Mobile gaming refers to playing various types of games such as action, adventure, augmented reality, puzzles, and strategy games on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Among the popular genres are racing, sports, action games and puzzles. Advances in hardware capabilities of mobile devices have enabled high-resolution graphics and seamless gaming experiences for users. The global mobile gaming market is estimated to be valued at US$ 91.08 Billion in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
The increasing penetration of smartphones around the world and high-speed internet connectivity are the major factors driving the growth of the market. Market players are focusing on developing games optimized for mobile use along with engaging gameplay and visuals to attract more users. Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies are also gaining traction and expected to flourish the market. Game developers are incorporating these technologies into their games to offer immersive experiences.
Market Dynamics:
The increasing user engagement through augmented reality and virtual reality is expected to drive the growth of the mobile gaming market over the forecast period. Game developers are focusing on leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to develop immersive gaming experiences for mobile users. For instance, games such as Pokemon Go use augmented reality to overlay animated characters onto real-world locations allowing users to capture and train virtual creatures. Similarly, VR headsets offer three-dimensional and 360-degree visuals for a real-feel of games. The growing popularity of such immersive gaming experiences is luring more users and contributing to the increasing market revenue. Another major factor driving the market growth is the increasing penetration of smartphones around the world along with high-speed internet connectivity making games accessible to a larger consumer base.
Segment Analysis
The global mobile gaming market is dominated by two segments – casual games and core games. Casual games segment accounts for around 60% of the total market share as these can be played for short durations and do not require high graphic processing. Some of the popular casual games include Candy Crush Saga, Temple Run, Angry Birds, Subway Surfers etc. Core games segment requires relatively higher engagement level and comprises of hardcore gamers. Games like Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, Clash of Clans etc fall under this category. However, with increasing internet penetration and advancement in smartphones, core gaming segment is witnessing higher growth rate compared to casual gaming segment.
PEST Analysis
Political: Mobile gaming market growth is positively impacted by supportive government policies and regulations for digitalization. However, certain regions impose restrictions on graphic content and in-app purchase methods in games.
Economic: Rise in disposable income levels along with affordable smartphones has significantly boosted the mobile gaming market growth. Developing economies spending on digital games and entertainment is the highest growing.
Social: Changing lifestyle and easy availability of high speed internet has made mobile gaming one of the most popular entertainment medium. Games also offer social connectivity through in-app interaction and competitions.
Technological: Advancements in graphics processing, 5G rollout, augmented reality/virtual reality are enhancing gaming experience on mobile. Cloud gaming services are also gaining traction and expected to strengthen core mobile gaming segment.
Key Takeaways
The Global Mobile Gaming Market Size is expected to witness high growth at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.
Regional Analysis: Asia Pacific region currently dominates the market owing to large gaming audience in countries like China, India and Japan. The APAC mobile gaming market is projected to reach nearly US$ 60 billion by 2030.
Key players operating in the mobile gaming market are Activision Blizzard, Inc., Electronic Arts, Inc., Gameloft SE, Niantic Inc., Glu Mobile, Inc., GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc., Kabam, Rovio Entertainment Corporation, Supercell Oy, The Walt Disney Company, and Zynga, Inc. Key players are focusing on developing enhanced and interactive core gaming titles along with cloud gaming platforms to engage the growing hardcore gaming audience.