As we progress through 2024, the mobile gaming industry continues to grow, attracting players worldwide with its easy access and fresh ideas. This article takes a close look at the most downloaded mobile games of the year, analyzing the data and trends that show what mobile gamers like the most. We’ll discuss what makes these games so popular, including their engaging gameplay, attractive graphics, and social features that help players connect with each other.
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platforms | Release Date | Downloads |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Subway Surfers | Endless Runner | Kiloo and SYBO Games | Kiloo and SYBO Games | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, HarmonyOS, Android, Web browser, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone 8, Amazon Fire Tablet | May 24, 2012 | 304,000,000 |
2 | Stumble Guys | Battle Royale, Party Game | Kitka Games | Scopely | Windows, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 | September 24, 2020 | 254,000,000 |
3 | Roblox | Game creation system, massively multiplayer online | Roblox Corporation | Roblox Corporation | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, PlayStation 4 | September 1, 2006 | 208,000,000 |
4 | Candy Crush Saga | Puzzle | King | King | App Store, Google Play, Windows Phone Store, Windows, macOS, Linux | April 12, 2012 | 138,000,000 |
5 | Race Master 3D | Racing | SayGames | SayGames | iOS, Android | 2022 | 128,000,000 |
6 | 8 Ball Pool | Sports | Miniclip | Miniclip | iOS, Android, Web browser | 2010 | 120,000,000 |
7 | EA Sports FC Mobile | Sports | EA Mobile, EA Canada | EA Sports | iOS, iPadOS, Android | October 11, 2016 | 111,000,000 |
8 | Merge & Fight | Strategy, Battle Simulator | Panther & Leopard | Panther & Leopard | iOS, Android | September 11, 2022 | 110,000,000 |
9 | Free Fire | Battle Royale | Garena | Garena | iOS, iPadOS, Android | December 4, 2017 | 109,000,000 |
10 | Bridge Race | Casual, Racing | Supersonic Studios LTD | Supersonic Studios LTD | Android | 2021 | 107,000,000 |
We will look at the latest technologies and marketing strategies that successful developers use to draw in and keep players. Join us as we explore the factors behind the success of these widely downloaded mobile games and how they are shaping the future of mobile gaming.
Top-10 Most Downloaded Mobile Games 2024
1. Subway Surfers
Genre: Endless Runner
Developer: Kiloo and SYBO Games
Release Date: May 24, 2012
Downloads: 304,000,000
“Subway Surfers” is a vibrant and addictive endless runner game that has captivated players worldwide since its launch in 2012. In the game, players take on the role of youthful graffiti artists who dash through subway stations and tracks to escape from a grumpy inspector and his dog. Along the way, players dodge trains, barriers, and other obstacles while collecting coins, power-ups, and other items to aid their run. The game is renowned for its colorful, high-definition graphics and smooth animations which bring the urban escape to life. Each update brings new cities from around the world into the game, offering fresh visuals and challenges. “Subway Surfers” also features various characters and hoverboards, each with unique abilities, which can be unlocked as players progress. Its simple, engaging gameplay and regular content updates have made it one of the most downloaded games on mobile platforms.
2. Stumble Guys
Genre: Battle Royale, Party Game
Developer: Kitka Games
Release Date: September 24, 2020
Downloads: 254,000,000
“Stumble Guys” is a multiplayer party game that combines the excitement of battle royale mechanics with whimsical and chaotic gameplay. Released in 2021, this game has quickly become popular for its engaging and accessible gameplay. Players control quirky characters as they navigate through a series of obstacle courses, each designed with a variety of traps, hurdles, and challenges. Up to 32 players can compete in real-time, with each round eliminating those who fall behind until one victor remains. The game’s vibrant graphics, dynamic physics, and unpredictable gameplay make each match uniquely entertaining. “Stumble Guys” encourages both competitive and casual play, providing endless fun with its continuously updated maps and customization options for characters. It’s especially popular among players looking for a light-hearted and social gaming experience.
3. Roblox
Genre: Game creation system, massively multiplayer online
Developer: Roblox Corporation
Release Date: September 1, 2006
Downloads: 208,000,000
“Roblox” is not just a game, but a vast online platform that allows users to create, share, and play games and experiences created by others within the community. Since its launch in 2006, Roblox has grown into a global phenomenon, offering a diverse array of user-generated worlds and experiences ranging from simple obstacle courses to complex multiplayer games. Users can design their own games using the Roblox Studio, a powerful creation tool that uses the programming language Lua. The platform supports a wide range of gameplay styles and activities, making it a popular choice for players of all ages. In addition to playing games, users can customize their avatars with various items and clothing, participate in community events, and interact socially with friends. Roblox’s unique approach to user-generated content and community-driven gaming has established it as a leader in the gaming industry, particularly among younger audiences who enjoy the freedom to create, share, and engage in an ever-expanding universe of virtual experiences.
4. Candy Crush Saga
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: King
Release Date: April 12, 2012
Downloads: 138,000,000
“Candy Crush Saga” is one of the most iconic and addictive match-three puzzle games in the mobile gaming world. In this game, players swap colored candies on a grid to make matches of three or more of the same type, which then disappear, allowing new candies to fall into the grid. The game includes thousands of different levels, each with unique objectives, from clearing certain types of candies to achieving a score within a limited number of moves. Candy Crush Saga is known for its bright, colorful graphics and catchy sound effects. It also features power-ups and boosters that help players overcome challenging puzzles. This game has captivated a wide audience with its simple yet strategic gameplay and regularly updated content, keeping players engaged for years.
5. Race Master 3D
Genre: Racing
Developer: SayGames
Release Date: 2022
Downloads: 128,000,000
“Race Master 3D” is an exhilarating mobile racing game that challenges players to maneuver through dynamic and intricate 3D courses filled with obstacles and competitors. Released in 2021, this game quickly gained popularity due to its fast-paced action and engaging gameplay. Players must navigate through tight turns, dodge moving obstacles, and outsmart competitors in high-speed races across a variety of levels. Each level introduces new challenges and environments, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. “Race Master 3D” features intuitive controls and a physics-based driving system that adds realism to the high-speed races. Its vibrant graphics and responsive game mechanics make it a standout title in the mobile racing genre, appealing to casual gamers and racing enthusiasts alike.
6. 8 Ball Pool
Genre: Sports (Billiards)
Developer: Miniclip
Release Date: 2010
Downloads: 120,000,000
“8 Ball Pool” is a highly popular mobile and online billiards game developed and published by Miniclip. It allows players from around the world to compete against each other in the classic game of 8-ball pool. The game features a straightforward, user-friendly interface that makes it easy for players of all skill levels to engage in competitive and enjoyable matches. Players can participate in one-on-one matches or enter tournaments to win trophies and exclusive cues. “8 Ball Pool” uses a leveling-up system, where players earn experience points by winning games and can access more exclusive match locations as they progress. The game also includes a robust virtual currency system, allowing players to purchase different cues and table customizations to enhance their playing experience. With its precise physics and realistic gameplay, “8 Ball Pool” has become one of the most downloaded and played billiards games on mobile platforms, offering an engaging and social experience to billiards enthusiasts worldwide.
7. EA Sports FC Mobile
Genre: Sports (Soccer Simulation)
Developer: EA Mobile, EA Canada
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Downloads: 111,000,000
“EA Sports FC Mobile,” originally released as “FIFA Mobile,” is a high-caliber association football simulation game that has transitioned to a new brand under EA Sports. Developed by EA Mobile and EA Canada, the game offers a comprehensive soccer experience tailored for mobile platforms. As a replacement for the FIFA Ultimate Team mobile games, EA Sports FC Mobile incorporates extensive updates and improvements in gameplay and graphical fidelity to enhance the player’s experience. The game supports multiple regional versions, with specific publishers like Tencent Games for China and Nexon for Japan and Korea, ensuring localized content and features. While previously available on Microsoft Windows until 2017, it is now exclusively available on iOS and Android platforms. Announced during Gamescom 2016, the game continues to offer the depth of soccer management and real-time play, making “The World’s Game” accessible in your pocket with robust features that cater to global soccer fans.
8. Merge & Fight
Genre: Strategy, Battle Simulator
Developer: Panther & Leopard
Release Date: September 11, 2022
Downloads: 110,000,000
“Merge & Fight” is a dynamic real-time strategy game where players merge various warrior types, such as fighters, archers, knights, and wizards, to battle against a diverse array of fantastical enemies. The game challenges players to become a merge master by strategically combining their units to create stronger allies and overcome formidable foes including dragons, dinosaurs, orcs, zombies, skeletons, and elves. Set in a mythic realm, the objective is to conquer enemy territories and progress through increasingly difficult levels by effectively managing your troops and executing tactical merges. Featuring intuitive gameplay and the ability to control battles in real time, “Merge & Fight” offers an exhilarating mix of strategy and action, making it accessible for anyone who enjoys games like “Monster Legends” and “Merge Dragons.” Players must react quickly and use smart tactics to dominate the battlefield and enjoy the thrill of victory in this epic merge-based battle simulator.
9. Free Fire
Genre: Battle Royale
Developer: Garena
Release Date: December 4, 2017
Downloads: 109,000,000
“Free Fire” is a widely popular mobile battle royale game that delivers an intense survival experience. Each game pits 50 players against each other, all striving to be the last one standing on a shrinking battlefield. The matches are fast-paced, typically lasting around 10 minutes, which appeals to players looking for quick and engaging gameplay. Participants parachute onto an island, where they must scavenge for weapons, medical supplies, and other resources to fight off competitors. The game features a variety of vehicles for navigation and multiple tactical equipment options for combat, allowing for different styles of play. “Free Fire” also offers character customization, where players can equip their avatars with various outfits and accessories. Regular updates introduce new content and seasonal events that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting for a global audience.
10. Bridge Race
Genre: Casual, Racing
Developer: Supersonic Studios LTD
Release Date: 2021
Downloads: 107,000,000
“Bridge Race” is an engaging casual racing game where players compete to collect colored blocks and build a bridge to cross over to the next platform before their opponents. Released in 2021 for iOS and Android platforms, the game combines elements of strategy, speed, and agility. Players race against others to gather as many blocks as they can, matching their color, and strategically placing them to construct their bridge. The fast-paced nature of the game requires players to be quick in their movements while also hindering opponents from progressing. The game features a variety of levels, each increasing in difficulty and complexity, providing continuous challenges and entertainment. “Bridge Race” appeals to a wide audience due to its simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics, vibrant graphics, and competitive multiplayer action.
Mobile Triumphs
In conclusion, our exploration of the most downloaded mobile games in 2024 reveals key insights into what captivates and retains mobile gamers. These games, which range from simple, addictive puzzles to richly immersive adventures, prove that success in the mobile gaming market hinges on a mix of creativity, strategic marketing, and technological innovation. The trends we’ve observed not only reflect current gamer preferences but also hint at the future direction of mobile gaming. As developers continue to harness advanced technologies and innovate gameplay, the mobile gaming landscape is set to become even more exciting and dynamic. This journey through the most popular downloads of the year underscores the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of mobile gaming.
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