The mention of terms like "user acquisition company" and "data and insights" might not immediately grab attention, but there's something that never fails to excite: mobile games. That's why we eagerly anticipate insights from Gamelight, a company dedicated to understanding mobile gamers' behavior through meticulous monitoring and analysis. Gamelight has compiled a comprehensive overview of 2023, shedding light on various factors such as playtime, game popularity, and platform preferences. Let's delve into the details.

Most Played Games:

It's no surprise that Monopoly GO! ranks among the most frequently played games in the US and the UK. However, its absence from the top ten in Japan and South Korea might raise eyebrows. On the other hand, the enduring popularity of Candy Crush Saga transcends borders, consistently appearing in the top ten across all countries covered in the report. Noteworthy mentions also include Dice Dreams and Royal Match, which feature prominently across national rankings on both iOS and Android platforms. Other perennial favorites like Coin Master, Gardenscapes, Clash Royale, and Clash of Clans maintain their strong presence worldwide. Overall, Monopoly GO!, Candy Crush Saga, Royal Match, Coin Master, and Dice Dreams emerge as the highest-ranking games globally.

Leading Genres:

Casual games reign supreme in terms of playtime across most regions, except for a slight deviation in the UK where iOS users lean towards social casino titles. Japanese gamers demonstrate a penchant for casual games, with notable titles including Coin Master, Candy Crush Saga, and Royal Match. iOS users, particularly in the US and France, show a preference for midcore games exemplified by titles like Clash of Clans, Dice Dreams, and Genshin Impact. Action games find favor among Android gamers, especially in the US and the UK. Additionally, social casino games enjoy widespread popularity across the globe, with titles like Huuuge Casino Slots Vegas 777 and Zynga Power leading the pack. Japanese gamers lead in playtime for social casino games, while French gamers exhibit the most restraint.

Country Specific Insights:

In the UK, iOS gamers devote more time to social casino games compared to other genres, while Android users prioritize them less. Despite this, Android gamers generally spend less time gaming overall. However, British iOS gamers also showcase a strong interest in story-driven RPGs like Genshin Impact and Dragon Ball Legend. The US mirrors the global preference for casual games, with iOS users spending more time gaming than their Android counterparts. Monopoly GO! emerges as a massive hit in the US market. German Android users spend significantly less time gaming compared to iOS users across all genres, while French mobile gamers exhibit diverse interests spanning puzzles, strategy, word games, farming sims, and social casino games. In Japan, four games dominate the top rankings on both Android and iOS, with two unique titles, Monster Hunter Now and Monster Strike, capturing attention exclusively in Japan. Korean gamers favor locally adapted games such as Lineage M, Maplestory M, and Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel.

These insights underscore the diverse gaming landscape and preferences across different regions, highlighting the universal appeal of mobile gaming while also showcasing distinct trends in individual markets.

Source: adapted from an article by Jane Young, Author for Droid Gamers.