Mobile games have faced significant challenges recently due to a combination of factors, including the post-pandemic era, the looming recession, and privacy changes. The Mobile Games Index, a joint effort by adjoe and Statista, has shed light on the current mobile game market outlook and the games driving the most engaging in-app experiences.
The report reveals that the amount of time users spend playing games has decreased by 21% across gaming genres over the past year. Casual games have been hit the hardest, with a decrease in daily app usage of 26%from the previous Index. None of the six global gaming regions could outperform their 2021 results, with average daily session durations consistently remaining below 20 minutes.
Despite these challenges, the report predicts growth in certain app categories, with adventure and role-playing games expected to experience the most significant increase in downloads and revenue by 2027. Additionally, Asia is a key growth area, accounting for most mobile game revenue generated worldwide, and is expected to grow by over 50% by 2027.
The Mobile Games Index also highlights the dominance of some of mobile’s most prominent players, including Supercell, King, Playrix, Funplus, and Outfit7, who have won multiple awards based on their ability to captivate audiences. These legacy games, such as Candy Crush and Clash of Clans, demonstrate the power of building a cult following and its impact on users’ gameplay.
According to Carly Ostasiewski, Director of Growth at adjoe:
“Mobile game studios previously came out as one of the pandemic’s biggest winners. However, with changing platform rules from Apple and Android and players’ interests being diverted away from their post-pandemic behaviors, it is clear that studios have had more challenging times reaching, retaining, and engaging their new users.”
Batuhan Avucan, Founder of Mobidictum, commented:
“Action games have great potential but are one of the hardest to compete in. The graphics are more realistic than ever. Players can invest in games, own items, and build their profile for years. After that, once you’re hooked, it’s hard to switch to another game. The popularity of esports is also helping the competitive landscape in action games, but entering this market requires a great vision, funding, and patience.”
Overall, the Mobile Games Index suggests that the mobile game industry is still poised for growth despite its challenging landscape. By focusing on the app categories and games driving the most engagement, mobile game studios can position themselves for success in the years ahead.
Follow the link to access the Mobile Games Index 2023
