Measuring downloads and revenue of apps helps to shed light on the most popular mobile game genres.
data.ai’s State of Mobile 2022 report found that these subgenres accrued the most downloads worldwide in 2021:
- Action (Hyper casual) – 4.01 billion downloads
- Puzzle (Hyper casual) – 3.78 billion downloads
- Simulation (Hyper casual) – 3.15 billion downloads
- Kids (Other) – 2.57 billion downloads
- Driving (Simulation) – 1.63 billion downloads
Mobile game player spending is set to reach $138 billion by 2025, according to data from SensorTower.
However, a high number of downloads doesn’t always translate to a high revenue share. The same report reveals these to be the top subgenres by consumer spend:
- Strategy – $9.7 billion
- MMORPG – $8.43 billion
- RPG – $8.02 billion
- Casino – $5.57 billion
- Match – $3.92 billion
Not all gaming apps monetize via consumer spend, however. For hyper casuals, in-app advertising is the key way that revenue is generated. So while mid- and hard-core titles across the strategy, MMORPG and casino spaces pull in the most consumer dollars, they aren’t necessarily bringing the most value. Hyper casuals are quick. relatively cheap to make, and can also offer huge returns. It’s all about determining the type of app you want to make, the amount of investment you’re willing or able to put into it, and how you want to monetize. Once these questions are answered, you can pick a vertical or genre to hone in on.
