The first half of 2023 has revealed some interesting numbers in terms of the mobile gaming market. According to figures to have been compiled, while mobile app revenue is continually on the rise, the revenues that were experienced across mobile games had dropped.
This was the case across both Android and iOS devices, as it would appear gamers were spending less on their favorite titles. Nonetheless, the market is expected to return to normal in the final six months of the year and climb once again. Essentially, the first part of the year seems to be an outlier and nothing more than a blip.
What did Android games generate?
The data provided suggested that Android remains the preferred device of choice for gamers in comparison to Apple’s iOS-compatible gadgets. The data found that 30.4 billion games were downloaded over the first six months of this year, with 26.1 billion downloads said to have been made on an Android smartphone or tablet. This figure accounted for 44.5% of total downloads to have been made on the Google Play Store.
However, while this was a significant number, the amount of revenue had dropped. $16.3 billion was generated as it accounted for 67.9% of all Android revenue but when combined with the $24.6 billion (56.4% of all App Store downloads), the $40.9 billion acquired in Jan-June 2023 was lower than 2022 ($41.2 billion) and 2021 ($44.5 billion) during the same period. It was higher than 2020’s figures ($36 billion), which is why experts believe there is nothing to worry about regarding the mobile gaming industry.
Why has Android become a popular choice for gamers?
Android users have long championed the operating system as the one for the best gaming experiences possible. This is perhaps evident in the fact that more money is spent on gaming titles that are played on these devices, although others would argue that they are more capable than their Apple counterparts.
Although it is now possible to play downloadable mobile games and enjoy gaming online including using mobile casino sites for Arab players who now have access to the iGaming industry, many have always highlighted their preference for an Android device.
They can be more powerful in terms of the specifications that they feature. They can utilize various processors and chips. Additionally, graphics and sounds can be more immersive on the devices that are equipped with the operating system. Lastly, many enjoy the convenience and accessibility that Android offers, as they are not limited to just one brand as they would be with Apple and its iOS. They can pick and choose from a plethora of other brands, and still enjoy the very best user experiences that Android offers.
What games were big during the period?
The study found that Subway Surfers, Garena Free Fire, and ROBLOX, were the most popular games in terms of downloads for the first six months of 2023, but that did also combine iOS and Android data together. At the same time, there were two new games that had managed to enter the chart with Block Blast Adventure Master and Attack Hole both very clearly popular with players.
In terms of revenue generated, three usual suspects continued to dominate the leaderboard in this regard. Honor of Kings, Candy Crush Saga, and ROBLOX, continued to make the most money with in-app purchases, while Gardenscapes also managed to climb back into the top 10.
With that being said, we could still see the emergence of new games that can take over the leaderboard and be bigger hits. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Mobile is one that many have long awaited, as has Warcraft Rumble Arclight, and Valorant Mobile.
Verdict
Although there has been a decline in terms of the revenue that has been generated, the mobile gaming industry continues to be a strong performer. Experts are confident it will return to new heights in the future, and with new games being made available, it would not be a shock if this were to happen.