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The Rise of Midcore Mobile Games Snapshot Report July 2022

The snapshot report examines the rapid ascent of midcore mobile games in 2022, arguing that AAA titles adapted from PC and console franchises are reshaping the U.S. iOS market. Data show nine midcore releases among the top‑200 grossing titles in the past year, versus only three casual games, underscoring a shift toward higher‑quality experiences. Midcore revenue captured 36.73 % of U.S. iOS mobile game earnings in Q1 2022, the sole category to grow year‑over‑year (up 1.55 %). Supercell’s *Clash Royale* led the segment, gaining over 4 % market share, while other titles such as *Genshin Impact*, *Call of Duty: Mobile*, and *Diablo Immortal* dominated the top‑ranked list. Key success factors identified include refined control schemes that emulate console precision, diversified monetization with battle passes, multiple gacha systems (over 65 % of top games feature more than five gachas), and a high cadence of live events that introduce new content and currencies. The report notes an emerging trend of external web stores to sidestep Apple and Google fees, exemplified by titles like *Game of Thrones: Conquest* and *Clash of Clans*. Methodologically, the analysis draws on GameRefinery’s SaaS platform data for U.S. iOS downloads, revenue, and player motivations across 365 days of releases. Overall, the report concludes that midcore games’ blend of AAA quality, sophisticated monetization, and continuous content updates is driving their dominance in the evolving mobile gaming landscape.

market-analysis mobile midcore+1

GameRefineryJan 2022

Report

Global Esports & Live Streaming Market Report

The global esports market is projected to reach $1.38 billion in revenue and an audience of 532 million by the end of 2022, signaling a period of robust expansion and structural evolution. China remains the dominant regional player, contributing nearly one-third of total global revenue. While sponsorships continue to serve as the industry’s financial backbone, accounting for approximately 60% of income, organizations are increasingly diversifying into direct-to-fan models. These new revenue streams include lifestyle apparel, blockchain-integrated loyalty programs, and educational platforms, reflecting a strategic shift toward positioning esports as a broader lifestyle brand. The live-streaming ecosystem is experiencing even more rapid growth, with the audience expected to reach 1.41 billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 16.3%. This surge is fueled by the rise of non-gaming content and the explosive popularity of mobile esports in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Demographically, the esports audience represents a high-value target for advertisers, as nearly three-quarters of enthusiasts are employed full-time and 44% belong to high-income brackets. Platform dynamics reveal a clear geographic and technological divide. Twitch maintains its dominance in Western markets for PC and console gaming, while YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming have successfully captured the mobile-centric audiences of emerging regions. To challenge established leaders, platforms are leveraging massive video-on-demand audiences and exclusivity deals to convert passive viewers into live participants. Despite this growth, the industry faces potential volatility from the fluctuating cryptocurrency sector and the possible migration of audiences toward emerging metaverse events.

market-analysis esports streaming+2

NewzooJan 2022

Report

Modern Mobile Consumer 2022: App Monetization Report

The report examines how modern mobile consumers interact with app monetization, revealing that rewarded ads and in‑app purchases (IAP) coexist without cannibalizing revenue. Surveying 30,457 participants—18,894 from gaming apps and 11,563 from non‑gaming apps on the ironSource network, plus a 500‑person control group outside MobileVoice®—the study covers North America and global markets from April to May 2022. Respondents were verified as adults and opted in for virtual rewards, ensuring engagement accuracy. Key findings show an almost even split between IAP and ad‑supported preferences across both gaming and non‑gaming audiences. Generation X favors occasional or frequent IAP yet prefers ad support overall, while 24% of Gen Z would pay a one‑time fee to remove ads. Approximately one third of users make occasional IAPs, a significant rise from the 2‑3% noted five years earlier. Free apps with IAP dominate downloads (52% of gaming users), and 15‑17% of consumers now spend more on IAPs than five years ago. Methodologically, the study combined custom MobileVoice® surveys with third‑party polling (Pollfish) to mitigate bias. Data were analyzed using ironSource’s Offerwall and native survey offers, with age verification and global reach. The report concludes that diversified monetization strategies—balancing ads, IAPs, and optional removal fees—are essential to meet evolving consumer expectations. It recommends audience‑specific research, price optimization, and value bundle offerings to maximize revenue while preserving user experience.

monetization market-analysis player-behavior+2

ironSourceJan 2022

Report

State of Mobile 2022

The 2021 mobile landscape was marked by rapid expansion and monetization across a broad spectrum of categories. Global app downloads grew 5 % year‑over‑year to 230 billion, while daily user time rose 30 % to an average of 4.8 hours per person, and total consumer spend climbed 19 % to $170 billion. The United States, India, Brazil, Indonesia and China dominated downloads, accounting for 70 % of the market; emerging economies drove the fastest growth, with some markets posting up to 25 % YoY increases. Social and video applications captured the largest share of user time, and the number of high‑spending titles (> $100 M annually) rose 20 % to 233, underscoring mobile’s evolution into a premium‑content and advertising powerhouse. Gaming remained the most lucrative segment, with global spend reaching $116 billion—an increase of $16 billion from 2020—and downloads up more than 20 %. Hyper‑casual titles such as *Bridge Race* and *Hair Challenge* led download growth, whereas 4×‑march battle strategy games emerged as the most monetizable genre, generating nearly $10 billion. In finance, app downloads hit 6 billion worldwide; India contributed 5.5 billion of those, and Latin America—particularly Mexico—experienced the fastest growth (up to 250 %), reflecting a shift toward neobanks and fintech solutions among younger consumers. Neobanking saw explosive growth, with YONO SBI, Nubank and PicPay each reporting over 30 % YoY increases in average monthly active users. Nubank dominated Brazil, the world’s largest neobank‑adoption market, while PicPay and C6 Bank achieved double‑digit MAU growth. In contrast, Australia’s retail banks retained most users due to mature money‑movement capabilities, highlighting regional differences in digital banking adoption. Food‑and‑drink apps achieved a record 62 billion sessions worldwide in Q4 2021, up 49 % YoY. Growth was strongest in the US (42 % YoY), Russia (154 %) and Indonesia (9×), driven by pandemic‑accelerated delivery services. New entrants such as Getir, Gorillas and Flink expanded internationally, adding millions of downloads. Branded search terms dominated iOS queries, while generic keywords grew in emerging markets, indicating continued opportunity for ASO and brand awareness. Travel, dating, sports and business apps rebounded strongly in 2021. Travel app downloads reached 1.95 billion in H2, nearly pre‑pandemic levels, with regional recoveries such as 22 % in Turkey and 7 % in Germany. Dating app spend surged to $4 billion (95 % YoY), driven by Tinder’s 35 % revenue lift. Sports app engagement rebounded 30 % globally, buoyed by the Olympics and NFL. Business apps—including WhatsApp Business and delivery‑driver platforms—experienced double‑digit growth, reflecting a shift toward remote work and gig‑economy services. Overall, 2021 was defined by significant disruption from iOS privacy changes, stricter app‑store moderation and the rise of new promotion platforms. The top downloads were led by TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Disney+, while gaming leaders included Free Fire, Roblox, PUBG Mobile and Candy Crush Saga. App‑publisher rankings highlighted Google, Meta, ByteDance and Tencent as dominant download and spend leaders across apps and games.

market-analysis mobile global+1

App AnnieJan 2022

Report

Gaming Deals Activity 2021

The video games industry experienced a record-breaking financial year in 2021, with the total value of closed transactions reaching $71.3 billion across 937 deals. This represents a 2.1x growth in value and a 1.4x increase in deal volume compared to the previous year. When including announced but not yet closed transactions, the total market activity reached $80.4 billion. The industry saw significant expansion across all primary segments, including gaming titles, platform and technology, and esports, driven by a surge in high-value "mega-deals" and a massive influx of capital into emerging sectors. Mergers and acquisitions served as the primary engine for growth, accounting for $34.5 billion in closed deal value. Mobile gaming remained the most targeted sub-segment for acquisitions, representing 49% of M&A value, followed by PC and console gaming at 34%. Private investments also doubled to $12 billion, with late-stage transactions making up the majority of this capital. Notably, blockchain gaming emerged as a breakthrough sector, with investment value skyrocketing 68x year-over-year to $3.1 billion. Public offerings, including IPOs and SPACs, contributed $24.8 billion to the annual total, despite a slight decrease in the overall number of transactions. The competitive landscape for strategic investors shifted as Embracer Group surpassed Tencent for the top ranking by closing 26 deals valued at $6.7 billion. In the venture capital space, BITKRAFT Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and Makers Fund led activity, collectively participating in hundreds of deals. Geographically, Turkey emerged as a significant global hub for early-stage gaming startups. Data for these findings was compiled through the tracking of closed transactions using public media, business partnerships, and S&P Capital IQ, excluding pure gambling and betting entities. The analysis concludes that the aggressive consolidation and investment trends observed in 2021 are positioned to continue into 2022.

investment mergers-acquisitions market-analysis+1

InvestGameJan 2022

Report

Mobile Advertising Benchmark Report Q2 2022

The report analyzes the impact of Apple’s AppTrackingTransparency (ATT) rollout on mobile app advertising spend from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022, focusing on performance‑oriented apps spending over $100 k per month. Data from more than 100 North American and EMEA apps, totaling over $500 m in annual spend with a median monthly spend of $354 k, reveal that the ATT mass adoption in June 2021 has reshaped media mix dynamics. Apple Search Ads (ASA) surged to 94.8 % adoption, matching Google and surpassing Facebook’s 82.8 %. ASA’s share‑of‑wallet rose by five percentage points to 15 %, while Facebook’s fell four points to 28 %. Google remained steady at ~35 % share, reflecting its Android‑centric inventory. In lower tiers, TikTok overtook Snap in adoption (43.2 % vs 32.7 %) but saw a seven‑point decline, maintaining a flat 3 % share; Snap’s share halved to 2 %, though adoption rebounded in Q2 2022. Top DSPs and ad networks grew from 20 % to 27 % adoption, indicating a shift toward performance‑focused channels. Channel diversity widened among top spenders ($1 m+ monthly), who added 1.4 channels, whereas smaller advertisers (≤$250k) reduced diversity by 1.1 channels, highlighting cross‑channel complexity challenges under ATT. The findings suggest that advertisers should monitor recovery on Facebook and Snap, leverage ASA’s growing inventory (with potential future Apple DSP expansion), and carefully evaluate TikTok fit before scaling. Smaller advertisers must adopt lean experimentation to diversify spend cost‑effectively in the post‑ATT landscape.

advertising mobile global+1

AppsumerJan 2022

Report

Mobile Gaming: 2022-2024

Mobile gaming remains the dominant segment of the global games market, with smartphones serving as the primary platform for new players. Revenue growth outpaces download growth across both major app stores, driven largely by in‑game advertising that is expanding faster than in‑app purchases. iOS has experienced a sharper revenue rise than Android, while Android downloads grow modestly (2–5 % YoY) compared with revenue increases of 8–12 %. The United States and China continue to generate the largest share of in‑app and subscription revenue, whereas emerging markets supply most new users. Publisher concentration is relatively flat; the top 10–20 publishers capture roughly 30–40 % of revenue but only about 15–25 % of downloads, widening the gap between download volume and monetisation power. In‑app advertising is projected to reach $169 bn by 2029, with gaming accounting for a significant share. In‑game ad revenue is already comparable to overall in‑app/subscription earnings in many markets, underscoring the importance of advertising as a monetisation channel. Genre‑level analysis shows that Action, Sports, Strategy, Racing, Trivia, Simulation, and Role‑Playing games all contribute to year‑over‑year revenue growth. China and Japan dominate the market with 28.1 % and 14.1 % of global revenue respectively, while the United States remains a strong second‑tier contributor at approximately 31 %. Smartphone usage exceeds 90 % among male and female players aged 16‑24 in the US and UK, confirming mobile as the primary gaming platform for this demographic. Player behaviour varies by region. In Brazil, Germany, Japan and the US, 96–98 % of 16‑24‑year‑olds use smartphones for gaming. Free‑to‑play titles and brand recognition drive new game adoption in the US, whereas friend recommendations and single‑player focus are strongest motivators in Brazil. Across all markets, roughly half of players finish a game before starting another, indicating a preference for deeper engagement over rapid switching.

monetization in-game-advertising market-analysis+1

GoogleJan 2022

Report

Member Survey & Report 2021

The blockchain gaming industry experienced a transformative period of expansion in 2021, driven primarily by the emergence of play-to-earn mechanics and the implementation of true digital asset ownership. Industry professionals identify these features as the most significant catalysts for growth, with a vast majority anticipating that traditional gaming entities will integrate blockchain technology within the next two years. This momentum is further evidenced by approximately $4 billion in capital inflows from venture firms and decentralized autonomous organizations, signaling strong institutional confidence in the sector’s long-term viability. Despite this rapid financial and technological acceleration, the industry faces substantial structural headwinds. Regulatory uncertainty remains the most pressing concern for over half of the organizations operating in the space, followed closely by a general lack of public understanding regarding core blockchain concepts. Additionally, the sector must navigate technical challenges related to user-friendliness and a shortage of specialized engineering talent. While environmental sustainability has been a point of external criticism, the industry is actively transitioning toward carbon-neutral protocols and Proof of Stake networks to mitigate its ecological footprint. The ecosystem is characterized by a diverse and collaborative landscape that spans game studios, major traditional publishers like Ubisoft, and specialized firms in decentralized finance, legal, and infrastructure. While financial incentives have been the primary driver of initial adoption, long-term sustainability is widely believed to depend on the development of high-quality gameplay that can compete with traditional titles. This cross-sector synergy suggests that the future of the industry relies on balancing innovative monetization models with the fundamental entertainment value required for mainstream appeal.

blockchain nft market-analysis+1

Blockchain Game AllianceDec 2021

Report

PaaS for Mobile Cloud Gaming

The emergence of Business-to-Business (B2B) Platform as a Service (PaaS) for mobile cloud gaming represents a transformative shift in the global games market. While consumer-facing cloud services for PC and console titles are still seeking widespread adoption, mobile cloud PaaS is already being deployed as a strategic tool for developers and publishers. This technology allows high-end mobile games to run on low-end hardware without local installations, effectively removing hardware constraints and storage limitations that previously hindered market penetration. The primary thesis centers on how PaaS solutions enable industry stakeholders to circumvent traditional app store ecosystems. By hosting games in the cloud, publishers can reduce user acquisition costs, which typically account for 30% of revenue, and avoid the 30% "take-rate" fees charged by standard app stores. This model is particularly effective for Free-to-Play (F2P) titles, as it facilitates seamless social discovery through shareable links and instant-play advertisements, converting non-gamers into active users without the friction of large downloads. Geographically, China serves as the primary proving ground due to its massive mobile-first population and aggressive 5G rollout, with over 365 million 5G users as of 2021. While the Chinese market is currently saturated with B2C platforms, B2B providers like Tencent, Haima Cloud, and WeLink are gaining traction. Internationally, companies such as Now.gg and Ubitus are scaling these solutions globally. Data indicates that while only 30% of Chinese gamers have tried cloud services, the addressable market is vast, as mobile gamers currently account for less than half of the 1.5 billion smartphone users in the region. Methodologically, the analysis draws on proprietary research from Niko Partners, utilizing a consumer panel of over 4 million users in China and millions more across Asia. The findings conclude that mobile cloud PaaS will mature faster than premium B2C cloud offerings because it integrates with existing F2P monetization habits rather than requiring new subscription behaviors. This shift is expected to redefine live operations, social integration, and the overall value chain of the global mobile gaming industry.

market-analysis cloud-gaming monetization+2

Niko PartnersNov 2021

Report

In-Game Events Snapshot: November 2021

In-game events have become a cornerstone of mobile game monetization and player retention, with 90% of the top 100 grossing mobile titles utilizing seasonal events. This analysis examines the strategic implementation of these live operations across major global markets, including the US, China, and Japan, focusing on data from late 2020 through late 2021. The findings indicate that seasonal events are highly effective at re-engaging existing players and acquiring new ones. In the US, developers primarily leverage public holidays like Christmas and Halloween, while Asian markets utilize region-specific occasions such as China’s Qixi Festival and Japan’s Sakura season. Successful implementations often combine UI changes with playable content, such as the tower defense mode in Genshin Impact’s Lantern Rite event, which drove daily revenue from $200,000 to over $1.25 million. Revenue is typically generated through time-limited skins, themed currencies, and special gacha mechanics. Promotional collaborations with external brands represent a significant growth area, appearing in 42% of the top 100 US iOS games—a steady increase since 2017. This trend is even more pronounced in Asia, where 51% of top Chinese games and 62% of top Japanese games feature collaborations. These partnerships extend beyond gaming IPs to include non-gaming brands like KFC or virtual influencers like Kizuna AI. The latter’s partnership with Sky: Children of the Light demonstrated the power of niche fanbases, pushing the game to over $1 million in daily revenue through a single $20 accessory kit. Methodologically, the insights are derived from GameRefinery’s proprietary three-layered taxonomy, which categorizes games by category, genre, and subgenre. The data highlights that while events are ubiquitous among top-tier titles, they remain underutilized by lower-ranking games, serving as a key differentiator for market leaders across the casual, mid-core, and casino segments.

monetization live-ops retention+1

GameRefineryNov 2021

Report

Strategy Genre Snapshot: October 2021

The strategy genre represents a cornerstone of the mobile gaming market, accounting for approximately 17% of total revenue on the US iOS platform as of October 2021. Analysis reveals that the genre is heavily dominated by the 4X strategy subgenre, which comprises 20 of the top 25 grossing strategy titles. While the market is characterized by aging hits and high competition, recent success has been driven by genre-blending, where developers integrate mechanics from other categories—such as merge, match-3, or RPG elements—to broaden player appeal. Key market leaders include State of Survival, which became the top-grossing 4X title following a massive year-long collaboration with The Walking Dead, and Supercell, which remains the primary outlier succeeding with non-4X strategy titles like Clash of Clans. In contrast, the MOBA subgenre continues to face sustainability challenges in the US; despite a strong launch, League of Legends: Wild Rift struggled to maintain a position in the top 200 grossing charts, leaving the long-term viability of newer entries like Pokémon UNITE uncertain. The core appeal of the genre is rooted in long-term power progression, complex live operations, and deep social integration. Data indicates that successful titles leverage permanent boosts, recurring event loops, and competitive guild mechanics to drive engagement. According to a survey of over 7,000 mobile gamers in English-speaking Western markets, the primary motivational drivers for strategy players are strategic planning, resource optimization, and social competition. These findings suggest that while the 4X subgenre remains the revenue leader, the path to growth lies in sophisticated monetization through battle passes and the continuous expansion of social and competitive features.

market-analysis strategy mobile+1

VungleOct 2021

Legal

Raport Bieżący Nr 43/2021: Aktualizacja Strategii PCF Group S.A.

The updated development strategy for PCF Group S.A. outlines an ambitious expansion of the company’s production capabilities and market reach, building upon the framework established during its 2020 public offering. The primary objective is to transform the group into one of the world’s leading independent development studios. Central to this vision is a commitment to a consistent release cycle, with the group aiming to launch at least one new title annually starting in 2024. These releases will be distributed through a mix of traditional partnerships with global publishers and an increasing focus on self-publishing models for internal intellectual properties. A significant shift in the operational scope involves diversifying the product portfolio beyond the group’s traditional expertise in Triple-A shooters and action-RPG titles. The strategy introduces the production of AA-segment games, which are designed to maintain Triple-A quality standards while benefiting from shorter development cycles, reduced budgets, and a more focused scope. Furthermore, the group intends to explore entirely new genres, moving away from its historical specialization to capture broader market segments. This expansion is expected to be fueled by both organic growth and aggressive inorganic acquisition strategies, including the integration of new production teams or the takeover of existing video game entities that possess expertise in these new genres and segments. Despite these new initiatives, the core business model remains intact. The group continues to prioritize the parallel production of multiple Triple-A titles in collaboration with major international publishers. By balancing high-budget external partnerships with more agile AA projects and self-published titles, the group seeks to mitigate risk while maximizing its creative independence and long-term revenue potential. This strategic evolution reflects a transition toward a more diversified, high-frequency production house capable of competing on a global scale across various gaming categories.

game-development market-analysis global+1

PCF GroupSept 2021

Report

Audio Ad Engagement in Mobile Games

This analysis explores the emergence and efficacy of in-game audio advertising as a non-intrusive alternative to traditional mobile game monetization models. The primary thesis posits that audio ads solve the "interruption" problem inherent in video and banner ads, which often frustrate players by blocking gameplay. By allowing users to continue playing while hearing promotional content, audio ads maintain player retention and foster more positive brand associations. The findings are based on a 2020 study involving a YouGov survey of 2,200 UK adults and behavioral focus group testing conducted by Go Live Test. The research highlights a significant shift in consumer preference, noting that 86% of UK adults dislike video ads in mobile games. In contrast, 28% of respondents identified audio ads as their preferred monetization model, surpassing both video ads (18%) and in-app purchases (26%). Behavioral data further validates this format, showing that 100% of tested players continued gameplay during audio ads and demonstrated perfect brand recall when the audio was paired with a clickable banner. Geographically focused on the global mobile gaming market with specific data points from the UK and US, the research demonstrates high engagement metrics. A case study involving Warner Music Group’s promotion of a single revealed a 1.78% click-through rate—a 1,000% increase over the industry standard for traditional banners. Additionally, the campaign achieved a 75% ad completion rate and a remarkably low 1.8% bounce rate. These statistics suggest that audio ads are particularly effective for reaching younger demographics, such as the 18-to-24-year-old segment, 67% of whom already listen to music while gaming. The analysis concludes that audio ads offer a superior balance between game monetization and user experience.

monetization in-game-advertising advertising+2

AudioMobSept 2021

Report

Gaming Deals Activity Report Q1‑Q3 ’21

The global video games industry experienced a period of significant financial expansion during the first three quarters of 2021, characterized by a 2.5x year-over-year growth in cumulative deal value. Total closed transactions reached $57.7 billion across 667 deals, nearly tripling the $22.7 billion recorded during the same period in 2020. This surge was driven by a robust performance in mergers and acquisitions, which accounted for 48% of total value, followed by public offerings at 37% and private investments at 15%. The gaming segment remained the primary driver of activity, representing 75% of total deal value. Mobile gaming emerged as a particularly dominant force, contributing 84% of M&A value in the third quarter alone, highlighted by Electronic Arts’ $1.4 billion acquisition of Playdemic. While public offerings faced a cooling period in the third quarter due to market turbulence and share price declines among industry leaders, the period still saw massive exits, including the $3.75 billion IPO of Krafton. Private placements also hit record levels, with late-stage funding rounds for companies like Sorare and Discord signaling sustained investor confidence. A notable shift in the industry landscape is the rapid ascent of blockchain gaming. This sub-sector saw a 34x year-over-year increase in deal value, reaching $1.56 billion. Investment is currently concentrated in companies building platform layers and infrastructure for non-fungible tokens and play-to-earn models. Geographically, China remained a focal point for strategic activity, largely led by Tencent, which closed 69 deals during the nine-month period. The data is compiled through the tracking of closed transactions across the gaming, platform, tech, and esports segments, excluding pure gambling and betting. Methodology involves a combination of public media monitoring, business partner insights, and S&P Capital IQ data. The findings suggest that despite a slight quarterly deceleration in public markets, the broader gaming ecosystem continues to attract record-breaking capital from both venture funds and strategic corporate investors.

mergers-acquisitions investment market-analysis+1

InvestGameSept 2021

Report

Global Cloud Gaming Report: The Infrastructure Edition 2021

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the cloud gaming sector in 2021, focusing on how network infrastructure and global economic conditions have accelerated industry adoption. The primary thesis asserts that while the COVID-19 pandemic provided an initial surge in engagement, the market is now transitioning toward sustainable growth driven by technological maturity, strategic business partnerships, and a global semiconductor shortage that has made cloud streaming a viable alternative to expensive, unavailable local hardware. The scope of the research is global, with specific emphasis on ten subregions and thirty-three individual markets, including deep dives into China, North America, and Western Europe. Data was gathered through a proprietary model incorporating internet connection speeds, urbanization rates, and service availability, supplemented by a July 2021 survey of 6,788 gamers across China, Germany, Japan, and the United States. The methodology utilizes three forecasting scenarios—base, optimistic, and pessimistic—to account for the inherent volatility of a nascent technology market. Key findings indicate that the global cloud gaming market reached $1.6 billion in revenues and 23.7 million paying users in 2021. Projections suggest significant expansion, with revenues expected to exceed $6.5 billion and paying users reaching 60.7 million by 2024. While North America and Europe currently account for 59% of consumer spending, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are poised for rapid growth due to the rollout of 5G infrastructure and high consumer interest in regions where gaming hardware is prohibitively expensive. The analysis concludes that the industry is moving toward a more frictionless user experience through edge computing and B2B partnerships between service providers and telecommunications companies. Despite the closure of some first-party studios, investment remains high among stakeholders like NVIDIA, Haima Cloud, and now.gg. Consumer sentiment remains positive, characterized by high satisfaction levels and low churn, though long-term success depends on overcoming hardware ownership preferences and continuing to improve global network stability.

cloud-gaming market-analysis market-forecast+1

NewzooSept 2021

Financial

Fact Book 2021

The 2021 Fact Book presents a comprehensive overview of Bandai Namco Holdings’ strategic direction, emphasizing its transformation into a globally integrated entertainment conglomerate and its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Central to the narrative is the thesis that sustained growth across toys, video games, animation and amusement can be achieved through diversified product portfolios, expansive international operations, and proactive sustainability initiatives. The company’s evolution is traced from a collection of independent toy, arcade‑machine and media firms to a unified group after the 2005‑2007 merger of Bandai and Namco. Key milestones include the launch of flagship lines such as Gundam models (over 500 million units shipped), Tamagotchi (exceeding 20 million units), and Zatchbell Battle (300 million units), as well as the development of major video‑game franchises—TEKKEN, DARK SOULS III and Tales—collectively surpassing 50 million sales. International expansion is evident through subsidiaries and regional headquarters in North America, Europe and Asia, reinforced by repeated listings on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and industry recognitions such as Cannes Best Actor and TSE awards. Environmental and social performance data for fiscal year 2021 highlight a suite of CSR actions, including CO₂ reduction targets, supply‑chain safety measures and work‑life‑balance programmes, all framed within the “NEXT STAGE” mid‑term plan aimed at deepening engagement with a mature fan base and broadening cross‑media offerings. The Fact Book thus underscores Bandai Namco’s dual focus on market leadership and sustainable corporate practices across a worldwide footprint and multiple entertainment segments.

market-analysis monetization game-publishing+5

Bandai NamcoSept 2021

Report

Shooter Genre Snapshot: September 2021

**Shooter Genre Snapshot – September 2021 (GameRefinery)** --- ### 1. Market Overview | Metric | Insight | |--------|----------| | **Genre rank (US iOS)** | 6th largest mobile genre, ~6 % of total iOS revenue. | | **Revenue share** | The “Big Three” – **Call of Duty: Mobile**, **PUBG Mobile**, and **Garena Free Fire** – generate > 84 % of shooter revenue. | | **Impact of Fortnite removal** | Apple‑Epic lawsuit (Fortnite removed Aug 2020) erased a game that once held ~30 % of the shooter market on iOS. | | **Growth leader** | Garena Free Fire doubled its iOS revenue in 2021, climbing from ~10 % to ~30 % market share and now rivals CoD Mobile for the top spot (Q2 2021). | | **New‑entry stagnation** | No shooter launched in the last **2 years** cracked the top‑grossing 200; only **Bullet Echo** (May 2020) entered the top‑500. | --- ### 2. Top‑Performing Titles (US iOS – Q2 2021) | Rank | Game | Publisher | Sub‑genre | Share | |------|------|-----------|-----------|-------| | 1 | **Garena Free Fire – 4th Anniversary** | Garena International | Battle‑Royale | **28.56 %** | | 2 | **Call of Duty: Mobile** | Activision | Classic FPS/TPS | **28.17 %** | | 3 | **PUBG Mobile – Ignition** | Tencent | Battle‑Royale | **26.55 %** | | 4 | **War Robots** | Pixonic | Tactical Shooter | 3.5 % | | 5 | **Sniper 3D** | Fun Games | Sniper | 3.5 % | | 6 | **Pixel Gun 3D** | Cubic Games | Classic FPS/TPS | 2.12 % | | 7 | **War Machines: Tank** | Fun Games | Tactical Shooter | 1.9 % | | 8 | **Zooba: Zoo Battle Royale** | Wildlife Studios | Battle‑Royale | 1.88 % | | 9 | **World of Tanks Blitz** | Wargaming | Tactical Shooter | 1.61 % | | 10| **Tacticool** | – | – | ~1 % | *Key takeaway:* The top three dominate ~83 % of the genre’s revenue; the rest of the field is highly fragmented. --- ### 3. Why the “Big Three” Stay on Top | Driver | How It’s Implemented | |--------|----------------------| | **Battle Pass** | Seasonal “free + paid” tracks that reward playtime, cosmetics, and progression. | | **Limited‑time Gachas** | Time‑bound loot‑box style draws with increasing price/odds, often tied to events or milestones. | | **Live Events & New Modes** | Frequent, high‑visibility updates (e.g

market-analysis shooter mobile+1

GameRefinerySept 2021

Report

Sports & Racing Games Report: Q3 2021

The sports and racing gaming sectors experienced a transformative period throughout 2020 and early 2021, characterized by a 40.2% year-over-year revenue increase to $2 billion. This growth was underpinned by a clear bifurcation in market dynamics: while realistic sports and racing titles consistently outperformed arcade-style counterparts in revenue generation, arcade games maintained higher download volumes. The industry remains highly concentrated, with a small cohort of major publishers—including Electronic Arts, Konami, Tencent, and Zynga—exerting significant control over both market share and intellectual property. Strategic consolidation through high-profile mergers and acquisitions, such as the integration of Glu Mobile and Codemasters into Electronic Arts, reflects a broader industry trend toward portfolio expansion and market dominance. Geographic performance reveals distinct regional preferences that dictate global revenue flows. The United States remains the primary revenue driver for Western-centric sports and drag racing, while Japan serves as the critical hub for baseball and soccer titles. Conversely, emerging markets such as India and Brazil lead in total download volume, highlighting a disparity between user acquisition and monetization potential. Within the racing segment, kart racing has emerged as a superior model for long-term player retention and balanced gender demographics, contrasting with the gradual revenue decline observed in racing simulators since late 2019. Despite a temporary pandemic-induced surge in arcade racing downloads during 2020, the market has largely normalized to pre-pandemic levels. The sports manager sub-genre exemplifies the industry’s shift toward high-value monetization, as it has successfully increased net revenue despite a multi-year decline in download volume. Ultimately, the sector is defined by a reliance on established intellectual property and a strategic focus on realistic simulation, with revenue spikes frequently tethered to the launch of major new titles. These trends underscore a mature, consolidated market where success is increasingly dependent on publisher scale and the ability to sustain engagement within specific, high-performing sub-genres.

market-analysis global sports-games+1

Sensor TowerSept 2021

Report

Mobile Game Genre Report: Puzzle Games

This analysis examines the mobile puzzle game market, contrasting dynamics between Western and Eastern regions with a focus on the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea. In 2021, mobile emerged as the primary gaming platform globally, with puzzle games representing a significant 8% of total mobile game revenues, totaling $6.9 billion in 2020. The United States leads as the largest market for the genre ($2.0 billion), followed by Japan ($1.2 billion) and China ($0.9 billion). While puzzle games are the most popular genre across all surveyed markets, regional player behaviors and monetization preferences vary significantly. In the West, players favor casual experiences and show a higher tolerance for in-app advertising (IAA). Conversely, Eastern markets, particularly Japan, demonstrate a higher propensity for in-app purchases (IAP) and deeper engagement with character collection, progression mechanics, and "gacha" systems. Demographically, puzzle gamers worldwide skew female and hold mid-to-high incomes, though players in the East tend to be younger and more highly educated than their Western counterparts. The findings highlight a shift toward hybrid monetization models that combine IAP, IAA, and subscription-based "Battle Passes." While classic Match-3 remains the dominant subgenre, developers are increasingly integrating "meta" elements such as narrative, decoration, and RPG mechanics to drive retention. Successful global expansion requires localized user acquisition strategies; for instance, Japanese players respond better to longer intervals between ads and collaborative events with popular anime IPs, whereas U.S. marketing often benefits from performance-based ads and localized creative content. The data suggests that while the core appeal of puzzle solving is universal, long-term commercial success depends on tailoring the in-game economy and social engagement tools to specific regional expectations.

market-analysis monetization mobile+3

Newzoo & PangleAug 2021

Report

Creative Highlights: August 2021

The August 2021 creative roundup highlights a pronounced shift toward human‑like characters and narrative‑driven formats across mobile‑gaming advertisements. Campaigns for titles such as Garena Free Fire, Call of Duty, Clash of Clans and Mobile Legends foreground anthropomorphic protagonists in both gameplay footage and cinematic sequences, often pairing them with real‑world personalities—DJs Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and singer Ozuna appear as playable avatars, reinforcing a crossover appeal between music and gaming audiences. Anniversary celebrations and special collaborations dominate the thematic landscape, with multiple brands deploying party‑style visuals, event‑specific soundtracks and promotional codes to drive engagement. Split‑screen designs that juxtapose moving video with static captions recur in hyper‑casual and match‑3 ads, while fail‑state cues and “try‑it‑yourself” calls‑to‑action appear in titles such as Royal Match, Evony and Township, encouraging immediate interaction. Pop music, ranging from mainstream hits to instrumental versions of Rihanna’s “Desperado,” underpins many creatives, particularly on Snapchat and TikTok‑adjacent platforms. Performance data show these assets ranking within the top‑10 positions on networks including Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook and ad‑exchange partners such as ironSource and Chartboost. The analysis draws on a sample of the highest‑performing creatives across these channels during August 2021, encompassing a broad geographic spread and covering genres from battle‑royale and hyper‑casual to match‑3 and simulation. The findings suggest that narrative depth, celebrity integration, and music‑driven emotional hooks are now core drivers of ad effectiveness in the mobile‑gaming market.

creative-ads marketing global+1

Sensor TowerAug 2021

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In-Game Events Snapshot: November 2021

Strategy Genre Snapshot: October 2021

Raport Bieżący Nr 43/2021: Aktualizacja Strategii PCF Group S.A.

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Shooter Genre Snapshot: September 2021

Sports & Racing Games Report: Q3 2021

Mobile Game Genre Report: Puzzle Games

Creative Highlights: August 2021

Shooter Genre Snapshot: September 2021