iOS Gaming Leaders: December 2015

The mobile gaming market experienced significant growth in December 2015, characterized by a surge in both installation volume and consumer spending on Apple’s App Store. Worldwide game downloads increased by approximately 20 percent month-over-month, reaching 614 million, while total revenue neared $1 billion, representing an 18 percent increase over November figures. This analysis utilizes proprietary store intelligence data to track the performance of top-grossing and most-downloaded titles across both United States and global markets.

Download activity was heavily influenced by holiday trends and promotional pricing. The rhythm game Piano Tiles 2 secured the top position for downloads both domestically and internationally. Classic titles such as Cut the Rope 2, Monument Valley, and Temple Run 2 saw a resurgence in popularity, driven by temporary free-to-play promotions and significant content updates. Additionally, new releases like Geometry Dash Meltdown and Rayman Adventures successfully entered the top download charts, while Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes demonstrated strong momentum by climbing 21 positions in the U.S. rankings.

Revenue performance was defined by a competitive shift at the top of the charts, as Clash of Clans reclaimed the number one spot from Game of War in both the U.S. and global markets. Other notable revenue performers included Madden NFL Mobile and Marvel Contest of Champions, both of which improved their rankings significantly. The data highlights a dynamic ecosystem where established franchises continue to dominate revenue streams while strategic updates and seasonal promotions remain critical drivers for maintaining high download volumes and user engagement.