VanEck says Bitcoin could hit $1 million in five years, likens adoption to video games

May 6, 2026 - 22:58

Asset manager VanEck has released a bold forecast, suggesting that Bitcoin's price could surge to $1 million over the next five years. The firm's head of digital assets research drew a parallel between the cryptocurrency's adoption curve and the way different generations embraced video gaming technology.

The analyst argued that just as older demographics eventually accepted video games as a mainstream form of entertainment, skeptics of Bitcoin will gradually integrate the digital asset into their financial strategies. He pointed to institutional adoption, growing regulatory clarity, and Bitcoin's fixed supply as key drivers that could push the price to seven figures by 2029.

VanEck's projection hinges on the idea that Bitcoin is still in its early adoption phase relative to its long-term potential. The firm noted that while younger investors have already embraced crypto, older and more conservative capital pools remain largely on the sidelines. As these groups move in, the demand shock could be significant.

The comparison to video games is meant to illustrate that technological shifts often face initial resistance before becoming ubiquitous. "People who never played Pac-Man now play Candy Crush on their phones," the analyst said, emphasizing that adoption patterns repeat across industries.

VanEck also highlighted macroeconomic factors, including persistent inflation and currency debasement, as reasons investors might turn to Bitcoin as a store of value. The firm acknowledged that the path to $1 million would not be linear and would likely include sharp corrections along the way.

The prediction places VanEck among the most bullish institutional voices on Bitcoin, though it remains a long-term target rather than a near-term expectation.