Global mobile-gaming app installs grew by 4% year-over-year in 2024, signaling a recovery from 2023 market volatility.
See it on page 10Monetization is under pressure as median revenue per active user declined from $0.31 to $0.28.
See it on page 6User retention metrics weakened in 2024, with day-1 retention falling to 27% from the previous year's 28%.
See it on page 24Advertising efficiency has improved, evidenced by higher installs per mille (IPM) and stronger performance indicators across major global markets.
See it on page 6Average session lengths contracted in 2024, contributing to a modest overall decline in core user engagement metrics.
See it on page 22Future growth is projected to rely on AI-driven personalization, including adaptive difficulty, blended monetization, and live events to increase lifetime value.
See it on page 39The analysis tracks the state of the global mobile‑gaming market through 2024 and projects its trajectory toward 2025, emphasizing how emerging AI‑driven personalization will shape growth. It establishes that the sector is recovering from the volatility of 2023, with worldwide app installs climbing 4 % year‑over‑year in 2024, even as average session length contracted. Core user engagement metrics, however, show modest decline: day‑1 retention fell from 28 % to 27 % and median revenue per active user dropped from $0.31 to $0.28, indicating pressure on traditional monetization models. In contrast, advertising efficiency improved, reflected in higher installs per mille (IPM) and stronger ad‑performance indicators across major markets.
The report’s geographic scope is global, encompassing all major mobile‑gaming regions, and its temporal frame spans the 2023‑2025 period. It integrates data from app stores, ad networks, and cross‑platform measurement tools to deliver a comprehensive view of user acquisition, retention, and revenue trends. The central thesis posits that the next wave of growth will be powered by AI‑enabled, culturally tailored experiences that adapt difficulty, blend monetization formats, and deploy live events to boost lifetime value. Developers and marketers who adopt a metrics‑focused, AI‑augmented approach—identifying pivotal in‑game moments and steering users toward optimal pathways—are projected to achieve the most scalable expansion. Cross‑platform analytics suites are highlighted as essential for delivering the visibility required to implement these strategies effectively.