Top Mobile Games in 2024: Which Titles Engage and Cash In?

The mobile games market is on the rise again, showing some impressive growth and resilience after a turbulent 2023. 

According to the Mobile Games Index 2024, the industry is growing steadily with a compound annual growth rate of 7.28 percent. This promises a profitable future for the publishers that deliver quality content aligned with players’ expectations. 

By the end of 2024, global revenue from mobile games is expected to hit 166.1 billion US dollars. It could continue to climb to 227 billion US dollars by 2028. 

One of the main factors driving this growth is the increase in daily user engagement. On average, people now spend 21.5 minutes per day playing mobile games – a 22-percent jump from 2022.

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular games and genres in terms of daily engagement. These are the games that people are ready to spend time and money on.

Casual Games: A Major Growth Driver in 2024

Casual games have emerged as a key driver of mobile gaming growth, with an overall daily engagement increase of 41.2 percent compared to last year. 

This surge is particularly significant in Europe, where engagement has risen by 50 percent, and even more so in Africa and Oceania, where we have seen increases of 54 percent and 56 percent, respectively. It’s not surprising – casual games are the easiest to pick up and engage with, even for users who don’t consider themselves gamers.

This inclusive and accessible nature makes casual games a cornerstone of today’s mobile apps market as they draw in players from different age groups and backgrounds.

The most popular games like Candy Crush Saga and My Talking Tom stand out for their simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics, combined with frequent and engaging updates. They are the leaders of global engagement. The established publishers have cracked this code and keep riding the ultimate engagement wave, with Outfit7 Limited, King, and Playrix making up the majority of the top-ten most played casual games with two to three titles each in the rankings.

Adventure Leads Engagement in Most Regions

In 2024 the adventure genre is the unmatched leader in daily time spent across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania, setting the standard of a truly immersive mobile experience.

In North America, adventure games have seen the biggest increase in engagement, with a remarkable 57-percent growth since last year. This brings the average daily time spent on adventure games in the region to 30 minutes. This is the highest across all regions and genres. 

Europe follows closely, with players dedicating an average of 28 minutes daily to adventure games. In LATAM, adventure games are also in the lead with an average daily engagement of 23.4 minutes. Oceania sees similarly high levels of interest, with players spending 28.3 minutes each day on these games.

Looking at the top-ten adventure games by daily engagement over the last 12 months, it’s clear that players are seeking deeply engaging content that encourages prolonged gameplay. The genre’s current focus is on narrative depth, complex characters, and interactive environments, which are essential to meet today’s players’ expectations.

Not to Overlook: The Growth Potential of Card Games

The Mobile Games Index 2024 points to card games as the genre with the most promising growth potential in the coming years. Predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.8 percent, card games are expected to nearly double their market share by 2028. This rapid growth will expand the current market size from 11.2 billion to an impressive 20.2 billion US dollars.

Card games’ potential stems from their broad appeal and versatility. Based on a universally familiar concept, they cater to a wide range of players, from casual gamers seeking quick and easy gameplay to more dedicated fans who appreciate strategic depth and complexity.

Interestingly enough, seven out of ten of the world’s most popular games on mobile in the card genre tapped into the familiarity of Solitaire while incorporating their own spin on the game to draw higher engagement from a broader user base. The variations include awarding bitcoin rewards, daily rewards, or incorporating simulation, board, or adventure mechanics into gameplay.

RPGs Rake in Revenue

When it comes to revenue, role-playing games (RPGs) continue to dominate the mobile games charts at 49.4 billion US dollars. They account for the biggest chunk of the global mobile gaming market at 34 percent.

With their deep, immersive gameplay and detailed storylines, RPGs attract a dedicated player base. Despite not having the highest daily engagement times compared to some other mobile game genres, RPGs make up for it in monetization. RPG players are willing to invest heavily in these games through in-app purchases to receive character upgrades, special items, and other premium content. 

Regional analysis shows that Asia is a lucrative market for RPGs, generating 39 out of the 49 billion US dollar total.

The top-ten RPGs by engagement reveal that games driving the longest play times often rely on action and fighting mechanics to keep users active and engaged.

Get the Full Picture with MGI 2024

Our last report revealed the importance of game developers brainstorming, adapting, seizing opportunities, and taking creative risks to develop the most popular games of the future. It worked – engagement and spending in mobile games are climbing again. This is thanks to more compelling experiences coming from both established and new publishers.

To be among the top-performing titles, you need to understand the mobile gaming landscape even further. Read the full Mobile Games Index report to explore all the mobile game genres. Benchmark your projects against the latest top titles.