RPG Share of Mobile Game Revenue in the South Korean Market

The South Korean mobile gaming market is undergoing a significant structural shift as the dominance of the role-playing game (RPG) genre wanes. For the first time, RPGs accounted for less than 50% of total mobile game revenue in May 2024, marking a departure from the genre's long-standing position as the primary market driver. This trend reflects a broader diversification of consumer preferences toward other genres, such as strategy and puzzle games.

Within the RPG category, the market share of MMORPGs has experienced a notable decline, dropping from 78.8% of total RPG revenue in 2020 to 56.2% in 2024. While MMORPGs remain influential, particularly through established titles, new entries in this sub-genre are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve commercial success. Conversely, idle RPGs have emerged as a major growth engine, surging from a 1.7% revenue share in 2020 to 16% in 2024, largely propelled by the exceptional performance of titles like Legend of Mushroom.

Demographic and behavioral data indicate that these sub-genres cater to distinct player bases. MMORPGs attract an older audience with an average age of 36, who engage in intensive, long-duration play sessions. In contrast, idle RPGs appeal to a younger demographic, with 25-year-olds and under comprising 16% of the player base. These younger gamers demonstrate a preference for shorter, more frequent sessions and often engage with multiple titles simultaneously.

The analysis utilizes data from Google Play and the Apple App Store, covering the South Korean market from 2020 through July 2024. By examining revenue trends, player demographics, and engagement metrics, the findings highlight a transition toward more accessible, low-friction gaming experiences that contrast with the traditional, high-commitment model of the Korean mobile RPG market.