Report

Mobile Games on iOS: Winter Results and Forecasts for Spring 2022

1 January 202215 pages1,563 words

Summary

This analysis examines the performance and distribution of iOS mobile applications during the winter of 2021–2022 while providing a strategic forecast for the spring 2022 season. The primary objective is to identify market trends by comparing pre-order data with actual release statistics. The scope is global, focusing specifically on the iOS App Store ecosystem across various categories and gaming genres. Data was sourced exclusively from the Apptica platform, utilizing its pre-orders section to gauge developer intent and market direction. Findings indicate that while games were expected to dominate the winter release cycle at 81% of all upcoming apps, the actual market composition was more diversified. By the end of winter, games represented 11.3% of total new releases, followed closely by Lifestyle and Utilities at 10% each. Within the gaming sector, over 12,400 titles were launched. Although Simulation games were predicted to lead, Puzzle games emerged as the most frequent release, totaling approximately 2,200 titles and accounting for 17.1% of new games. Other significant genres included Action and Adventure, while Role-playing and Sports categories saw fewer releases than initially projected based on pre-order volume. The forecast for spring 2022 suggests continued dominance for the gaming category, which accounts for 82.4% of apps currently in the pre-order phase. Simulation and Role-playing games are tied as the most anticipated genres, each representing 26.5% of upcoming titles. The analysis also notes a shift in non-gaming categories, with an increase in Productivity, Dating, and Medical apps, while Food and Drink applications have disappeared from the spring pre-order list. Key takeaways emphasize that Puzzle, Role-playing, and Simulation genres remain the primary drivers of the iOS market, maintaining steady growth and developer interest moving into the next quarter.

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