Continuous Growth of the Mobile Games Market

In 2025, the global mobile games market continues to demonstrate robust growth. According to SmartyAds, global mobile game revenue is expected to reach $105.7 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.06% through 2027, reaching $118.9 billion. Additionally, the number of users in the mobile gaming segment is projected to reach 1.9 billion by 2027.

Sensor Tower reported that in 2024, in-app purchase revenue grew by 4% year-over-year, with time spent increasing by 8% and the number of sessions rising by 12%, even with a continued decline in downloads. This indicates greater retention and engagement of users in existing games.

Emerging Trends in 2025

1. Dominance of Hybrid-Casual Games Hybrid-casual games are gaining prominence in 2025, combining the accessibility of casual games with deeper and more engaging mechanics. This approach attracts a wide range of players, offering experiences that are easy to pick up but difficult to master.

2. Technological Advancements and AI Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing mobile game development, enabling real-time experiences tailored to player behavior. This includes dynamic content, adaptive levels, and personalized narratives, increasing immersion and game longevity.

3. Innovative Monetization Strategies Developers are exploring new forms of monetization, such as smaller battle passes and separate monetization by game modes. These strategies aim to convert non-paying players into paying ones by offering more accessible and specific options.

Top News and Releases

Valorant Mobile Riot Games has announced that Valorant Mobile, the mobile adaptation of its popular first-person shooter, will initially launch in China. Development is being handled by the Chinese studio LightSpeed, known for creating mobile versions of other major shooters like PUBG and Apex Legends. Pre-registration for testing is already open for Chinese players, offering exclusive player cards through in-game missions. While there is still no confirmed global release date, Riot indicates that the game will start in China and expand globally based on initial performance.

Sonic Rumble Developed by Sonic Team in collaboration with Rovio Entertainment, Sonic Rumble is a party and battle royale game featuring miniature versions of Sonic characters competing in various challenges and mini-games. The game supports up to 32 players in online matches, with modes like 'Ring Survival', 'Co-Op Battles', and 'Special Rumble'. The release is scheduled for May 8, 2025.

Rainbow Six Mobile Rainbow Six Mobile is the mobile adaptation of Ubisoft's popular tactical shooter. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the game was announced in April 2022, and its beta version ended in September of the same year. Currently, the beta version is available in countries such as Canada, Mexico, France, Chile, and Colombia. The official release is expected in 2025-2026.

Palworld Mobile In October 2024, Pocketpair announced a partnership with South Korean publisher Krafton to bring its game Palworld to mobile platforms. The adaptation is being handled by Krafton's subsidiary, PUBG Studios, aiming to faithfully reinterpret the core elements of the original game in the mobile environment.

Future Expectations

The mobile gaming market is becoming increasingly diverse and innovative, creating new opportunities for growth. From hybridization to user-centric design, apps are redefining what engagement and retention mean. These trends are expected to shape the future of the app industry.

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