analysis, if the pack continues to rise in value at the same rate, it could be worth more than $30,700 by 2050 – a 241.6% increase.
Another stand-out card is the Base Set 1 Charizard #4, which when released as a pack, sold for $2.50. Now, the card itself is worth a staggering $15,000 and could be worth up to $34,769.43 by 2050.
Shantae Shows a 150% Increase in Value by 2050
If video games are more of your style, there’s plenty of opportunities to make money from your collection. The research also looked at retro video games across a number of operating systems to find which have seen the highest increase in value from their release date.
Rank |
Game |
Release Date |
Release Price ($) |
Current Value ($) |
2050 Prediction ($) |
% Increase to current Value |
% Increase to 2050 Value |
1 |
Shantae |
2002 |
$30 |
$1,863.42 |
$4,661.81 |
6111.41% |
150.17% |
2 |
Harvest Moon |
1996 |
$54.99 |
$609.93 |
$1,253.65 |
1009.16% |
105.54% |
3 |
Mega Man V |
1994 |
$30 |
$948.20 |
$1,934.42 |
3060.68% |
104.01% |
4 |
Earthbound |
1994 |
$70 |
$1,160.58 |
$2,331.95 |
1557.97% |
100.93% |
5 |
Stadium Events |
1987 |
$40 |
$36,753.33 |
$68,067.64 |
91783.33% |
85.20% |
Shantae, released in 2002, proves to have the highest increase in resale price if it continues to rise in value. At its current rate, it will be worth $1,253.65 in 2050. With a release price of $54.99, its current value has jumped to more than $600.
A noticeable standout game from the study was Stadium Events for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in 1987 for a then retail price of $40, the game has seen a huge leap in its collectable prowess. If you own a copy of the game, 2021 prices are showing it to be more than $36,000 – a 91783% increase.
Just 2 of the Top 5 Games Consoles Show an Increase in Value
However, not all retro tech is profitable. When looking at video game consoles, just two of the eight studied have seen an increase in value since their launch price.
If you happen to own a Nintendo 64 Gold Edition, its current value is $775.80 – an increase from its release price of $199. Based on its current trajectory, in 2050, the console could be worth up to $1,445.02.
The original GameBoy is also a console that would see you make a profit. Released in 1989 at a price of $89.99, its current value is $128.82, increasing to a potential $164.01 in 2050.
As the study shows, the second-hand gaming industry is a very desirable place for those looking to sell old games. With prices in the thousands, it might be a good time to start digging out your old stock.
You can full the full study here: https://www.slotswise.com/past-present-and-future-gaming-investments/
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Call of Duty
Monster Energy and Call of Duty Unite Again with Exclusive In-Game Rewards and Expanded Program Timing

Monster Energy is teaming up once again with Call of Duty to deliver bonus in-game rewards, bonus 2XP and an expanded promotional window that gives fans even more opportunities to fuel up and power their gameplay.
Gamers and Monster fans can start collecting codes to stockpile rewards ahead of the highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on November 14. Following the record-breaking success of the last year’s program – the 2025 campaign has been extended and will run through March 31, 2026, with code redemption available until April 30, 2026.
Players who purchase specially marked Call of Duty cans of Monster Energy, Monster Zero Sugar, or Monster Zero Ultra can find a unique code under the tab and redeem it online at callofduty.monsterenergy.com. Every can unlocks bonus in-game items and double experience points.
2025 in-game rewards include:
• 1 Can = “Energy Flash” Large Decal + 15 min 2XP
• 2 Cans = “Peacekeeper MK1 – Hyper Green” Weapon Blueprint + 15 min 2XP
• 3 Cans = “Green Fury” Operator Skin + 15 min 2XP
• 4 Cans = “VS Recon – Green Thunder” Weapon Blueprint + 15 min 2XP
• 5 Cans = “Daylight Ripper” Operator Skin Recolor + 15 min 2XP
In addition, select retailers will feature specialty bonus in-game content such as Emblems, Charms, Weapon Stickers, and Dual 2XP.
And as an added bonus, fans who create an account on callofduty.monsterenergy.com before October 31 will score a Black Ops 6 in-game skin – no purchase required.
“Monster Energy is built on fueling competitive spirit and our collaboration with Call of Duty continues to push that to new levels. With expanded timing, bonus rewards and the unmatched value of Double XP in every can, this year’s program is our biggest and most exciting yet,” said Dan McHugh, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Monster Energy.
“We’re proud to continue building on the success of our partnership with Monster Energy. Monster is the go-to fuel of gamers and they are going to drink up these exciting in-game rewards,” added Cody Neal, Associate Director of Global Partnerships, Call of Duty.
The limited-edition Monster Energy Call of Duty cans are available in 16oz in Original Monster Energy, Monster Zero Sugar and Monster Zero Ultra. Special 4, 12, and 15 can Monster Energy Call of Duty multipacks are on shelves now.
The post Monster Energy and Call of Duty Unite Again with Exclusive In-Game Rewards and Expanded Program Timing appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gaming
Gamescom 2025: New Records and Important Impetus for the Games Industry in Germany and Worldwide

Gamescom 2025 ended with numerous new records and strong momentum for the games industry in Germany and worldwide. Records were once again set, particularly in terms of key figures such as internationality (70% of visitors from abroad, exhibitors from 72 countries), digital reach (more than 630 million views worldwide by 23 August evening alone), exhibition space (233,000 square metres) and the number of exhibitors (1568). On site, 357,000 fans visited the world’s largest festival of games culture. The number of trade visitors rose to 34,000, with a particularly strong increase in participants from the US, China, Canada and Japan.
“This year, gamescom 2025 is sending out a particularly positive signal. After two challenging years for the games industry, you could really feel the mood improving this year. The new record figures underline not only the global appeal of gamescom, but also the upward trend in the entire games industry. gamescom 2025 is also a milestone for the German games industry: political support for the additional tax-based games funding at gamescom was stronger than ever – from both the federal and the state level alike. This creates hope that progress will be made quickly. But there were also positive signals on many other political topics, whether for e-sports from Federal Minister Bär at the political opening or from Federal Minister for Family Affairs Karin Prien, who was just as convinced of the important work of the USK in the protection of minors as she was of the enormous potential of games for the education sector,” said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association, the co-organiser of gamescom.
Political interest in gamescom 2025 was greater than ever before. In total, over 600 politicians came to Cologne to see for themselves the current developments in the games industry and the enormous economic, cultural and technological potential of games. Whether from the federal states, the federal government or the EU, the political guests came from all levels. In addition, a particularly large number of international delegations travelled to gamescom, for example from this year’s gamescom partner country Thailand as well as from Brazil, Indonesia and India.
Gamescom 2026 will take place from 26 to 30 August. It will open on 25 August 2026 with the gamescom Opening Night Live.
The post Gamescom 2025: New Records and Important Impetus for the Games Industry in Germany and Worldwide appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gaming
Investment Opportunities in the Multi-billion-dollar Gaming Sector

The Gaming industry is growing day by day. It has already become a global entertainment giant. From sweeping open-world quests to quick, addictive mobile games, the industry has expanded into a multi-billion-dollar giant.
The global gaming industry was valued at over £135 billion ($184 billion) in 2023 and is projected to reach £184 billion ($250 billion) in 2030. It is driven by cloud gaming, which eliminates the need for costly consoles, high-speed internet, and immersive technologies like VR and AR. Revenues from VR gaming alone in 2023 exceeded £1.9 billion ($2.6 billion), and the AR gaming business is set to grow at a pace of over 30% annually.
The transition from physical to digital is virtually complete: in large markets, over 90% of games sold today are digital, with downloads, live services, and subscriptions replacing cartridges and discs.
Alternative Ways to Invest in Gaming
The gaming industry is not merely a business of copying the most recent blockbusting release; it’s a rich, diverse ecosystem with several streams of revenue, from historic game publishing to aggressive esports and the burgeoning betting and online gambling sector. Today’s investors are able to access entertainment-oriented and wagering-led segments, each with their distinct risk and reward profiles.
Video Game Development & Publishing
Envision house brands behind the mega-franchises of Call of Duty, FIFA or The Legend of Zelda. These brands have enormous fan bases and generate revenue that stretches far past the initial buy, with in-game purchases, downloadable packs and subscription content keeping gamers engaged and expenditures year-round.
Esports
Esports have now evolved from casual living-room games to multi-million-dollar tournaments streamed live in front of a global audience. Internet gambling on esports competitions is also becoming a niche but growing market, offering a new source of revenue for both organisers and financiers.
Online Betting & Casinos
This segment is focused on convenience, accessibility and growing demand for real-money play. Online gaming sites and casinos are taking advantage of more lenient rules in key markets, so that they now represent a more mainstream and profitable part of the gaming economy.
Spotlight on Online Gambling
Online casinos are no longer merely whirring slot machines; they’re pushing boundaries. Some of the top 20 online casinos have gone beyond traditional slots and table games, incorporating esports betting, skill-based game challenges and interactive live dealer games.
Why does that matter to investors? Easy. It signals flexibility. These platforms are captivating players where they are: at their phones, on streaming websites, and in hybrid entertainment spaces that blur the line between socialising and gaming. This flexibility is what can keep revenue streams consistent even when trends shift.
Why Investors are Paying Attention
The gaming market has something that a lot of others envy: loyal consumers who are spenders on a regular basis. It’s £3 ($5) on a character skin or £36 ($50) on a new game, but the spend is cumulative, and it doesn’t evaporate during poor economies.
And gaming pervades everywhere. A hit title in Japan can find fans in Brazil in days. And for companies, that global reach means multiple streams of revenue and endless room to grow.
Risks in Investment
There is no investment without risk. Regulations change overnight, especially in online gaming. Game developers also come and go with their biggest hit; one flop can jerk their stock price. And in this competitive environment, being new is a never-ending struggle.
Gaming Investment Strategies
Diversify among multiple corners of the sector. That way, you’re not betting everything on one game or one trend. Gaming-focused ETFs deserve a look as well if you enjoy a pre-packaged solution that spreads the risk.
The post Investment Opportunities in the Multi-billion-dollar Gaming Sector appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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