Mobile Game Revenue Growth: Insights for 2025
Summary:
- Global Revenue Projection: Mobile game revenue is expected to reach $82.3 billion by 2025, reflecting a modest growth of 1.3%.
- China’s Contribution: The top 30 Chinese mobile game publishers will generate approximately $23.3 billion, accounting for 35% of the world’s top 100 publishers’ revenue.
- Leading Publishers: Tencent retains its lead as the top global mobile game publisher, driven by popular titles like "Honor of Kings" and the emerging success of new games.
In a recent report, it was projected that global mobile game revenue will see a slight increase, reaching $82.3 billion in 2025. This figure represents a modest growth of 1.3% over previous years, indicating a steady market trajectory. Notably, the combined revenue from the App Store and Google Play in overseas markets is expected to grow by 2%, culminating at approximately $69.8 billion.
China’s Market Performance
Among the top players in the industry, the 30 leading Chinese mobile game publishers are projected to generate around $23.3 billion in global revenue. This figure stands in line with the 2024 estimates and constitutes 35% of the cumulative revenue of the world’s top 100 mobile game publishers.
Tencent continues to be a dominant force in the sector, largely due to the sustained popularity of its flagship titles such as "Honor of Kings," "Peace Elite," and "PUBG MOBILE." These games have played a crucial role in solidifying Tencent’s position at the top of the global mobile game publisher revenue rankings.
Record-Breaking Titles
In particular, "Honor of Kings" is projected to surpass $2 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 5% increase year-over-year. This achievement sets another record for the title, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Tencent’s portfolio.
Emerging Titles and Growth Drivers
Another noteworthy contender is "Operation Delta," a tactical shooting mobile game that will mark its first anniversary in September 2025. The title is anticipated to experience remarkable growth, with revenue surging 29 times year-over-year. This remarkable performance positions "Operation Delta" as fifth in the iOS mobile game revenue rankings in China and 29th globally, illustrating Tencent’s capacity to cultivate successful new franchises.
Competitive Landscape
Diandian Interactive, another player in the industry, is also expected to see substantial growth in 2025, with a projected 87% increase in global revenue. This surge places Diandian in the second spot on the global revenue list. Specifically, the overseas performance of "Whiteout Survival" is anticipated to significantly rise by 32%, exceeding $1.65 billion in revenue.
Conclusion
The mobile gaming sector is poised for a resilient performance as we approach 2025. With established players like Tencent and emerging titles from innovative publishers such as Diandian Interactive, the industry is expected to continue attracting substantial investment and player engagement. Understanding these trends is paramount for stakeholders looking to navigate and excel in the rapidly evolving mobile gaming landscape.
As the dynamics of the market evolve, game developers and publishers can benefit from keen insights into consumer preferences and emerging trends, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-growing market.
