Gamelight, a leading user acquisition company, has provided exclusive insights into the state of mobile gaming in 2023 through its Mobile Gaming Index. This analysis, unlike traditional metrics like downloads or revenue, focuses on playtime per active user, shedding light on which games are truly engaging players the most.

The Mobile Gaming Index analyzes user behavior and playing patterns using AI algorithms, offering a comprehensive view of gameplay preferences across different regions and gaming verticals. By examining playtime data from users in the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, and Korea, Gamelight's index provides valuable insights into the mobile gaming landscape.

One notable trend highlighted by the analysis is the dominance of casual games, which consistently rank highest in playtime across most countries. Casual titles like Monopoly GO! and Candy Crush Saga have maintained strong positions in the rankings, indicating their widespread appeal and ability to keep players engaged.

Midcore games also show a significant presence, particularly among iOS users in countries like the United States and France. Meanwhile, Android users tend to favor action games, with titles like Clash of Clans and Clash Royale making frequent appearances in the rankings.

Social Casino games maintain a steady presence across all countries, indicating a dedicated user base for this genre. Huuuge Casino Slots Vegas 777 and Zynga Poker are among the top-performing titles in this category, consistently appearing in multiple rankings.

The analysis also provides insights into country-specific trends, revealing unique preferences and behaviors among mobile gamers. For example, the United Kingdom shows a preference for anime-styled RPG games on iOS, while the United States favors casual games like Monopoly GO! across both platforms.

Germany exhibits a lower playtime across all genres compared to other countries, with a notable gap between Android and iOS users. France's gaming preferences span a wide array of genres, showcasing a diverse gaming landscape.

Japan's gaming market stands out for its strong preference for locally adapted or originated titles, while Korea demonstrates a balance between global gaming trends and a preference for games that resonate with Korean culture.

Overall, Gamelight's Mobile Gaming Index provides valuable insights into the evolving mobile gaming landscape, highlighting trends, preferences, and player behaviors that shape the industry's future.

Source: adapted from an article by Daniel Griffiths, Editor for PocketGamer.biz.