Samsung's memory crisis and its impact on the gaming sector

In brief

• Samsung expects global component shortages to continue through 2027, with a possible further worsening in 2028.
• Demand for memory is rising, especially due to the growth of AI data centers, creating a shortage of consumer-focused memory products.
• Rising memory prices are having a direct impact on the cost of game consoles and other consumer electronics.

GAME-scanner analysis

Samsung, one of the world’s largest memory manufacturers, has announced that the current memory crisis is expected to worsen through 2027. This is especially concerning for the gaming industry, as Samsung accounts for roughly a third of global memory supply. The forecasts are based on data shared by AI companies, which provide their demand projections. That highlights the reliance on external data and can create uncertainty around how accurate these predictions are. Still, the consensus is that the situation is serious.

Capacity for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which is essential for AI data centers, is almost fully booked. That leaves very little room for memory products aimed at consumers. This has direct consequences for the prices of consumer electronics, including game consoles, which are already under pressure from rising costs. The current crisis is being further intensified by customer commitments to manufacturers, keeping prices high.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, this means the prices of game consoles and other devices are likely to keep rising. Limited memory availability could also lead to delays in the production of new consoles and games, affecting the overall gaming experience. Players should prepare for a period of higher costs and possibly limited availability of new products. This could also affect developers such as Unknown Worlds and Krafton, who may face higher production costs and longer development times.