Top Mobile Games of Q3 2017: Candy Crush Re-Crowned U.S. Revenue King

The mobile gaming industry experienced significant growth in the third quarter of 2017, with global consumer spending reaching approximately $12.5 billion across the Apple App Store and Google Play. This figure represents a 26 percent year-over-year increase. Apple’s platform remained the primary driver of revenue, accounting for $8 billion—a 29 percent year-over-year rise—while Google Play generated $4.5 billion, reflecting a 22 percent increase. New game installs also saw positive momentum, growing 13 percent year-over-year to reach 9.1 billion global downloads.

The competitive landscape for top-earning titles shifted notably during this period. Candy Crush Saga reclaimed its position as the top-earning mobile game in the United States, achieving $271.4 million in worldwide revenue, a 97 percent year-over-year increase. Globally, Monster Strike maintained its lead in total revenue, while Honor of Kings dominated the App Store. New releases also made an impact, with Lineage M debuting strongly at fifth place in global revenue. Meanwhile, established titles like Clash of Clans and various Machine Zone games saw their rankings decline.

In terms of download volume, Subway Surfers retained its status as the most-installed game globally. Within the United States, Roblox demonstrated significant growth, climbing to the top of the Google Play download charts. The analysis, based on Store Intelligence data, highlights a market characterized by both the enduring popularity of legacy casual titles and the emergence of high-performing new strategy and social-gaming experiences. These findings underscore a robust, expanding mobile ecosystem where revenue growth continues to outpace download growth.