Report23 pages
Mobile Gaming by Genre: Midcore
- Midcore mobile gaming is experiencing a post-pandemic rebound, with Q1 2025 revenue and download figures exceeding 2024 levels.
- Strategic rewarded video integration can significantly boost performance, as evidenced by Bytro Labs increasing ARPDAU by 32.9% and Day-3 iOS retention by 6.1%.
- Midcore titles achieve higher eCPMs than casual games, with Bytro Labs reaching eCPMs of 23 on iOS and 25 on Android through optimized ad placement.
InvestGame
Presentation16 pages
AI in MTG: Moving Beyond Theory
- Adopting an 'AI-first' development approach enabled the launch of five new mobile games in 2026, facilitating rapid iteration and simultaneous production of specialized content.
- AI integration has achieved significant operational efficiencies, including a 99% reduction in marketing asset costs and an 80% time saving on influencer spotlight production.
- Data analysis turnaround times have been reduced by 75% by utilizing AI agents to query large-scale datasets, allowing analysts to focus on high-level strategy.
Modern Times Group
Report10 pages
Q4 2025 Investor Presentation
- The company achieved Q4 2025 net sales of SEK 3,123 million, marking 8% organic growth and a 108% year-over-year increase in constant currency.
- Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 reached SEK 717 million with a 23% margin, supported by an unlevered free cash flow of SEK 878 million.
- User acquisition spending surged to 38% of revenue in Q4, representing a 98% year-over-year increase driven by the integration of Plarium and scaling of casual and racing franchises.
Modern Times Group
Report18 pages
Vietnam Mobile Gaming 2025: The Next Billion-Dollar Frontier in Southeast Asia
- Vietnam's mobile gaming market is projected to reach a billion-dollar valuation by 2025, supported by a 9.8% compound annual growth rate.
- A 2025 regulatory crackdown resulted in the removal of 1,081 unlicensed titles, leading to a 13.7% decline in total downloads but fostering a more stable environment for compliant mid-core games.
- Vietnam demonstrates strong monetization potential, with revenue per download exceeding that of the Philippines by at least 28%.
InvestGameFeb 2026
Report32 pages
Midcore Gaming Apps Report 2023
- Midcore games now account for 35% of total US iOS gaming revenue, driven by a player migration from hyper-casual titles toward deeper, more complex gameplay.
- Android is significantly more cost-effective for developers than iOS, with a $0.73 CPI compared to $3.86 and nearly double the Day-7 ROAS at 6.1%.
- The EMEA region offers the best market value, balancing a low $0.80 CPI with a competitive 4.4% ROAS, while North America remains the most expensive market at a $5.45 CPI.
LiftoffJan 2024
Report32 pages
2023 A Liftoff Company Midcore Gaming Apps Report
- Midcore mobile games now account for approximately one-third of U.S. iOS gaming revenue, driven by high player engagement and diversified monetization.
- Strategy games, specifically 4X-build and battle titles, dominate the top-grossing segment, claiming seven of the ten highest-earning iOS midcore games.
- Acquisition costs for midcore titles are significantly higher on iOS at $2 per install compared to $0.73 on Android, yet they achieve an average day-seven return on ad spend of 4.3%.
A Liftoff CompanyJan 2023
Report32 pages
2023 Liftoff Company Midcore Gaming Apps Report
- Midcore mobile games now account for 35% of total iOS gaming revenue in the United States, demonstrating significantly higher market longevity than casual titles.
- Shooter games represent the most high-stakes category, commanding a $7.47 cost per install while delivering a leading 6% Day-7 return on ad spend.
- Top-performing midcore titles maintain engagement through aggressive LiveOps, typically running fifteen simultaneous unique events and fifteen limited-time gachas at any given time.
LiftoffJan 2023
Report25 pages
The Rise of Midcore Mobile Games
- Midcore mobile games accounted for 37% of US iOS mobile game revenue in Q1 2022 and were the only category to experience year-over-year growth.
- Top-tier midcore titles demonstrate superior retention, with nine midcore games maintaining top-200 grossing positions over a 365-day period compared to only three casual titles.
- Monetization in top-grossing midcore titles is heavily standardized, with 75% of games utilizing Battle Passes and over 65% incorporating five or more distinct gacha mechanics.
GameRefineryJul 2022
Report25 pages
The Rise of Midcore Mobile Games Snapshot Report
- Midcore games were the only mobile category to see market share growth between Q1 2021 and Q1 2022, capturing nearly 37% of US iOS mobile game revenue.
- Successful midcore titles are increasingly adopting high-cadence content strategies, with 80% of top-performing games using special live event currencies to drive daily engagement.
- Battle Passes are a primary monetization driver for top-tier midcore games, utilized by 75% of the top 20% grossing titles compared to only 25% of lower-ranking games.
GameRefineryJul 2022
Report25 pages
The Rise of Midcore Mobile Games Snapshot Report July 2022
- Midcore mobile games were the only category to achieve revenue growth in the US iOS market between Q1 2021 and Q1 2022, now capturing 36.73% of total mobile gaming revenue.
- New midcore titles are outperforming casual games in long-term retention, with nine midcore releases from the past year remaining in the top 200 grossing chart compared to only three casual titles.
- Top-performing midcore titles like Diablo Immortal, Genshin Impact, and Apex Legends Mobile prioritize console-like manual controls over autoplay mechanics to drive engagement.
GameRefineryJul 2022
Report16 pages
The Highest-Grossing Mobile Games on iOS & Android: Q2 2022
- Mid-core titles dominated Q2 2022 revenue, led by 'Rise of Kingdoms' which generated $179.5 million.
- King was the highest-grossing publisher during the period, earning over $264 million across four leading titles.
- Top-earning games outside the mid-core category included 'Candy Crush Saga' ($122 million), 'Coin Master' ($99.2 million), and 'Roblox' ($68.1 million).
AppticaJun 2022
Report16 pages
The Highest-Grossing Mobile Games on iOS & Android: Q2 2022 Report & Infographics
- Mid-core games emerged as the highest-grossing genre in Q2 2022, underscoring the sector's dominance in mobile revenue generation.
- King was the top-earning publisher for the quarter with over $264 million in aggregate revenue, followed by Lilith Games at $254.6 million and Playrix at $182.8 million.
- Rise of Kingdoms by Lilith Games led iOS revenue with over $179.5 million, while Candy Crush Saga topped Android charts with more than $122 million.
AppticaJun 2022