It’s official! Sim racing isn’t just a niche anymore. Ok, it kinda still is. But - according to a new market report, the global gaming simulator industry is expected to jump from $7.5 billion in 2024 to a massive $14.8 billion by 2030. That’s nearly doubling in six years! and yeah, sim racing is a big part of that growth. Note that this "simulator industry" also encompasses more than just racing - there's also flight simulation, for example.

This isn’t just about people buying racing wheels. The explosion is coming from all sides: esports, driving rigs, VR, motion platforms, training simulators for pros… it’s all fueling the boom. And if you’ve been watching how fast brands like MOZA, Simagic, and even Corsair and now Thermaltake are jumping into the space, you’ve probably already felt it coming.

What’s Driving the Growth?

• Esports + Streaming: Events like the iRacing Indy 500 and VCO ProSIM Series are pulling in real numbers and serious sponsors.
• Hardware Innovation: Direct drive wheels, hydraulic pedals, motion rigs, and high-end cockpits are no longer just for elite drivers.
• VR & AI Integration: VR support is becoming smoother and more immersive, and AI-driven race control or coaching is starting to pop up.
• B2B Crossover: Sim tech is being used by driving schools, aerospace training, and even emergency response services.

In short: it’s not just about fun anymore. Simulators are becoming real tools — and the line between hobby and profession is blurring fast.

Who’s Cashing In?

The obvious names are there: Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec (now owned by Corsair).  But they’re not alone. We’re seeing smaller, nimble brands like Asetek and Simucube eat market share by focusing on serious racers. MOZA has scaled up insanely fast in just a couple of years. Meanwhile, big PC hardware companies (like Thermaltake) are trying to grab a piece of the action too.

Expect even more companies to jump in over the next 2–3 years. And yeah, prices might come down a bit as competition heats up, or at least we can hope.

What This Means for Sim Racers

If you’re already in the scene, this is good news. More market attention means:

• Better hardware at more price points
• More support from real-world motorsport brands
• Bigger events with bigger prize pools
• More opportunities for drivers, creators, and engineers alike

It also means more noise. The gear space is going to get crowded with “me-too” products and overhyped launches. That’s where communities like Raceful come in... we’ll keep cutting through the fluff and pointing out what actually performs.

Final Thoughts

Sim racing is no longer a side hustle in the gaming world. It’s a growing industry, and by 2030, it could be one of the most dominant corners of competitive gaming and training tech alike. Whether you’re here for fun, content, or competition, there’s never been a better time to be part of it.

And if this pace keeps up, by the end of the decade, everyone might have a rig in their garage. Let’s hope their setups aren’t faster than yours.