Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platforms | Release Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Umamusume: Pretty Derby | Simulation, Racing | Cygames | Cygames | iOS, Android, PC | February 24, 2021 | |
2 | Dragon Quest Walk | Geolocation-based game, role-playing game | COLOPL | Square Enix | Android, iOS | September 12, 2019 | |
3 | Monster Strike | Role-playing, physics | Mixi | Mixi | Android, iOS | August 8, 2013 | |
4 | Blue Archive | Role-playing, Real-time Strategy, Visual Novel | Nexon Games | Nexon | Android, iOS | February 4, 2021 | |
5 | Fate/Grand Order | Role-playing, visual novel | Lasengle, Delightworks | Aniplex | Android, iOS, iPadOS, Arcade | July 30, 2015 | |
6 | Legend of Mushroom | Fantasy Idle RPG | Joy Nice Games | Joy Nice Games | Android, iOS | March 7, 2024 | |
7 | Heaven Burns Red | Action RPG | Wright Flyer Studios, Key | Wright Flyer Studios, Key | iOS, Android, Windows | February 10, 2022 | |
8 | Puzzle & Survival | Puzzle, Strategy, Survival | 37GAMES | 37GAMES | iOS, Android | October 2, 2020 | |
9 | Honkai: Star Rail | Space Fantasy RPG | miHoYo | miHoYo, HoYoverse | Windows, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5 | April 26, 2023 | |
10 | Royal Match | Puzzle | Dream Games | Dream Games | Android, iOS | February 25, 2021 |
The mobile gaming industry in Japan stands as a colossal pillar in both the national and international entertainment arenas. Renowned for its innovative spirit and exceptional quality of game development, Japan has been instrumental in shaping the mobile gaming landscape. The nation’s rich heritage in video gaming, home to iconic companies and groundbreaking franchises, has paved the way for a flourishing mobile gaming ecosystem.
Top Grossing Mobile Games in Japan
1. Umamusume: Pretty Derby (ウマ娘 プリティーダービー)
Release date: February 24, 2021
Genre: Simulation, Racing
Developer: Cygames
“Umamusume: Pretty Derby” is a unique blend of simulation and racing game genres, developed by the renowned Cygames. Set in a world where horse girls, gifted with excellent speed and endurance, compete to become top racers while aspiring to the prestigious title of “Twinkle Series” champion, players take on the role of a trainer. The game intricately combines elements of idol training and racing competitions, where players must train, bond with, and lead their horse girls to victory in thrilling races. Alongside the competitive racing, the game also delves into personal stories, growth, and the dreams of each Umamusume, making it a deeply engaging experience that has captured the hearts of players around the world.
2. Dragon Quest Walk (ドラゴンクエストウォーク)
Release date: September 12, 2019
Genre: Location-based RPG
Developer: Colopl
“Dragon Quest Walk” is a location-based RPG developed by Square Enix in collaboration with Colopl. Inspired by the iconic Dragon Quest series, this mobile game incorporates real-world navigation similar to games like Pokémon GO. Players embark on quests and battle monsters based on their physical location, bringing the fantasy world of Dragon Quest into the real world. The game encourages exploration, as players can find and fight monsters, collect items, and complete quests by walking around in their local environment. With its integration of Dragon Quest’s traditional RPG elements and augmented reality technology, “Dragon Quest Walk” offers a unique and immersive experience that connects the virtual world of gaming with the physical world of the player.
3. Monster Strike (モンスターストライク)
Release date: August 8, 2013
Genre: Physics-based RPG, Strategy
Developer: Mixi
“Monster Strike” is a captivating mobile game that combines elements of physics-based puzzles, role-playing (RPG), and strategy. Developed by Mixi, the game is designed for both single-player and multiplayer cooperative play. In “Monster Strike,” players collect, raise, and battle an array of monsters by slingshotting them across the game board to attack enemies and engage in strategic combat. The game’s unique mechanics and cooperative gameplay have made it a massive hit, particularly in Japan, where it has cultivated a strong community of players. “Monster Strike” stands out for its engaging gameplay, deep collection system, and the social aspect of teaming up with friends to take down powerful bosses, making it a beloved title in the mobile gaming landscape.
4. Blue Archive (ブルーアーカイブ)
Release date: February 4, 2021
Genre: RPG, Simulation
Developer: Nexon Games
“Blue Archive” is a compelling mix of RPG and simulation gaming elements, crafted by NAT Games and published by Yostar. Set in an academy-themed world, players assume the role of a teacher tasked with solving various mysteries and incidents occurring around the city. The game features a deep storyline where players can interact with and get to know each student’s unique personality and backstory. With its engaging character development, strategic combat system, and high-quality anime-style graphics, “Blue Archive” offers an immersive experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the intricacies of managing relationships and tactical gameplay. This blend of elements, along with its captivating narrative and character design, has made “Blue Archive” a popular title among fans of anime and RPG games.
5. Fate/Grand Order (フェイト・グランドオーダー)
Release date: July 30, 2015
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG), Turn-Based Combat
Developer: Lasengle, Delightworks
“Fate/Grand Order” is a highly immersive and narrative-driven mobile RPG, part of the expansive “Fate” franchise. The game combines turn-based combat with a complex story and character system, where players summon and team up with historical, mythological, and literary figures, known as “Servants,” to battle enemies and unravel the game’s rich storyline. Set in a world where players must travel through time to prevent the extinction of humanity, “Fate/Grand Order” offers deep gameplay mechanics, extensive lore, and high-quality visuals. Its compelling narrative, strategic battles, and vast array of characters have made it one of the most popular and lucrative mobile games globally, especially in Japan, where it has a massive fan base.
6. Legend of Mushroom (キノコ伝説:勇者と魔法のランプ)
Release date: March 7, 2024
Genre: Fantasy Idle RPG
Publisher: Joy Nice Games
“Legend of Mushroom” is a charming fantasy Idle RPG that captures the heartwarming journey of a tiny mushroom with an extraordinary dream: to transform into a human. Set against a backdrop filled with enchantment and wonder, players embark on delightful adventures, leveraging magical lamps that bestow incredible powers upon their mushroom characters. The game invites players to construct their own mushroom civilization and ascend the ranks among nature’s formidable predators. Available as a free-to-play title on both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store, “Legend of Mushroom” has already made a significant impact with a million downloads on its launch day alone. Crafted with meticulous detail by Joy Nice Games, this game stands as an artistic triumph, bringing the whimsical world of mushrooms to vibrant life.
7. Heaven Burns Red (ヘブンバーンズレッド)
Release date: February 10, 2022
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Key and WFS
“Heaven Burns Red” is a compelling RPG developed by the collaboration between Key, known for their deep storytelling and memorable characters, and WFS (Wright Flyer Studios). The game presents a rich narrative experience combined with strategic gameplay elements. Set in a world facing an existential threat from mysterious life forms known as “Cancers,” players are thrust into the role of commanders leading a squad of talented and unique female warriors in the battle for humanity’s survival. The game is celebrated for its emotional storytelling, character depth, and beautifully crafted music, contributing to an immersive gaming experience. “Heaven Burns Red” combines Key’s signature narrative style with engaging RPG mechanics, offering a poignant and memorable journey that resonates with players long after they’ve put the game down.
8. Puzzle & Survival (パズル&サバイバル)
Release date: October 2, 2020
Genre: Puzzle, Strategy, Survival
Developer: 37GAMES
“Puzzle & Survival” is a unique blend of match-three puzzle mechanics with survival strategy elements, developed by 37GAMES. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, players must match tiles to gather resources, build and fortify their shelters, and rescue survivors to build a strong community. The game challenges players to think strategically, not only in solving puzzles but also in managing resources, developing their shelter, and defending against zombie attacks. The combination of engaging puzzle gameplay with survival strategy and base-building elements provides a refreshing and addictive experience. “Puzzle & Survival” encourages players to collaborate with others to form alliances, adding a social aspect to the game that enhances the overall experience.
9. Honkai: Star Rail (崩壊:スターレイル)
Release date: April 26, 2023
Genre: Space Fantasy RPG
Developer: miHoYo
“Honkai: Star Rail” invites you on an enthralling journey aboard the Astral Express, exploring the limitless wonders of the galaxy. This new space fantasy RPG from HoYoverse offers a universe filled with thrilling adventures, where players will encounter new companions across various worlds, and might even reunite with some familiar faces. Together, you’ll tackle the challenges posed by the enigmatic Stellaron, unraveling the hidden truths behind it and aiming for the stars. As you venture through distinct and fantastical worlds, from mysterious space stations to planets engulfed in eternal winter, every stop presents a new, breathtaking view of the galaxy, full of civilizations and mysteries to uncover. The game promises a riveting RPG experience where your choices shape the story, supported by state-of-the-art cinematics, a comprehensive facial expression system, and an original score that sets the mood for your journey. With a cast of compelling allies, each with their own unique backstory and personality, you’ll face the Stellaron crisis together, weaving a tale of camaraderie, laughter, and tears.
10. Royal Match (ロイヤルマッチ)
Release date: February 25, 2021
Genre: Puzzle, Match-3
Developer: Dream Games
“Royal Match” is a captivating match-3 puzzle game developed by Dream Games, released in March 2021. Set in a vibrant and colorful royal kingdom, players are tasked with solving a variety of challenging puzzles to help King Robert decorate and restore his castle to its former glory. Each level presents unique obstacles and goals, requiring strategic thinking and clever combinations to progress. As players advance through the levels, they unlock new areas of the castle to renovate and decorate, revealing the castle’s grandeur and history piece by piece. “Royal Match” is not only about matching; it’s a journey through a royal narrative filled with charming characters, engaging stories, and the satisfaction of bringing a kingdom back to life. The game’s delightful graphics, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the rewarding sense of progression make “Royal Match” a favorite among fans of the puzzle genre.
A Look at Top Grossing Games
In conclusion, the landscape of top-grossing mobile games in Japan is a vivid testament to the country’s innovative spirit and its pivotal role in shaping global gaming trends. From fantasy RPGs to strategic puzzles, these games not only dominate the local market but also enjoy significant international acclaim, underscoring Japan’s enduring influence on the mobile gaming industry. The success of these titles is rooted in a deep understanding of player engagement, creative game design, and the seamless integration of cultural elements that resonate with players worldwide. As the mobile gaming sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from Japan’s thriving market will undoubtedly continue to inspire developers and captivate gamers around the globe, maintaining Japan’s status as a powerhouse in the digital entertainment world.
Mobile gaming's popularity in Japan can be attributed to the busy lifestyles of its citizens. With people often on the move, mobile games provide a convenient form of entertainment during commutes, waits in line, or short breaks. Additionally, the Japanese have a strong passion for gaming, further fueling the demand for mobile games.
Mobile gaming has become the predominant form of gaming in Asia, largely due to the affordability of smartphones. Across the continent, whether one prefers an iPhone or an Android device, smartphones are available at competitive prices, making mobile gaming accessible to a wide audience.
In China, video game censorship often stems from concerns about the portrayal of war, history, and the government. Games that are seen as presenting a distorted view of World War II or other sensitive topics have been banned. For example, in 2004, the game Hearts of Iron was banned by the Ministry of Culture for its depiction of the war.