Mobile Gaming Market

Market Overview:

The global mobile gaming market size reached US$ 91.7 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 201.6 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9% during 2024-2032. The proliferation of smartphones and tablets, the emerging technological advancements enhancing gaming experiences with immersive graphics, and the incorporation of freemium and in-app purchases model success offering diverse revenue streams are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Mobile gaming refers to the act of playing video games on handheld electronic devices. Games are designed for use on various mobile devices, encompassing smartphones, feature phones, smartwatches, pocket personal computers (PCs), and tablets. These games encompass two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) graphics, typically developed using cross-platform application programming tools that are accessible without requiring royalties. It comprises high-speed central processing units (CPUs), dedicated graphics processing units (GPUs), substantial random-access memory (RAM), and high-resolution displays. It is equipped with a comprehensive array of functionalities, such as infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4G connectivity.  Additionally, wireless multiplayer games can be engaged through live synchronous tournaments and turn-based asynchronous tournaments, providing diverse playing experiences.

The market is primarily driven by the growing number of mobile gamers. In addition, the integration of high-speed fifth generation (5G) internet, which contributes to faster data speeds and enhanced real-time control, further enhancing the gaming experience, thus influencing the market growth. Moreover, the increasing use of innovative technologies to create augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) games, coupled with the growth of 3D gaming represents another major growth-inducing factor. Besides this, the integration of mobile devices into the daily lives of individuals, rising disposable income, and easy accessibility to mobile games are accelerating the market growth. Along with this, the growing popularity of esports leagues and the escalating demand for gaming-oriented smartphones that offer immersive real-world experiences in AR- and VR-enabled games are propelling the market growth.

Mobile Gaming Market Trends/Drivers:

The proliferation of smartphones and tablets

The rapid proliferation of smartphones and tablets transformed the mobile gaming market. In addition, the easy accessibility of mobile phones among individuals equipped with advanced hardware components, including high-resolution displays, multi-core processors, and dedicated GPUs are contributing to the market growth. It allows developers to create visually stunning and intricate games that engage players on a deeper level. Moreover, the portability of smartphones and tablets enables gaming on-the-go, providing a convenient escape and entertainment option for individuals during various moments of their day thus representing another major growth-inducing factor. Besides this, players of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy several of gaming experiences, from casual puzzles to graphically intense role playing games (RPGs) are accelerating the market growth.

The emerging technological advancements

The continuous evolution of technological advancements is influencing mobile gaming into new realms of immersion and engagement. Additionally, from augmented reality (AR) to virtual reality (VR) integration, developers are using advanced technologies to create experiences that blur the line between the virtual and real worlds, thus influencing the market growth. Moreover, advanced graphics rendering techniques, dynamic lighting, and realistic physics simulations contribute to a heightened sense of realism in games, thus representing another major growth-inducing factor. Besides this, several improvements in touch-screen responsiveness, haptic feedback, and motion sensing capabilities further enhance player interaction with games, thus accelerating the market growth. Along with this, the integration of augmented reality overlays within real-world environments introduces novel gameplay mechanics and challenges, while virtual reality (VR) transports players into entirely new dimensions, thus providing a positive thrust to the market growth. Furthermore, the advent of 5G connectivity elevate the mobile gaming experience by reducing latency and enabling smoother online multiplayer interactions that captivate players and keep them engaged with ever-evolving gaming scenarios, thus creating a positive market outlook.

The incorporation of freemium and in-app purchases

The freemium model offer games for free while generating revenue through in-app purchases. In addition, the increasing popularity of freemium model lowers the entry barrier for players, allowing them to download and try games without financial commitment, thus influencing the market growth. Also, developers, in turn, generate revenue by offering in-game items, power-ups, customization options, or advanced features for purchase within the game. Moreover, its ability to cater to numerous players, from casual users not spending money to dedicated players who invest in enhancing their gaming experiences represents another major growth-inducing factor. The model encourages extended player engagement, as developers continuously provide updates and content to maintain interest. Furthermore, the freemium model can balance between accessible gameplay and enticing in-app purchases, thus contributing significantly to the sustained growth of the market.

Mobile Gaming Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global mobile gaming market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on type, device type, platform and business model.

Breakup by Type:

• Action or Adventure
• Casino
• Sports and Role Playing
• Strategy and Brain
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes action or adventure, casino, sports and role-playing, strategy, and brain.

Action and adventure games offer intense gameplay experiences that often involve combat, exploration, and dynamic storytelling. These games encompass a variety of genres, from platformers to open-world adventures, providing players with adrenaline-pumping challenges and immersive narratives. Moreover, casino games have a strong foothold in the market, replicating the excitement of traditional casino games including slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette. They capitalize on the convenience of mobile devices, allowing players to experience the thrill of gambling from the palm of their hands.

Besides this, the growing popularity of sports and role-playing games (RPGs) is accelerating market growth. Additionally, sports games such as football, basketball, racing, and tennis, offer quick matches and intuitive controls, making them accessible to a wide audience, contributing to the market growth. Along with this, role-playing games (RPGs) immerse players in intricate narratives, character development, and strategic gameplay, allowing them to explore fantasy worlds and engage in epic quests, thus propelling market growth.

Furthermore, strategy and brain games challenge players' tactical thinking and decision-making skills often involving resource management, base building, and strategic planning, focusing on enhancing cognitive abilities through puzzles, quizzes, and memory exercises, thus creating a positive market outlook.

Breakup by Device Type:

• Smartphone
• Smartwatch
• PDA
• Tablet
• Others
   

Smartphones represent the most popular device type

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the device type. This includes smartphone, smartwatch, PDA, tablet, and others. According to the report, smartphones accounted for the largest market share.

The widespread adoption of smartphones is reshaping the way games are accessed, played, and enjoyed, thus contributing to market growth. Additionally, the rising disposable income, and easy accessibility to smartphones offering versatility and convenience are augmenting the market growth. These pocket-sized powerhouses combine robust processing capabilities, high-resolution displays, and touch-screen interfaces to deliver immersive gaming encounters.

Moreover, smartphones are democratizing gaming, erasing traditional barriers to entry with their portable nature that allows gaming on-the-go and enables users to indulge in quick gaming sessions during commutes, breaks, or downtime representing another major growth-inducing factor. The intuitive touch controls and gyroscopic sensors introduce innovative ways of interacting with games, making them accessible to a wide audience beyond traditional gamers.

Furthermore, the app store ecosystem integrated into smartphones is streamlining game discovery and download, fostering a seamless user experience. Developers can tap into this ecosystem to swiftly distribute and update their games, facilitating a continuous stream of fresh content for players to enjoy.

Breakup by Platform:

• Android
• iOS
• Others
   

Android holds the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the platform has also been provided in the report. This includes android, iOS, and others. According to the report, android accounted for the largest market share.

Android's open-source nature and widespread adoption across numerous devices are contributing to its remarkable success. In addition, this adaptability means that a plethora of smartphones and tablets, from various manufacturers and price points, run on the Android operating system, expanding its potential user base significantly.

Moreover, the Google Play Store, Android's primary app distribution platform, offers an expansive library of games catering to various genres and player preferences thus representing another major growth-inducing factor. This variety enriches the gaming experience, attracting a broad spectrum of players from casual enthusiasts to avid gamers.

Besides this, the easy availability of development tools and resources for Android is essential. Developers can create and publish games with relative ease, tapping into a robust ecosystem that supports innovation and experimentation leads to a steady influx of new and creative games hitting the Android market regularly. Furthermore, the seamless integration of Android devices with Google services and technologies enhances the gaming experience.

Breakup by Business Model:

• Freemium
• Paid
• Free
• Paymium
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the business model has also been provided in the report. This includes freemium, paid, free, and paymium.

The freemium model offers games for free download while monetizing through in-app purchases which allows initial access without financial commitment. It offers players the flexibility to enhance their gaming experience by purchasing virtual items, power-ups, or premium features within the game.

Moreover, paid games require an upfront purchase cost for full access. While less prevalent than freemium, paid games often cater to a niche audience seeking a premium experience without in-app purchases. This model offers developers a clear revenue stream from each sale but may limit initial user acquisition due to the upfront cost.

Besides this, the free games model offers complete gameplay without any cost, relying solely on in-game advertising to generate revenue which typically attracts a large player base, thus accelerating the market growth. Furthermore, the paymium model combines elements of paid and freemium models. Players initially download the game for free but are later required to pay for additional content or features to unlock the full experience which offers a taste of the game's potential, encouraging players to invest for a more comprehensive engagement.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa.  According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

The Asia Pacific region is dominating the global market. In addition, the growing population, rising disposable income, and the significant portion of mobile device users, in Asia Pacific market are accelerating the market growth.  Also, Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are driving the region's mobile gaming prowess. Moreover, the widespread adoption of smartphones, coupled with diverse gaming preferences are driving the demand for several games, from casual titles to complex multiplayer experiences representing another major growth-inducing factor. Along with this, the inclination toward social gaming and the popularity of esports with large-scale tournaments and competitive gaming leagues are attracting players and spectators, thus propelling market growth.

Besides this, Europe showcases a diverse gaming culture with a preference for various game genres on mobile and traditional platforms accelerating the market growth. Additionally, the increasing adoption of smartphones as gaming platforms and the integration of mobile gaming with social interactions are propelling the market growth. Furthermore, North America, a hub for gaming giants, maintains a strong foothold in the industry. In addition, leading gaming companies and studios headquartered in the region are driving innovation, resulting in captivating gaming experiences.

Competitive Landscape:

Nowadays, key players in the market are strategically implementing various measures to fortify their positions and capitalize on the industry's growth potential. Additionally, leading companies such as Tencent, Electronic Arts (EA), and Supercell consistently invest in developing innovative and captivating game titles focusing on enhancing gameplay mechanics, graphics quality, and immersive experiences to attract and retain players. Moreover, emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) provide a competitive edge. For instance, Niantic, famous for Pokemon GO, actively explores AR gaming advancements. Besides this, strategic acquisitions of promising studios or successful games enable companies to expand their portfolios. Along with this, key players are tapping into the esports trend by organizing and sponsoring competitive gaming tournaments and leagues. For instance, Activision Blizzard hosts the Call of Duty League and Overwatch League, fostering a vibrant competitive gaming ecosystem.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Activision Blizzard Inc.
• Electronic Arts Inc.
• Gameloft SE (Vivendi SE)
• GungHo Online Entertainment Inc.
• Kabam Games Inc
• Nintendo Co. Ltd
• Rovio Entertainment Oyj
• Supercell Oy (Tencent Holdings Ltd)
• Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.
• Ubisoft Entertainment SA

Recent Developments:

• In May 2022, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. acquired Zynga by investing US$ 12.7 Billion, the social game developer’s FarmVille franchise, and expanded its presence in free-to-play mobile games.
• In November 2022, Nintendo Co. Ltd collaborated with the Super Mario Run creator and announced a joint venture with mobile provider DeNA to strengthen digitalization and develop a new business named Nintendo Systems Co. Ltd, which opened in April 2023.
• In June 2023, Ubisoft Entertainment SA and Level Infinite are pleased to announce that, after the licensing collaboration revealed in July 2022 by Ubisoft, Level Infinite will take on the role of publisher for the mobile game titled Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade.

Mobile Gaming Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global mobile gaming market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global mobile gaming market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global mobile gaming market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive mobile gaming market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the mobile gaming market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the device type?
• Which is the most attractive device type in the mobile gaming market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the platform?
• Which is the most attractive platform in the mobile gaming market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the business model?
• Which is the most attractive business model in the mobile gaming market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global mobile gaming market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global mobile gaming market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the mobile gaming market from 2018-2032.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global mobile gaming market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the mobile gaming industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.