Mobile Gaming Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Game Type (Shooter, Action, Sports, Role Playing, and Others), By Platform (Android, iOS, and Others), By Business Model (In-app Purchase, Advertising, and Paid Purchases), By End-user (Male and Female), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global mobile gaming market size was valued at USD 106.53 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 121.00 billion in 2025 to USD 232.58 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.78% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the mobile gaming market with a market share of 47.04% in 2024.

The rise of e-sports has transformed mobile gaming into a competitive sport, attracting both players and spectators on a global scale. Large-scale tournaments and leagues have emerged as major drivers of the market growth. Several companies, such as Electronic Arts, Nintendo Co., Ltd., NetEase, Inc., and Gameloft SE, are investing heavily in high-quality e-sports by organizing and sponsoring tournaments while also incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into mobile games. These innovations are further boosting the industry's visibility and broadening its appeal. Furthermore, high-speed internet access, particularly with the rollout of 5G networks, provides a seamless gaming experience. This enhances overall gameplay quality, making smartphone gaming more attractive to consumers and leading to an increase in average revenue per user within the market.

For instance, according to data from 5G Americas, an industry trade organization, as of the first quarter of 2024, global 5G connections have reached approximately 2 billion, with an increase of 185 million new connections. Projections indicate that this number will rise to 7.7 billion by 2028.

GLOBAL MOBILE GAMING MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024: USD 106.53 billion
• 2025: USD 121.00 billion
• 2032 (Forecast): USD 232.58 billion
• CAGR (2025–2032): 9.78%

Market Share:

• Asia Pacific: 47.04% in 2024, led by youth population, smartphone growth, and esports expansion.
• Shooter games dominate due to strong multiplayer engagement.
• Android leads for accessibility; iOS grows fastest due to higher user spending.
• In-app purchases are the top monetization model.
• Male users dominate but female segment growing rapidly.

Key Country Highlights:

• China, India: Huge youth base and mobile-first population fuel massive demand.
• U.S.: Home to top developers, esports platforms, and tech-driven innovation.
• Germany & France: AR/VR adoption and esports culture boost user engagement.
• Brazil & Argentina: Local developer ecosystem and improving infrastructure drive growth.
• UAE & Saudi Arabia: Fast 4G/5G rollout and youth entertainment demand fuel expansion.

Mobile Gaming Market Trends

Increasing User Penetration in Gaming World to Boost Market Growth

The percentage of the population actively involved in the gaming world plays a vital role in shaping the market trend of mobile gaming. As user penetration increases, the number of individuals playing games on mobile phones also rises, which boosts the overall market growth of mobile-based gaming. Besides, the expanding user base creates a larger market for developers and publishers, leading to higher revenues for the market.  

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Growing Smartphone Usage and Rollout of 5G Networks to Support Market Growth

The increasing availability and affordability of smartphones have broadened the audience for mobile gaming. As more people own smartphones, the potential market for mobile games expands, particularly in emerging regions.  Modern smartphones offer advanced processors, high-resolution displays, and dedicated GPUs, enabling developers to create more immersive mobile gaming experiences. Besides, the rollout of 5G networks and advancements in cloud gaming technology improve connectivity, allowing for smoother online multiplayer gamely and support for more complex game mechanics. These technological improvements are attracting a wide range of users, from casual players to hardcore gamers. For instance, currently, more than half of the global population, approximately 4.3 billion people, possess smartphones, as reported in the GSMA's 2023 State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report.

Market Restraints

Increasing Data Privacy Concerns to Limit Market Growth

The enforcement of new regulations, such as the Digital Market Act and privacy laws, requires mobile game developers to invest more in compliance efforts, which can be costly and time-consuming. Therefore, the need to balance privacy with monetization can lead to the adoption of less effective revenue models, potentially reducing overall market revenue. Besides, gamers are increasingly concerned about data privacy, with many willing to delete apps or stop supporting companies involved in data breaches. This may lead to reduced user retention, negative publicity, and reduced average revenue per user (ARPU), impacting market growth.

Market Opportunities

Emerging Technologies and Innovations to Offer Market Opportunity

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies into mobile games offers immersive gaming experiences, attracting a wide type of gamers. This enhances user engagement and retention, driving mobile gaming market growth. Additionally, AI creates personalized gaming experiences by adapting difficulty levels and content based on player behavior, enhancing user satisfaction, and encouraging longer play sessions. Besides, AR and VR unlock innovative gameplay formats that combine the physical and digital worlds, creating unique and captivating experiences for users. For instance, in October 2023, Nextech3D.ai launched AR-based games within its newly developed AR-powered mobile app, designed for trade show organizers. This innovative app integrates AR technology to enhance attendee engagement and provide unique sponsorship opportunities.

Segmentation Analysis

By Game Type

Strong Community Engagement Encouraged Shooter Segment Expansion

Based on game type, the market is divided into shooter, action, sports, role playing, and others.

The shooter segment captured the maximum share of the market. Shooter games, specifically those featuring multiplayer modes, foster strong community engagement and competitive spirit. This encourages player retention and attracts new users through social interactions and eSports events, which boosts segment growth.

The others segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the near term. This category includes puzzle games, card games, and popular titles such as Candy Crush Saga. These games are categorized under casual gaming, which is easy to pick up and play, making them accessible to a wide audience, including casual gamers.

By Platform

Android Segment to Dominate Owing to Its User-Friendly Nature and Affordability

On the basis of the platform, the market is sectioned into Android, iOS, and others.

The Android segment is likely to lead the market during the estimated period. Android devices are generally more affordable than iOS devices, making them accessible to a wider demographic. This affordability contributes to a larger potential market for Android games. Moreover, Android offers a developer-friendly environment with tools, such as Android Studio, making it easier for developers to create and distribute games.

The iOS segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR in the upcoming years. iOS users spend more on in-app purchases compared to Android users, making iOS a lucrative platform for developers seeking high revenue per user. This higher spending power attracts developers to create premium content for iOS. Additionally, iOS tends to attract a demographic with higher disposable income, further contributing to its revenue growth.

By Business Model

In-app Purchase Segment Leads Due to Developer Preference

By business model, the market is separated into in-app purchase, advertising, and paid purchases.

The in-app purchase segment holds the largest share of the market. In-app purchases generate a continuous revenue stream through consumables, subscriptions, and non-consumable items. This model is more attractive than one-time paid purchases, making it a preferred monetization strategy for developers and contributing to segment growth.

The paid purchase segment is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coming years. Paid games, often found on platforms such as the Google Play Store, offer a more sophisticated and premium experience, attracting users who are willing to pay for high-quality content. This segment attracts players seeking immersive experiences without the distractions of ads or aggressive monetization strategies, augmenting the segment’s growth.

By End-user

Male Segment Dominated Due to Competitive Gameplay Nature of Male Participants  

In terms of end-user, the market is bifurcated into male and female.

The male segment held a dominant share of the market.  Video games, including mobile games, meet several psychological needs of the male population, such as achievement, creativity, exploration, and socialization. These needs are often fulfilled through competitive gameplay, creative expression, and social interactions within games, fueling segment growth.

The female segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the near future. Women are becoming increasingly active in the mobile gaming space, with many playing games more than five times a week. This high level of engagement reflects a shift in the gaming demographic and contributes to the expanding influence of female gamers, driving growth and diversity in the market.

Mobile Gaming Market Regional Outlook

By region, the market is divided into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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In 2024, Asia Pacific secured a major share of 47.44% of the global mobile gaming market. The region has a vast and young demographic with a high affinity for digital entertainment. This demographic, combined with rapid smartphone adoption, creates a massive potential audience for mobile games. Besides, mobile devices are increasingly becoming affordable in Asian countries, making mobile gaming accessible to a broader audience within the region. For instance, according to the Observer Research Foundation published data, in August 2023, India boasts the world's largest youth population, with approximately 808 million people, or 66% of its total population, under the age of 35.

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Europe

The growing popularity of esports in Europe contributes to the games market growth. Events such as Games.com Cologne attract large audiences, and the esports fan base is expanding rapidly. Additionally, the adoption of emerging technologies such as AR and VR in mobile games offers immersive experiences, attracting both casual and committed players. For instance, in March 2025, OG Esports announced its expansion into Western Europe with the establishment of a new esports team. This team will participate in tournaments for the popular mobile game Honor of Kings, marking OG Esports' entry into the mobile esports arena.

North America

The region is home to prominent game developers such as Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and Zynga, which contribute to its strong gaming ecosystem. The region has a vibrant esports scene, with significant investments in competitive gaming platforms and events, further boosting the market. Major companies in the region have been developing advanced and innovative technologies to launch new products in the market.

The U.S. is also home to major game developers and publishers, supporting innovation and the creation of high-quality mobile games. Besides, the adoption of cloud gaming services and AR and VR technologies enhances the gaming experience, attracting more users and driving market growth. For instance, in July 2021, Mobile Premier League (MPL), an Indian online gaming platform, launched its app in the U.S. market, making it available for download on both Android and Apple app stores. This marked a significant expansion for MPL, enabling it to capture a share of the large mobile gaming market in the U.S.

South America and Middle East & Africa

The expanding developer ecosystem in cities such as Buenos Aires fosters innovation and the creation of regionally relevant games, attracting both domestic and international investment. Countries such as Brazil and Argentina are investing in digital infrastructure, which supports the growth of the phone-based gaming market by improving connectivity and access to high-quality games. Furthermore, improvements in internet connectivity, particularly with the rollout of 4G and 5G networks in the Middle East & Africa, are enhancing the smartphone gaming experience by supporting smoother online gameplay. The affordability and availability of smartphones in the Middle East & Africa have also increased significantly, contributing to the region’s growing mobile gaming market share.

Competitive Landscape

Key Market Players

Increasing Diversification of Game Genres and Monetization by Key Players to Boost Market Revenue

The mobile gaming market is highly saturated, with several types of games competing for attention. By offering a diverse range of genres, companies can attract different segments of the market, reducing reliance on a single genre and mitigating the risk of market saturation. Additionally, diversifying genres allows developers to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences. As new genres emerge or existing ones evolve, companies that diversify can capitalize on these trends, staying ahead of competitors. Additionally, companies that successfully diversify their monetization strategies can differentiate themselves from competitors, offering more flexible and attractive options to players. For instance, in May 2024, LinkedIn expanded its platform by introducing gaming to enhance user engagement and foster a more enjoyable experience. The company has launched three puzzle games, Pinpoint, Queens, and Crossclimb, which can be played on mobile phones. These games aim to spark conversations and friendly competition among professionals worldwide.

List of Key Mobile Gaming Companies Profiled:

• Electronic Arts (U.S.)
• Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• NetEase, Inc. (China)
• Gameloft SE (France)
• Tencent (China)
• Microsoft Corporation (U.S.)
• Niantic, Inc. (U.S.)
• Supercell Oy (Finland)
• Zynga Inc. (U.S.)
• Epic Games (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• November 2024 - Words With Friends, an online gaming platform, introduced a new suite of game modes to enhance player engagement and provide more diverse gameplay options. These new modes cater to both solo players and competitive participants, offering a range of puzzle-based challenges.
• May 2024 – NetEase, Inc., a Chinese internet and online game services provider, unveiled an exciting lineup of over 40 game franchises and products during its annual product launch event. The event highlighted new game plans and content updates for titles such as Where Winds Meet, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT Mobile, Once Human, Ashfall, and Lost Light.
• December 2023 – Activision Blizzard, an American gaming platform, planned to launch its own mobile game store before being acquired by Microsoft. This initiative was dubbed the "Steam of Mobile" and aimed to create a mobile storefront with a lower transaction fee compared to existing stores such as Google Play.
• September 2023 – Electronic Arts, a U.S.-based gaming platform, transitioned from the FIFA brand to EA Sports FC, starting with EA Sports FC 24. The company continues to adopt a multiplatform approach, ensuring its games are accessible across various devices, including consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms.
• February 2023 – Ubisoft, a mobile game provider company, revealed plans to launch two major mobile games, Rainbow Six Mobile and The Division Resurgence, in 2024. The company’s product lineup for 2023-24 also includes major releases such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Additionally, beta programs are planned for Skull and Bones, The Crew Motorfest, and XDefiant, offering players the chance to test upcoming live games.

REPORT COVERAGE

The mobile gaming market research report provides a comprehensive analysis, focusing on key elements such as major companies, regional and market segmentation, competitive dynamics, game type, platform, business model, and end-user. Additionally, it offers insights into market dynamics and highlights significant developments within the industry. Beyond these aspects, it also examines various factors that have contributed to market growth in recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation