Julia Stoll
Research expert covering TV and video media
Mobile gaming market worldwide - Statistics & Facts
Mobile gaming is everywhere – and for everyone. These days, gaming apps have more to offer than simple graphics or repetitive gameplay mechanics - the mobile gaming segment features some sophisticated pieces of entertainment, with top-notch design and complex stories to boot. Sometimes, players want to explore vast fantasy worlds with friends and be amazed at spectacular visuals. Other times, matching three candies in a row is just as satisfying. With so many different options available, what are the leading publishers, titles, and genres in the mobile gaming market?
In 2024, Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile, both distributed by Tencent, were among the top three highest-grossing mobile games worldwide, and have been among the top apps for years. However, second-ranked Monopoly GO! is a relative newcomer that has only launched in April 2023 and has since taken the mobile gaming world by storm. Most successful mobile games can be downloaded and played for free, though users can make in-app purchases to unlock additional content and enhance their gaming experience.
Overall, the mobile gaming market is at a mature stage of its lifecycle. With the constant improvement of smartphone and tablet hardware capabilities, mobile gaming titles have made use of these increased technical possibilities, with cross-platform titles like Genshin Impact also becoming increasingly common and driving user engagement.
Unlocking access to the mobile gaming universe
While traditional gaming formats require consoles, monitors, and other hardware, the mobile revolution has granted gaming access to millions of potential players. Smartphone or tablet users can choose from several hundred thousand gaming apps available on Google Play, Apple’s App Store, and third-party other app stores alike. In 2024, mobile gaming app downloads are projected to surpass 150 billion worldwide.Top mobile game publishers
Mobile games have become the driving force behind the rapid growth of the global video gaming market, but which companies are behind the wheel? As of September 2024, Tencent is the leading iPhone gaming app publisher worldwide in terms of revenue and downloads. The Chinese tech conglomerate has been expanding its gaming empire for several years, fueled by the ever-growing demand for mobile gaming content in the Asia-Pacific region. As for the leading gaming app publishers in the Google Play Store, Playrix and Scopely currently lead the field as casual game companies usually head the top of the mobile gaming publisher revenue rankings.Popular mobile gaming apps: a snapshot
Board game Ludo King was the leading gaming app in the Google Play Store in September 2024. The ranking of the top mobile games rarely changes much. There are the occasional movers and shakers, which often disappear after a few months or even weeks - but there are exceptions.In 2024, Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile, both distributed by Tencent, were among the top three highest-grossing mobile games worldwide, and have been among the top apps for years. However, second-ranked Monopoly GO! is a relative newcomer that has only launched in April 2023 and has since taken the mobile gaming world by storm. Most successful mobile games can be downloaded and played for free, though users can make in-app purchases to unlock additional content and enhance their gaming experience.
Overall, the mobile gaming market is at a mature stage of its lifecycle. With the constant improvement of smartphone and tablet hardware capabilities, mobile gaming titles have made use of these increased technical possibilities, with cross-platform titles like Genshin Impact also becoming increasingly common and driving user engagement.
