Mobile gaming’s ascent to prominence is a narrative of technological evolution and cultural shift. The early 2000s saw mobile games as simple, solitary experiences, often limited to the constraints of hardware and network capabilities. Fast forward to 2024, and the scenario is starkly different. Smartphones now boast processing power and graphical capabilities that rival traditional gaming consoles, transforming them into portable gaming powerhouses. The internet, once a luxury, has become a staple in mobile devices, enabling real-time, seamless connectivity across the globe.
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platform | Release Date | Sales |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arena of Valor | Multiplayer online battle arena | TiMi Studios | Level Infinite, Garena | Android, iOS, iPadOS, Nintendo Switch | October 12, 2016 | |
2 | call of Duty: Mobile | First-person shooter | TiMi Studio Group | Activision | Android, iOS | October 1, 2019 | - |
3 | Clash of Clans | Strategy | Supercell | Supercell | iOS, iPadOS, Android | August 2, 2012 | - |
4 | PUBG: Mobile | Battle royale | PUBG Studios | Krafton, Microsoft Studios (Xbox One), Tencent Games (mobile) | Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 | December 20, 2017 | - |
5 | Clash Royale | Real-time strategy | Supercell | Supercell | iOS, iPadOS, Android | March 2, 2016 | - |
6 | Free Fire | Battle royale | Garena | Garena | Android, iOS, iPadOS | 8 December, 2017 | - |
7 | Brawl Stars | MOBA, Hero shooter | Supercell | Supercell | Android, iOS, iPadOS | June 14, 2017 | - |
8 | Fortnite | Survival, battle royale, sandbox | Epic Games | Epic Games | macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 | July 25, 2017 | - |
9 | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | Multiplayer online battle arena | Moonton | Moonton Elex Technology | Android, iOS | 14 July 2016 | - |
10 | Among Us | Party, social deduction | Innersloth | Innersloth | Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | June 15, 2018 | - |
This evolution is not just technical but also societal. The proliferation of mobile devices has democratized gaming, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the traditional gaming community. Games are no longer seen solely as a form of entertainment for the young or the “hardcore” gamers but as a legitimate leisure activity for all. The convenience of pulling out a smartphone and diving into a game, whether for a few minutes or hours, has integrated gaming into the daily routines of millions, making mobile gaming a dominant force in the entertainment industry.
10 Best Selling Multiplayer Games
Arena of Valor
Developer: TiMi Studios (Tencent)
Revenue: Over $10 billion (Source: Business of Apps)
Downloads: Over 200 million outside China (Various Sources)
Platform: iOS and Android
Arena of Valor, developed by TiMi Studios under the behemoth Tencent, is a juggernaut in the mobile MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) landscape, commanding a revenue surpassing $10 billion as of 2020. The game’s popularity is not just confined to its native Asian markets but spans globally, with over 200 million downloads recorded outside China. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, Arena of Valor offers a classic MOBA experience with a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to its highly competitive gameplay, accessibility, and the regular introduction of new content and characters, which keeps the meta fresh and engaging for both casual and hardcore players alike.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Developer: TiMi Studios and Activision
Revenue: Over $10 billion since launch (Source: Activision)
Downloads: Over 300 million (Source: Activision)
Platform: iOS and Android
Call of Duty: Mobile, a collaboration between TiMi Studios and Activision, brings the iconic Call of Duty franchise to mobile gamers, amassing over $10 billion in revenue since its launch. With over 300 million downloads, the game has become a staple in the mobile FPS (First-Person Shooter) genre. Available on both iOS and Android, Call of Duty: Mobile combines the essence of the Call of Duty universe with mobile-optimized controls and graphics. Its success can be credited to its wide array of modes, including the fan-favorite Battle Royale and Zombies mode, alongside traditional multiplayer matches. The game’s ability to offer a high-quality FPS experience, frequent content updates, seasonal events, and its competitive scene keeps the community engaged and continuously growing.
Clash of Clans
Developer: Supercell
Revenue: Over $7 billion (Source: Sensor Tower)
Downloads: Over 500 million (Source: Google Play Store & App Store)
Platform: iOS and Android
Clash of Clans is a strategic mobile game that revolutionized the mobile gaming scene with its engaging mix of strategic planning and competitive, fast-paced combat. Players build and upgrade their own villages, form clans with other players, and engage in epic Clan Wars. The game’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its deep strategy elements, the constant introduction of new content and features, and a strong community that fosters intense competition and cooperation. Its unique feature of clan-based gameplay alongside a variety of troop combinations and attack strategies keeps players engaged and continually experimenting with different tactics to dominate their foes.
PUBG Mobile
Developer: PUBG Corporation
Revenue: Over $5.1 billion (Source: Sensor Tower)
Downloads: Over 1 billion (Source: PUBG Corporation)
Platform: iOS and Android
PUBG Mobile brought the battle royale genre to the forefront of mobile gaming, offering an intense and immersive survival experience where 100 players are dropped onto a deserted island to scavenge for weapons and gear, with the goal of being the last person standing. Its realistic graphics, complex strategy, and dynamic gunplay provide a console-level gaming experience on mobile devices. The game’s massive popularity stems from its regular content updates, diverse game modes, and a competitive esports scene, making it a favorite among players looking for a deep, engaging, and competitive mobile game.
Clash Royale
Developer: Supercell
Revenue: Clash Royale has generated over $3 billion in revenue (Source: Sensor Tower).
Downloads: The game has been downloaded more than 500 million times (Source: Google Play Store & App Store).
Platform: iOS and Android
Clash Royale combines elements from collectible card games, tower defense, and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) into a unique, fast-paced strategy game. Players collect and upgrade cards featuring Clash of Clans troops, spells, and defenses, and use them to compete in real-time battles against opponents. Its unique features include a live ladder system, various arenas, and the ability to join or form clans to share cards and participate in clan wars. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its competitive gameplay, strategic depth, regular updates with new content, and the strong community support that keeps players engaged.
Garena Free Fire
Developer: 111 Dots Studio and published by Garena
Revenue: Garena Free Fire has generated over $2.3 billion in revenue (Source: Sensor Tower)
Downloads: The game has crossed the 1 billion downloads milestone on the Google Play Store alone (Source: Garena)
Platform: iOS and Android
Garena Free Fire is another heavyweight in the battle royale genre, known for its fast-paced gameplay sessions that last approximately 10 minutes. This game stands out with its accessibility, low system requirements, and unique character system that allows players to choose avatars with special abilities. The game’s widespread popularity, especially in emerging markets, is a testament to its engaging gameplay and the strong community it has fostered through regular events and updates.
Brawl Stars
Developer: Supercell
Revenue: Brawl Stars has amassed over $1 billion in revenue (Source: Sensor Tower).
Downloads: The game boasts over 200 million downloads (Source: Supercell).
Platform: iOS and Android
Brawl Stars is a freemium multiplayer mobile arena fighter/party brawler/shoot ’em up game that brings fast-paced and intense gameplay to the mobile platform. It features a variety of game modes, each with a different objective, and a roster of characters, known as Brawlers, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Its popularity stems from its casual yet competitive gameplay, the frequent introduction of new Brawlers and game modes, and its strong community engagement, including esports events.
Fortnite Mobile
Developer: Epic Games
Revenue: Fortnite Mobile has earned over $1 billion in revenue, predominantly from in-app purchases (Source: Epic Games)
Downloads: The game boasts over 125 million downloads on mobile platforms (Source: Epic Games)
Platform: iOS and Android (limited availability)
Fortnite Mobile brings the vibrant, action-packed battle royale experience of its PC and console counterparts to mobile devices. Known for its stylized graphics, dynamic building system, and engaging seasonal content, Fortnite stands out by constantly evolving gameplay and collaboration with popular franchises, making it a staple in pop culture and a favorite among players who appreciate creativity and a less realistic aesthetic.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Developer: Moonton
Revenue: As of 2020, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has generated over $500 million in revenue (Source: Sensor Tower).
Downloads: The game boasts over 1 billion downloads (Source: Google Play Store & App Store).
Platform: iOS and Android
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a flagship MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) on mobile, offering fast-paced matches that typically last around 10-15 minutes. It features a vast array of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles, catering to various playstyles. The game stands out with its 5v5 battles, simple controls, and quick matchmaking system. Its success is largely due to the balanced competitive gameplay, frequent updates with new heroes and events, and a strong community that includes a thriving esports scene, making it a staple among mobile MOBA enthusiasts.
Among Us
Developer: InnerSloth
Revenue: As of 2020, Among Us generated approximately $50 million in revenue (Source: Sensor Tower).
Downloads: The game has seen over 500 million downloads (Source: Sensor Tower).
Platform: iOS and Android
Among Us is a multiplayer game that blends social deduction with a space-themed setting, where players take on the roles of Crewmates and Impostors aboard a spaceship. The Crewmates’ objective is to complete tasks and identify the Impostors, who secretly sabotage the ship and eliminate players. The game gained immense popularity for its engaging gameplay that emphasizes communication, strategy, and deception. Its simplicity, combined with the thrill of social manipulation and deduction, has led to its widespread appeal and massive player base.
What Makes a Mobile Game a Best-Seller?
The mobile gaming industry has seen exponential growth, with a plenty of titles vying for the top spot in the hearts and devices of gamers worldwide. The success of a mobile game, especially in the multiplayer genre, hinges on several key factors that resonate with its audience. Here, we delve into the essential elements that contribute to making a mobile game a best-seller, illustrated with examples from renowned titles.
1. Engaging Gameplay
The core of any successful mobile game lies in its gameplay. It must be engaging, intuitive, and balanced to keep players coming back. For instance, Among Us, despite its simple graphics, became a global phenomenon due to its unique social deduction gameplay that fosters interaction and teamwork among players, making each game session unpredictable and thrilling.
2. High-Quality Graphics
While not every best-seller needs cutting-edge graphics, a visually appealing game can significantly enhance the user experience. Genshin Impact is a prime example, with its breathtaking open-world environment and character designs that rival console-quality graphics, attracting gamers who appreciate detailed and immersive worlds.
3. Social Elements
Social features, such as forming guilds, chatting, or competing against friends, play a crucial role in a game’s longevity and popularity. Clash of Clans mastered this by allowing players to build clans, engage in clan wars, and create a community, fostering a sense of belonging and competition.
4. Regular Updates and Content Releases
Keeping the game fresh with regular updates, new content, and events is vital for retaining players. Fortnite Mobile excels in this, with its constant stream of new skins, challenges, and limited-time modes, ensuring the game remains relevant and engaging over time.
5. Monetization Strategies
Effective monetization strategies that do not detract from the gaming experience are key to a game’s financial success. PUBG Mobile implements a balanced approach with its Royale Pass, offering cosmetic items that do not affect gameplay, thereby maintaining fairness while generating revenue.
6. Accessibility and Ease of Play
A game’s success is also determined by how accessible and easy it is to play, especially for casual gamers. Candy Crush Saga became a best-seller by being easy to learn but challenging to master, appealing to a broad demographic that includes non-traditional gamers.
7. Innovative Features
Introducing innovative features or mechanics can set a game apart from the competition. Pokemon Go leveraged augmented reality (AR) to blend the digital and physical worlds, creating an engaging and novel experience that captivated millions of players globally.
8. Effective Marketing and Community Engagement
Lastly, effective marketing strategies and active engagement with the gaming community can significantly boost a game’s popularity. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has a strong presence on social media and engages with its community through tournaments and events, helping to build a loyal player base.
In this article, we will look at the best-selling mobile games that can be safely played by the company. Below is a comparative table of the most popular mobile games by the revenue they brought to their developers, as well as by downloads.
FAQ
Most top-tier mobile multiplayer games are designed to be widely accessible, available on both iOS and Android platforms. However, the performance and gameplay experience might vary depending on the device's specifications. It's advisable to check the game's requirements on the App Store or Google Play Store before downloading to ensure compatibility with your device.
Many of the best-selling mobile games adopt a "freemium" model, meaning they are free to download and play, but may include optional in-app purchases that enhance the gameplay or expedite progression. These purchases can range from cosmetic items, like character skins, to functional upgrades. Always review a game's in-app purchase options to understand what content is free and what requires payment.
Most popular mobile multiplayer games have vibrant communities on various social media platforms, forums, and dedicated websites. You can find fellow players and community groups by searching the game's name on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Facebook. These communities are great for finding tips, strategies, and teammates for cooperative gameplay.