New BITKRAFT Ventures Report Argues AI and Game Mechanics Will Define the Next Consumer App Winners

New analysis draws on market data and industry research to outline how consumer apps are evolving

DENVER – MARCH 25, 2026 – BITKRAFT Ventures today released a new report, “The Future of Consumer Apps,” outlining its view that the next generation of breakout consumer companies will be built at the intersection of AI and game design. Drawing on third-party market data, industry research, and BITKRAFT’s investment experience across games and consumer technology, the report argues that 2025 marked a major inflection point for the app economy, with non-gaming apps surpassing games in app store revenue for the first time.

BITKRAFT’s thesis is that game-design mechanics such as streaks, progression, rewards, and feedback loops are moving beyond gaming and becoming increasingly common across mainstream consumer apps. The report argues AI is accelerating that shift by making personalized, adaptive product experiences far cheaper and easier to build.

Key takeaways include:

• Non-gaming apps surpassed gaming in app store revenue in 2025, reaching approximately $86 billion.
• $20.7 billion in private transactions across 208 deals have been driven by gamified consumer apps since 2020.
• Nearly all of that activity remains concentrated in EdTech, Fitness & Wellness, and Entertainment & Social, leaving significant room for expansion across other categories.
• BITKRAFT believes the next major opportunities will emerge across sectors including education, fintech, ecommerce, health and wellness, and social.

The report also outlines the tools enabling this next wave of products, including AI-powered content creation, LiveOps, dynamic monetization, voice-based interaction, and digital payments.

The full report, “The Future of Consumer Apps,” is available here: https://reports.bitkraft.vc/r/consumer-apps-report-2026. 

Disclosure

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The views expressed reflect BITKRAFT Ventures Management, LLC’s current perspectives as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Statements regarding market trends, future developments, or potential investment opportunities are forward‑looking and involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that any investment strategy or thesis described will be successful, and past experience or analysis is not indicative of future results.

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Media Contact

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ABOUT BITKRAFT VENTURES

BITKRAFT Ventures is a global investment platform at the intersection of interactive entertainment, digital assets, and AI. With over $1B in assets under management and more than 130 portfolio companies, BITKRAFT is built by founders for founders. The firm leverages deep domain expertise, a decentralized global presence, and institutional-grade infrastructure to back visionary teams building in interactive media and adjacent verticals. BITKRAFT’s core belief is that gaming is not just the largest entertainment sector—it is a catalyst for consumer and technology innovation and a blueprint for the future of digital experiences. For a full list of public investments made to date, view BITKRAFT’s portfolio here.