40 Mobile Gaming Industry Statistics [2024]

Mobile gaming is a driving force, gaining impressive revenue while catering to ever-increasing user demand.

The versatility and ease of playing on mobile devices keeps users interested in what the industry has to offer. The data shows the impressive upward trend that continues to drive the overall sector. Let’s take a look at these fascinating numbers.

Mobile Gaming Industry Stats Highlights

Within the video gaming industry, mobile games have soared to such heights that they are now their own sector in an already thriving context. It is one of the most successful entertainment industries and continues to grow at a steady pace. In 2022 and the near future, this exciting industry has much to offer. Here’s a quick reel:

• Apple’s App Store has over a million gaming apps on offer.
• Mobile gaming is the most popular category in both the App Store and on Android. 21% of Android app downloads were games, and 25% were on the App Store.
• There were over 82 billion mobile gaming downloads in 2021.
• The mobile gaming industry had more revenue in 2021 than the global music market or movie box office.

The Mobile Gaming Demography Stats

Players are what ensure the success of the mobile gaming industry, driving sales and demand. Here are a few details about the people the industry caters to.

Mobile Gaming Is Popular With All Genders

(Source: Statista)

When it came to mobile gamers in the US in 2021, 55% of them identify as women, while the other 45% are male. This shows the overall popularity of mobile gaming and the attraction it has with all users.

The data also shows a huge increase in the number of women playing mobile games, with puzzle games featuring as their favorite genre.

There Are Millions of Mobile Gaming Users Worldwide

(Source: Statista)

Across the globe, over 2,659.5 million people play mobile games. Of these, 1,293.6 are located in Asia, while 551.7 million are in Europe, 309.2 in Latin America, and 207.7 in North America.

Mobile games are available anywhere, and the market caters to all tastes, no matter the continent.

Women Are More Likely To Play Through the Week

(Source: MoPub)

Studies have shown that 43% of women who play mobile games commit to playing them more than five times a week. Only around 38% of men are as dedicated, which makes it clear that mobile games are much more of a constant attraction to women.

This shows mobile game developers what to focus on when creating successful games.

Women Prefer Single-player Games

(Source: Forbes)

When it comes to mobile games, women prefer single-player games that they can pick up at any time. Over 86% of them are loyal to the single-player options, and over 76% prefer puzzles. 26% of them go for strategy games, while 23% go for action options.

While there are clear preferences for female mobile gamers, there are enough of them trying out most genres to keep the demand flowing.

High-income Households Love Mobile Games

(Source: Finance Online)

Most mobile gamers in the US come from households with high-income earnings. 34.1% of them have a high-income background and a higher level of education. This shows the appeal that mobile games have for all social groups. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Mobile Game Users Have a Surprising Average Age

(Source: TechCrunch)

The average age of the mobile game player is 36.3 years old. This continues to prove that the ‘young gamer’ stereotype does not hold up. 35 is the average age of video game users, and this continues to be in the same bracket.

In 2014, the average age of mobile game players was 27.7, which shows that this figure increases as generations grow older. Most mobile game users are between 25 and 34 years old, with the number of players over 40 increasing every year.

Mobile Games Are Loved by Multitaskers

(Source: SaaS Scout)

Adults who play mobile games enjoy the way they can multitask while doing so. 80% of them say that they are doing at least one other activity while playing mobile games. 50% of them state that they use bathroom breaks to catch up with their mobile games.

The practicality of mobile games cannot be understated. They are easier to implement in the daily routine while still being able to focus on other activities too.

The Pandemic Had a Clear Effect

(Source: Finances Online)

Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, 70% of mobile phone gamers have reported that they now spend more time on average playing. 65% of them have also stated that they indulge in longer gaming sessions whenever they play.

This shows why the mobile gaming industry is still such a huge earner despite the ongoing world situation. Mobile games, in particular, provide easy entertainment and escapism that is always within reach.

Moms Are a Driving Force

(Source: Research World)

It comes as no surprise that mobile games are preferred by one of the busiest social groups: mothers. Over 90% of moms say that they play mobile games every week, with 74% reporting that they include playing in their daily routine.

The data shows that as much as ⅔ of moms play games. These gamer moms account for a big chunk of the gaming industry market, and as such, they shape the demand for titles.

The Mobile Gaming Finances

The mobile gaming industry is a huge success story. No matter what is happening in the world, this sector of the global market continues to thrive in spectacular ways. Let’s take a look at the numbers that continue to fuel this world.

Mobile Gaming Generated Huge Earnings in 2021

(Source: NewZoo)

The mobile gaming industry was a top earner last year, with an increase of 7.3%. It earned approximately 93.2 billion USD, which puts it ahead of most other entertainment industries, including movies and music.

This high earning tendency is expected to continue growing through the years.

Mobile Gaming Is More Than Half the Global Gaming Revenue

(Source: Statista)

The video gaming industry is a huge success overall, but mobile gaming is at the forefront. Currently, mobile games have a 59% share of the total gaming revenue worldwide. This highlights the importance of the mobile gaming industry in the general triumph of the sector.

The Mobile Gaming Content Market Has Huge Value in North America

(Source: Statista)

In 2022, the mobile gaming content market value in North America is projected to reach 29.1 billion USD. In 2019, it was worth 21.9 billion USD. This steady pace of growth shows the stability of the mobile gaming industry in the North American market.

Free-to-Play Earns Most

(Source: Statista)

It comes as no surprise that free-to-play mobile games are the most popular. Paradoxically, they also bring in the highest revenue, with over 13.2 billion USD in earnings specifically for free-to-play mobile options.

This data shows mobile gaming developers that they can earn significant amounts while still providing users with the free content they desire.

The Worldwide Mobile Gaming App Revenue Sets Trends

(Source: Statista, Adjust)

Mobile gaming was the top-grossing gaming sector in 2021, surpassing traditional leaders like PC or console. The worldwide revenue of mobile gaming apps was 90.7 billion USD. The mobile gaming market is projected to keep growing and soon expected to reach 109 billion USD, followed by 160 billion USD by 2025.

Further studies show mobile gaming revenue could reach 272 billion USD by 2030. 

Google Play Has Higher Revenue

(Source: Adjust)

Google Play and the iOS App Store are the top mobile gaming distribution revenue source. Google Play is currently still increasing its revenue at a higher rate than the App Store. The increase behind Google Play has been 19.6%. The App Store has an increased revenue of 13.2%.

Despite this difference, it is clear that mobile gaming is consistently earning on the two most important smartphone operating systems in the world. The increase in revenue on both stores is expected to continue.

The Asia Pacific Market Is the Fastest-growing

(Source: Unity, Adjust)

The mobile gaming industry is currently growing at a quick pace in the Asia Pacific region, where it is becoming the largest market. The Asia Pacific region is also the one that is using the most vertical spend at 64%. Following it is e-commerce, with a spend of 16%.

This shows how massive mobile gaming is becoming in the Asia Pacific and how much of a lucrative endeavor it is.

Gaming Apps Are in Huge Demand

(Source: Statista)

In the first quarter of 2021, Google Play and the App Store registered over 14.1 billion downloads. Google Play had the most downloads, with 11.8 billion downloads to the App Store’s 2.3 billion.

These are significant numbers that show how much attention gaming apps are receiving across various smartphone operating systems.

The Top Three Markets by Revenue Have Huge Earnings

(Source: AppAnnie)

When it comes to the mobile game industry, there are three leading countries with the most revenue: China, the US, and Japan. China has the most revenue from mobile gaming, with 56 billion USD, the US has 43 billion, and Japan has 20 billion.

This shows the impact that the mobile gaming industry has across regions and how it is successful in the biggest global superpowers.

The Mobile Gaming Audience Preferences

The success of the mobile gaming industry hinges in part on providing users with what they want to play. It is essential for mobile game developers to know what the audience prefers, and luckily there’s plenty of data to show it.

One Genre Leads to Revenue

(Source: Statista)

While many genres are popular in mobile gaming, one leads above all: action. Action mobile games have revenue growth of 68.9%, followed by hypercasual with 43.1%. Tabletop, strategy, shooter, puzzle, simulation, arcade, RPG, and a casino complete the top 10 of the best-earning genres.

Gen Z and Millennials Love a Bargain

(Source: NewZoo)

Gen Z and millennials are the most active gaming generations. Both these groups tend to love mobile games that are either cheap or free but still high-quality enough to keep their interest piqued. 23% of Gen Zers and 20% of millennials enjoy the bargain aspect of games and will always opt for a good mobile game that isn’t expensive.

In contrast, older generations like Gen X and Baby Boomers tend to use mobile games based on the free time they have. This difference in what entices different generations to try out mobile games has an impact on how developers market the options they offer.

There Are Different Reasons To Play

(Source: Facebook Gaming)

Mobile game players have various motivations to play. Chief among them is relieving stress, followed by passing the time with something entertaining. Gamers love to immerse themselves into different worlds and narratives, and mobile games have the technology to provide this in an easy, practical, and portable way.

Women Prefer Mobile Gaming

(Source: Google Play)

While all genders enjoy all gaming devices, there is a noticeable preference when it comes to mobile gaming. 62.75% of women report preferring mobile gaming over other devices, like consoles or PC. Only 37.25% of men prefer mobile gaming to more traditional platforms.

Most Mobile Players Game Every Day

(Source: 2CV)

68% of mobile game players report spending time on their favorite games every day. A gaming session tends to take 47 minutes, and most players tend to spend an average of over 6 hours per week on mobile games.

Casual Games Are the Most Downloaded

(Source: AppAnnie)

The ease presented by casual games attracts all types of mobile gamers. In 2020, 68% of mobile game downloads were in the casual genre. This is the least time-consuming genre and the most straightforward to play.

The Majority of American Mobile Players Are Committed Gamers

(Source: AdColony)

Studies have attempted to categorize mobile gamers into three types: committed, regular, and occasional. Of the three, mobile gamers in the US tend to be committed gamers. 49% of American mobile players are committed gamers who spend time on their favorite games at least once per day.

There are about 16% of regular mobile players in the US, and around 13% are occasional gamers. 18 to 24-year-olds are the most committed gamers, with 62%.

There Is a Large Number of Mobile Gamers in the US

(Source: Statista)

While North America is one of the world regions with a significant number of mobile game players, the US, in particular, leads the way. There are over 155.9 million mobile game players across the country, which has a huge impact on the industry as a whole, especially outside of the powerhouse Asian market.

Spanish Speakers Are Prevalent

(Source: AdColony)

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world, so it is not surprising that a large number of Spanish speakers are involved in mobile gaming. According to data, 81% of Spanish speakers are more likely to enjoy mobile games, while non-Spanish speakers are less likely to engage with them.

Latin America is one of the leading markets for the mobile gaming industry, and mobile game developers should take into account the languages they offer and the locations they cater to.

Stats About the Top Mobile Gaming Publishers

Mobile gaming publishers are a hugely important part of the industry. The most popular ones have achieved a loyal fanbase that ensures ongoing success. They also strive to continue offering high-quality products to the market, which often requires innovation.

Roblox Is the Leading Ios Publisher by Market Share

(Source: Statista)

The Roblox gaming platform has become a leader on the US mobile gaming platform. In the second half of 2021, it shot to the top of iOS publishers and achieved 5.04% of the market share.

Roblox is followed by Supercell with 4.35% of the iOS-based market share, then by King with 4.15, followed by Playrix with 3.74

Roblox Has Significant Revenue

(Source: Statista)

On a global level, the Roblox Corporation earns 1.92 billion USD in revenue. This has turned it into one of the most impactful publishers on the market, especially in North America. Roblox’s dominion over this region is set to continue in the future.

King Leads Us Google Play Revenue

(Source: Statista)

Gaming app publisher King currently has a revenue of 53.57 million USD on the American Google Play. It is followed by Moon Active, with 29.31 million USD, and by Playrix, with 24.7 million USD. King’s revenue seems almost unbeatable on the current market, and its popularity continues to grow.

Supersonic Studios Is the Most Download iPad Game Publisher

(Source: Statista)

In the US, SuperSonic Studios leads the way in number of downloads on the iPad. In February 2022, it surpassed 2,300,590 downloads. Only fellow mobile game publisher Voodoo got anywhere near that figure, following in SuperSonic’s footsteps with 1,759,247 downloads.

The list is completed by Kwalee Ltd, Rollic Games, Lion Studios, and Crazy Labs.

Rewarded Video Is the Most Common Monetization Strategy

(Source: AdColony)

The popularity of free-to-play mobile games requires an in-depth monetization strategy. Developers tend to opt for two main options: in-app ads like rewarded video or in-app purchases of bonus items.

Mobile gaming developers seem to prefer rewarded video, with 80% of them choosing that option. In-app purchases are the main choice for 68% of publishers. Rewarded videos are preferred by users, as there is no exchange of money involved.

Users can watch ads and, in turn, will receive either an extra life, an in-game currency reward, or other game-related goodies. Rewarding viewers with items they can use in-game based on their victories also helps them keep doing it.

92% of female mobile game players prefer rewarded video, while 86% of men share the same opinion.

Niantic Has Amazing In-app Purchase Revenues

(Source: Statista)

Niantic Inc., the publisher behind the Pokémon Go phenomenon, amassed over 916 million USD in 2020, just from in-app purchase revenues. Niantic and Roblox are the most successful publishers in the US and have been made famous by one of their creations.

The Nordics Rule Europe

(Source: Statista)

Finnish powerhouses like Rovio and Supercell have been setting the trend for European mobile gaming companies. Supercell made around 1.48 billion US in revenues in 2020. King Digital Entertainment, originally a Swedish publisher, currently has around 255 million monthly active users.

Beyond the Nordic monopoly over mobile gaming triumph in Europe, there are further publishers that add to the overall success. Russian developer Playrix has achieved over 2 billion USD from in-app revenues since it was released.

The British Playdemic, French Gameloft, and Israeli publishers Moon active and Plarium have also made a mark on the mobile gaming industry around the world.

The Asian Market Delivers Huge Sales

(Source: Statista)

In 2021, the Asian market delivered 58.6 billion USD in mobile games revenue. China, Japan, and South Korea are the leaders on the market in this region. Of these three, China is the biggest market for mobile gaming.

The Chinese mobile gaming developer Tencent is the one with the most acclaimed successes. In only two years, it went from a revenue of 104 billion yuan to 156.1 billion yuan.

South Korea’s Ncsoft Has Achieved Huge Growth

(Source: Statista)

South Korean video game publisher NCSoft made around 1.68 trillion South Korean won in only one year. In 2019, it made 979 billion. Two-thirds of this revenue were provided by NCSoft’s foray into mobile phone gaming.

The Biggest Japanese Video Game Companies Have Turned to Mobile Gaming

Japan is known for being a country with a long video game tradition. Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and several others have begun investing heavily in mobile games. Capcom earned around 6.5 billion yen in revenue just from its mobile gaming sales.

Stats About the Top Mobile Gaming Apps

The product is the most important factor to consider in the mobile gaming industry. It has to attract and hold attention and overall feel rewarding. There are numerous mobile gaming apps to discover, but here are some details about the most significant ones.

Candy Crush Is the Revenue Leader in the US Google Play Store

(Source: Statista)

The Candy Crush Saga has been a phenomenon since the first game was released. It continues to be the mobile gaming app with the most revenue on the Google Play Store, having already earned 41.54 million USD so far in 2022.

It is followed by Coin Master, with 29.31 million USD in revenue, and by Genshin Impact with 14.47. The Roblox gaming platform follows with 13.92.

Airport Security Is the Leader by Downloads

(Source: Statista)

In the US Google Play Store, Airport Security is currently the most downloaded mobile gaming option. By February 2022, it had over 1,209,597 downloads. It is closely followed by Twerk 3D, the running game, at 1,195,854.

Roblox Is at the Top of Revenue Earnings on Ios

(Source: Statista)

Roblox is a comprehensive gaming platform that is highly popular with iOS users. It ranks highly in the American app store, with over 10.92 million USD reported in revenue by October 2021.

It is followed by Candy Crush Saga with 6.53 million USD and Genshin Impact with 4.37.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Mobile Game in the World?

The most popular mobile game in the world is undefeated when it comes to its massive popularity. The mobile version of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, more popularly known as PUBG, is a steadfast pick for gamers old and new.

This immersive battle royale game was developed by a Tencent division and published to great acclaim.

What Keeps Users Coming Back to Mobile Gaming?

With so many mobile games to explore, players may find themselves jumping from one to the other without committing. Developers can counteract this issue by keeping the game exciting with updates, new content, and rewards.

What Are Some of the Most Popular Features in Mobile Gaming?

The boost mobile gaming has been enjoying since the pandemic started has coincided with another user demand: the one for more social and connectivity options. Developers need to keep in mind the community aspect of gaming.

Social features that gamers enjoy in mobile gaming are in-game chat, guilds, co-op options, and PvP options.

What Can Bring In More Monetization to Mobile Gaming?

Subscriptions are becoming one of the best and on-trend monetization strategies. To satisfy users, subscriptions should be offered as an optional and additional offer. They can include season passes, ad removals, and exclusive VIP access to drops.

Final Thoughts

The mobile gaming industry is the leading financial success in the world of gaming. Everyone can easily have access to mobile games no matter where they are and no matter how much time they have to spend on it. This thriving industry will continue to grow and still has plenty to offer.