The airsoft guns market is in trends with rising adoption of virtual airsoft gaming. Airsoft guns are replica toy guns designed to fire non-metallic projectiles, including spherical or biodegradable balls or pellets. Airsoft guns provide affordable and safe simulation of combat training with companions. However, changing preferences of younger generations towards virtual gaming is shifting demand from physical airsoft guns to augmented reality (AR)-based virtual airsoft games.
The Global Airsoft Guns Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 2.31 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 13 % over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Airsoft guns are replica toy guns designed to fire non-metallic projectiles, including spherical or biodegradable balls or pellets. They simulate military and law enforcement training in an affordable and safe manner. Airsoft guns are popular among recreational players, gun hobbyists, military and law enforcement professionals for simulation, sport, collection, re-enacting. However, various environmental and safety concerns around plastic pellets have been shifting demand towards virtual airsoft games based on augmented reality technologies.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the airsoft guns market are MTI America, VPT (Virtual Physical Therapists). Key players like MTI America and VPT are developing augmented reality-based virtual airsoft games to capitalize on the growing demand for virtual gaming experiences among younger generations.
The Global Airsoft Guns Market Size is witnessing growing demand due to rising popularity of airsoft sports and recreational outdoor activities. However, various concerns around plastic pellets are shifting preference towards virtual augmented reality-based airsoft games.
The market is also witnessing expansion into developing regions of Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa due to growing affluence, increasing participation in outdoor sports and easing of COVID-19 restrictions. However, virtual gaming startups are assisting this global expansion by providing accessible virtual gaming platforms.
Market key trends
One of the key trends in the global airsoft guns market is the shift from physical airsoft guns towards virtual augmented reality-based airsoft gaming experiences. Younger generations are demonstrating rising preference for interactive indoor virtual gaming over outdoor activities. This is driving key players like VPT and MTI America to develop virtual reality airsoft games that realistically simulate combat scenarios. Their games incorporate augmented reality technology, 3D sound effects and responsive gun controllers to provide immersive virtual airsoft gaming experiences. This emerging trend is expected to reshape the competitive dynamics of the global airsoft guns market in coming years.
Porter’s Analysis
Threat of new entrants: Low cost of production and availability of resources allows for easy market entry however established brands have strong brand loyalty and distribution networks.
Bargaining power of buyers: Individual buyers have low bargaining power due to the availability of a variety of options at different price points however organized teams and leagues have more negotiating power.
Bargaining power of suppliers: Key components such as precision parts and plastic molding can be sourced easily at competitive prices globally maintaining low supplier power.
Threat of new substitutes: Paintball and air rifle markets present close substitutes however airsoft guns offer milder play experience attracting larger audience without safety concerns.
Competitive rivalry: Large number of manufacturers produce customizable range of airsoft guns further differentiated through realistic designs, accessories and upgradation creating intense rivalry.
The airsoft guns market in terms of value is concentrated highly in North America and Europe. North America alone accounts for approximately 40% of total market value led by countries like United States and Canada where airsoft sports are quite popular. Europe is the second largest regional market with Germany, France and United Kingdom among the major country markets.
The fastest growing regional market for airsoft guns is Asia Pacific with China and Japan dominating country markets in the region. Growing popularity of outdoor action and sports among youth and emergence of organized leagues in countries like South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand is driving double digit growth in Asia Pacific airsoft guns market.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it