GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Mobile Games Industry Statistics

The mobile games industry is projected to continue its robust growth, with an estimated global revenue of over $78 billion in 2021.

Highlights: Mobile Games Industry Statistics

  • In 2021, the global mobile gaming market generated $77.2 billion in revenue.
  • The United States had 203 million mobile game players in 2020.
  • In 2020, 74% of mobile app spend was on games.
  • The highest-grossing mobile game in December 2020 was Pokemon Go, making over $177 million worldwide.
  • By 2025, the number of mobile gamers is predicted to reach 2.723 billion.
  • In 2021, casual games dominated the mobile app download market, with 78% of total game downloads.
  • Mobile gamers in the US spent an average of $87 on in-game purchases in 2019.
  • Mobile games are expected to earn $272 billion by 2030.
  • Over 40% of the world's population play mobile games.
  • China had the highest mobile game revenue in the world at $41 billion in 2020.
  • 10% of all mobile gamers use a tablet to play games.
  • Female players account for 63% of all mobile game players.
  • As of 2021, Puzzle genre games had the highest mobile download rate, at 57.8%.
  • Around 36% of mobile gamers are aged 25 to 36.
  • 62% of smartphone owners install a game on their phone within a week of getting it.
  • Casual games account for over 50% of daily gameplay.

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The Latest Mobile Games Industry Statistics Explained

In 2021, the global mobile gaming market generated $77.2 billion in revenue.

In 2021, the global mobile gaming market generated $77.2 billion in revenue, indicating a significant financial impact on the gaming industry. This statistic signifies the growing popularity and profitability of mobile gaming, as more people turn to their smartphones and tablets for entertainment. The revenue figure highlights the immense opportunity for game developers, advertisers, and investors in the mobile gaming sector. Overall, the $77.2 billion revenue generated from mobile gaming in 2021 underscores the industry’s robust growth and importance in the overall gaming market landscape.

The United States had 203 million mobile game players in 2020.

The statistic that the United States had 203 million mobile game players in 2020 indicates the substantial popularity and widespread adoption of mobile gaming within the country during that year. This large number signifies that a significant portion of the population engages in playing mobile games, highlighting the prevalence and mainstream acceptance of this form of entertainment. The high number of mobile game players suggests that mobile gaming has become a common leisure activity for many individuals across different age groups, reflecting the widespread availability and accessibility of mobile devices and the diverse range of games offered on these platforms.

In 2020, 74% of mobile app spend was on games.

The statistic “In 2020, 74% of mobile app spend was on games” indicates that the vast majority of money spent on mobile applications during the year 2020 was allocated towards games. This suggests that gaming apps were the most popular and lucrative category within the mobile app market for that particular year. This statistic could be reflective of various factors, such as the increasing popularity of gaming apps, changing consumer preferences, and the overall growth of the gaming industry in the mobile market. By highlighting this figure, it becomes evident that games have a significant influence on mobile app spending habits and play a crucial role in driving revenue within the mobile app industry.

The highest-grossing mobile game in December 2020 was Pokemon Go, making over $177 million worldwide.

The statistic indicates that in December 2020, Pokemon Go was the most financially successful mobile game, generating a revenue of more than $177 million globally. This suggests that Pokemon Go experienced a surge in popularity and engagement among players during that time period, likely due to special events, new content releases, or holiday promotions. The significant revenue figure highlights the game’s strong market presence and continued success in the mobile gaming industry, positioning it as a dominant player in the competitive landscape of mobile gaming applications.

By 2025, the number of mobile gamers is predicted to reach 2.723 billion.

The statistic implies that the global mobile gaming industry is expected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years, with a predicted increase in the number of mobile gamers to 2.723 billion by 2025. This estimate suggests a significant surge in the popularity and adoption of mobile gaming across the world. Factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, improved mobile gaming technology, and a wide range of diverse and engaging mobile games are likely to contribute to this growth. The projection highlights the lucrative and expansive nature of the mobile gaming market, indicating promising opportunities for game developers, advertisers, and other stakeholders in the industry.

In 2021, casual games dominated the mobile app download market, with 78% of total game downloads.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2021, casual games held a significant share in the mobile app download market, accounting for 78% of total game downloads. This suggests that casual games were highly popular and widely preferred by mobile app users during that period. The dominance of casual games points towards a trend where users are gravitating towards more accessible, easy-to-play games that are suitable for short bursts of gameplay on mobile devices. The statistic highlights the strong appeal and widespread adoption of casual games among smartphone users, shaping the landscape of the mobile gaming industry in 2021.

Mobile gamers in the US spent an average of $87 on in-game purchases in 2019.

The statistic “Mobile gamers in the US spent an average of $87 on in-game purchases in 2019” indicates the average amount of money that mobile gamers in the United States spent on virtual items or enhancements within mobile games during the year 2019. This average spending amount is calculated by taking the total amount of money spent on in-game purchases by all mobile gamers in the US and dividing it by the total number of mobile gamers. It is a metric that provides insight into the consumer behavior within the mobile gaming industry, reflecting the willingness of players to invest in virtual goods to enhance their gaming experience. This statistic can inform mobile game developers, marketers, and industry analysts on trends and opportunities within the mobile gaming market.

Mobile games are expected to earn $272 billion by 2030.

The statistic “Mobile games are expected to earn $272 billion by 2030” indicates a significant growth projection in the revenue generated by the mobile gaming industry over the next decade. This statistic suggests that the mobile gaming market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by the increasing global popularity of mobile gaming as a form of entertainment and the growing accessibility of smartphones and mobile devices. The projected revenue of $272 billion by 2030 also highlights the lucrative nature of the mobile gaming industry and its potential for substantial economic impact. This statistic underscores the importance of mobile games as a major player in the overall gaming industry and as a key driver of future revenue generation.

Over 40% of the world’s population play mobile games.

The statistic “Over 40% of the world’s population play mobile games” indicates that a significant portion of the global population engages in playing games on mobile devices. This statistic suggests that mobile gaming is a prevalent and popular form of entertainment and leisure activity worldwide. The widespread adoption of mobile games can be attributed to the increasing accessibility of smartphones and the convenience they offer in providing entertainment on-the-go. This statistic also underscores the potential reach and impact of mobile gaming in reaching a diverse and extensive audience across different demographics and regions.

China had the highest mobile game revenue in the world at $41 billion in 2020.

The statistic stating that China had the highest mobile game revenue in the world at $41 billion in 2020 highlights the significant economic impact of the mobile gaming industry in the country. This figure demonstrates the immense popularity and market size of mobile games in China, reflecting the large consumer base and their increasing willingness to spend on in-app purchases and game-related services. The statistic also underscores the importance of China as a key player in the global mobile gaming market, influencing industry trends and revenue generation on a worldwide scale.

10% of all mobile gamers use a tablet to play games.

This statistic indicates that out of the total population of mobile gamers, which includes individuals who play games on their mobile devices such as smartphones, 10% specifically choose to use a tablet for gaming purposes. This suggests that tablets are a popular choice for a subset of mobile gamers, potentially due to factors such as larger screen sizes, better performance capabilities, or simply personal preference. Understanding this statistic can be valuable for game developers and marketers looking to target this demographic of gamers who prefer using tablets, enabling them to tailor their products and strategies to better cater to this segment of the market.

Female players account for 63% of all mobile game players.

The statistic ‘Female players account for 63% of all mobile game players’ indicates that a significant majority of individuals who play mobile games are female, comprising nearly two-thirds of the total player population. This data suggests that mobile gaming is a popular form of entertainment among women, highlighting their substantial presence and engagement in the market. Understanding the demographics of mobile gamers can help game developers tailor their products and marketing strategies to better cater to this sizable female audience and potentially tap into the significant market share they represent.

As of 2021, Puzzle genre games had the highest mobile download rate, at 57.8%.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, Puzzle genre games had the highest mobile download rate compared to other genres, with a rate of 57.8%. This means that more than half of the total mobile game downloads were attributed to Puzzle games. The popularity of Puzzle games can be attributed to their universal appeal, as they are often engaging, entertaining, and accessible to a wide range of age groups and demographics. The high download rate reflects the strong demand for Puzzle games among mobile gamers, potentially driven by factors such as their addictive gameplay, strategic thinking elements, and ability to provide a casual yet challenging gaming experience on-the-go.

Around 36% of mobile gamers are aged 25 to 36.

This statistic indicates that approximately 36% of individuals who play games on mobile devices are between the ages of 25 and 36. This age group represents a significant portion of the mobile gaming population, suggesting that young adults in their mid-20s to mid-30s have a strong presence in the mobile gaming market. This information is valuable for game developers and marketers as it highlights the demographic profile of the target audience for mobile games, informing the design, promotion, and monetization strategies to cater to the preferences and behaviors of this specific age group. Understanding the age distribution of mobile gamers can help businesses tailor their offerings to better meet the needs and interests of this key demographic segment.

62% of smartphone owners install a game on their phone within a week of getting it.

The statistic that 62% of smartphone owners install a game on their phone within a week of getting it indicates a high prevalence of gaming behavior among smartphone users. This suggests that a significant portion of smartphone owners find gaming to be a popular and engaging activity on their devices soon after acquiring them. The statistic highlights the rapid adoption of gaming applications by smartphone users, reflecting the widespread appeal and accessibility of games on mobile devices. This information can be valuable for companies in the gaming industry, as it emphasizes the importance of creating mobile-friendly games to cater to the preferences and behaviors of smartphone users.

Casual games account for over 50% of daily gameplay.

The statistic stating that casual games account for over 50% of daily gameplay implies that a significant portion of the time spent playing games each day is devoted to casual games, as opposed to more complex or immersive gaming experiences. This statistic suggests that casual games, which are typically characterized by simpler gameplay mechanics and shorter play sessions, are extremely popular and widely accessed by a large number of players. The appeal of casual games may stem from their accessibility, ease of play, and ability to be enjoyed in short bursts, making them a favored choice for many individuals looking to relax, pass the time, or entertain themselves throughout the day.

Conclusion

The mobile games industry continues to demonstrate remarkable growth and potential, driven by a combination of innovative technology, increasing smartphone penetration, and evolving consumer preferences. With revenue projections soaring and user engagement at an all-time high, the future looks incredibly promising for developers and investors alike in this dynamic and rapidly expanding market. As the industry landscape evolves, keeping a close eye on emerging trends and leveraging data-driven insights will be key to staying ahead of the curve and unlocking new opportunities for success.

References

0. – https://www.deltadna.com

1. – https://www.www.businessofapps.com

2. – https://www.www.ironsrc.com

3. – https://www.www.statista.com

4. – https://www.techjury.net

5. – https://www.gameanalytics.com

6. – https://www.www.appannie.com

7. – https://www.www.wepc.com

8. – https://www.www.gamesindustry.biz

9. – https://www.www.scmp.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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