Zeynep Dierks, a Researcher specializing in the Turkish market at Statista, and Berkay Doğan Uslu, Senior Demand Growth Manager at Adjoe, discussed the state of and trends in the Turkish mobile gaming market, exploring the rise of mobile gaming and diving into the leading publishers, gaming apps, and gamer behavior.
Over the past few years, Turkiye has become one of the main centers of the global mobile gaming industry, gaining the attention of major players in the field.
One of them, Adjoe, has been driving mobile game growth for publishers and developers in the region with its disruptive, LTV-centric solutions.
By working together with Statista, Adjoe offers exclusive insights into the Turkish mobile gaming market, providing a fresh perspective on the trends that are shaping the industry. Through this collaborative and comprehensive analysis, stakeholders can understand the complexities of the market and tap into its full potential.
Global Overview and Turkiye’s Stance
Of all the segments in the video gaming industry, mobile games are experiencing the most rapid growth, clearly standing out from the rest. The only area seeing slower momentum is physically sold video games, but aside from that, the entire industry is thriving, with growth being the dominant trend.
According to forecasts at Statista, the Turkish mobile gaming market is poised for significant growth, expected to reach $500 million by 2029.
Turkiye, in particular, has experienced significant changes within its gaming sector, driven by increasing investments and a shift towards mobile gaming.
The COVID era proved to be a boom for Turkiye’s mobile gaming industry, with 148 new studios established in both 2020 and 2021. This surge was largely driven by the hypercasual genre, which resonated with users through its simple gameplay, quick progression, and rewarding experiences.
The genre’s success significantly boosted installs and expanded the market, cementing Turkiye’s presence in the global gaming landscape and fueling the rise of numerous startups.
However, the trend has since shifted—while we’re now seeing fewer new studios being founded, the focus has turned towards the growth of larger, more established companies.
Investment Growth
In 2021 and 2022, Turkiye’s gaming industry attracted significant investment, with many publishers benefiting from this stream of capital. Among them, Dream Games stood out, securing the largest share of investment during this period.
Peak Games, which was acquired by Zynga—one of the largest gaming companies—has achieved impressive revenue and download statistics, particularly with its hit titles Match Factory and Toy Blast. These successes have attracted the attention of major international publishers, solidifying Turkiye’s presence in the global gaming industry.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic accelerated the rise of mobile games and led to a surge in startups and investments. Mobile games market in Turkiye gained popularity during the pandemic, with a significant increase in downloads and revenue.
Number of Gamers in Turkiye
In Turkiye, the total number of mobile gamers has notably surged, making mobile the dominant gaming platform. As of 2023, the number of people who prefer to play games on the console and PC decreased, equaling about 11 and 20 million, respectively. Each year, gamers mostly preferred playing on mobile platforms, peaking at 44 million gamers in 2023.
Market Dynamics
There has been a steady decrease in the market share for PC and console gaming in Turkiye. However, this has been offset by the increasing ARPU, particularly in the mobile gaming segment. The Turkish market’s revenues are now comparable to major European markets.
Although Turkiye is not yet among the top three markets, it experienced the fastest revenue growth during the pandemic and was the least affected by the post-pandemic slowdown.
Mobile Dominance and Genre Trends
Mobile gaming dominance in Turkiye is evident with the success of local studios in producing popular casual and puzzle games. The evolution of game genres shows a preference for these types of games in 2022, as compared to earlier data.
Conclusion
Turkish mobile gaming market has rapidly positioned itself as a global force, marked by impressive growth, significant investment, and a vibrant player base. Fueled by the pandemic’s impact and a shift toward mobile-first experiences, the market has become increasingly lucrative, drawing attention from both local innovators and international players.
With major successes from studios like Dream Games and Peak Games, Türkiye has solidified its status as an influential player in the mobile gaming industry.
As industry dynamics continue to evolve, the Turkish mobile gaming market is set for sustained growth, particularly in casual and puzzle game genres that cater to local preferences. For publishers, developers, and investors looking to capitalize on this momentum, the insights shared by Adjoe and Statista offer valuable perspectives on navigating this unique landscape.
By understanding the nuances of Turkish gamer behavior, genre preferences, and market trends, stakeholders can tap into Türkiye’s robust gaming ecosystem and maximize the opportunities it offers on the global stage.
You can access the latest data from Statista on video gaming in Türkiye here.
