Mobile Games Market 2024
2 min read
Learn about the most profitable genres, regional download trends, and how AI, user behavior, and emerging markets are shaping the future.
The mobile games market is the most profitable segment of the app industry, drawing close attention from all participants, including us. Let’s review the key points from last year and see what’s happening this year.
Last Year’s Mobile Games Market Results
In 2023, the top 10 most profitable apps highlighted the dominance of mobile games:
- On Google Play, six out of ten were mobile games.
- On the App Store, it was evenly split with a 50/50 ratio.
Regarding profitability by category, mobile games led on both platforms. However, apps generally had more downloads, while games were the primary income source.
Critical points from 2023 that shaped the current landscape:
- AI Everywhere: From image generation to content and assistants, AI was ubiquitous.
- Device Usage: Average user time on devices was 5 hours a day.
- Spending Trends: Consumer spending growth slowed due to economic uncertainties and market maturity.
- Download Trends: Mobile game downloads decreased as users became more discerning.
- Major Players: Popular games remained dominant revenue generators.
- Demographics: Younger users preferred racing and RPGs, while older users favored solitaire and puzzles. Men liked sports simulators and RPGs, and women preferred crosswords and puzzles.
- Emerging Genres: Hyper-casual games gained popularity, challenging traditional genres.
Mobile Game Market Geography
Downloads:
- Google Play: Mobile game downloads in India, Brazil, and Indonesia increased significantly. These emerging markets are promising for new projects, and users are less demanding than those in the US.
- App Store: The US led in downloads, followed by Brazil and Indonesia. Notably, iOS dominates in China, similar to the US, regarding installations.
Revenue:
- The US led in user spending on the App Store and Google Play.
- Japan, South Korea, and Germany also ranked high in revenue, varying slightly by store.
Popular Mobile Game Genres (2023-2024)
The top subgenres for consumer spending in 2023 were:
- 4X March Battle (Strategy)
- MMORPG
- Team Battle (RPG)
- Slot Machines (Casinos)
In the US, slots and 4X March Battle were the top genres, while MMORPGs and team combat led in South Korea and Japan. These four subgenres accounted for over a third of global spending on mobile games.
Market Prospects for 2024
The mobile games market is set to remain the driving force of the app industry. In 2024, we can expect:
- Continued growth due to innovation, expanding audiences, and new monetization models.
- Increased competition and challenges in safety and regulation.
- More demanding users with higher expectations.
- Opportunities in new markets through better localization.
- Gamification extends into education, fitness, and other areas, providing new opportunities for developers.
App Store Optimization (ASO) remains crucial for success. Promotion and advertising are essential parts of a strategy to achieve visibility and top search rankings.
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