Top Mobile Games of 2016: Pokémon GO Conquered Clash Royale

The mobile gaming industry experienced significant growth throughout 2016, characterized by a 70 percent year-over-year revenue increase in the fourth quarter, which generated approximately $7.5 billion globally. Mobile games maintained their dominance within the broader app ecosystem, accounting for over 80 percent of Apple App Store revenue and 90 percent of Google Play revenue. Total global installs for the year exceeded 31 billion, with Q4 alone contributing 8.2 billion downloads, representing a 33 percent increase compared to the same period in 2015.

The year was defined by high-profile launches, most notably Pokémon GO, which achieved the most successful mobile game launch in history and became the highest-earning new title of 2016. Other notable performers included Supercell’s Clash Royale and Nintendo’s Super Mario Run, the latter of which set records for first-day downloads despite being limited to the iOS platform. Established titles such as Monster Strike, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush Saga remained consistent revenue leaders, while newer entries like Mobile Strike and Fate/Grand Order successfully penetrated the top-earning rankings.

Data for this analysis was derived from Sensor Tower’s Store Intelligence platform, covering worldwide performance across both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The findings highlight a competitive landscape where viral hits and established franchises both drove substantial monetization, with regional markets like Japan and China playing a critical role in the success of top-grossing titles. The industry’s trajectory throughout 2016 underscores the continued expansion of mobile gaming as a primary driver of global digital entertainment revenue.