Which video game stocks are worth owning right now?

Roth Capital Markets analyst Eric Handler said December-quarter results across the video-game group should be largely in line, with 2026 guidance set to be the key driver for stocks.

In his January 30 earnings preview, Handler said industry growth is expected to accelerate to 4–5% in 2026, lifting global video-game spending above $186-billion, versus just over 3% growth in 2025. More than 40% of incremental industry growth is expected to come from Take-Two, driven by the long-awaited launch of Grand Theft Auto VI.

Take-Two Interactive (Take-Two Interactive Stock Quote, Chart, News, Analysts, Financials NASDAQ:TTWO)

Rating: “Buy”

12-month target: $295.00

Handler said Take-Two remains his top pick in the sector, with GTA VI expected to launch on November 19, 2026, a timing he views as optimal given the holiday shopping window and a near-peak console install base. He said owning Take-Two shares ahead of prior GTA launches generated outsized returns, and expects a similar pattern this cycle. For 3QFY26, Handler forecasts bookings of $1.59-billion and EPS of $0.82, driven by NBA 2K, GTA Online updates, and mobile titles. He believes GTA VI could sell 40 million units in FY27, establishing a multi-year step-change in bookings and cash flow.

Roblox (Roblox Stock Quote, Chart, News, Analysts, Financials NYSE:RBLX)

Rating: “Neutral”

12-month target: $78.00

Handler said Roblox shares remain vulnerable to volatility around earnings, with investor focus squarely on whether the company can sustain 20%+ bookings growth in 2026 amid higher investment spending. He lowered his 2026 bookings growth outlook to 20% from 24% and now models modest margin contraction, citing moderating DAU growth and higher safety-related costs. As a result, Roth cut its price target from $120 to $78. For 4Q25, Handler still expects strong year-over-year growth, with bookings of $2.1-billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $570-million, but said momentum from recent viral titles is likely easing.

DoubleDown Interactive (DoubleDown Interactive Stock Quote, Chart, News, Analysts, Financials NASDAQ:DDI)

Rating: “Buy”

12-month target: $16.00

Handler continues to view DoubleDown as a special-situations opportunity, highlighting its net cash position of more than $8 per share, representing over 90% of market capitalization. He expects an in-line to modestly better-than-expected 4Q25, with revenue of $104-million and Adjusted EBITDA of $40-million, supported by iGaming growth and contributions from the WHOW acquisition. For 2026, Roth forecasts revenue of $377-million and Adjusted EBITDA of $141-million, noting the balance sheet provides flexibility for M&A and potential dividends.

Playtika (Playtika Stock Quote, Chart, News, Analysts, Financials NASDAQ:PLTK)

Rating: “Neutral”

12-month target: $4.25

Handler said Playtika’s growth remains uneven, with strong performance from acquired SuperPlay titles offset by ongoing declines in Social Casino. While direct-to-consumer revenue surpassed 30% of total sales in 3Q25, organic growth challenges persist. For 4Q25, Roth expects revenue of $667-million and Adjusted EBITDA of $185-million, above consensus, but cautioned that inconsistent execution and further workforce reductions cloud visibility. For 2026, Handler models modest 3% revenue growth and 4% Adjusted EBITDA growth, driven primarily by Casual Games rather than legacy casino titles.

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