When it comes to revenue, mobile gaming beats console and PC hands down. The industry is worth more than $150 billion, and more than half of that comes directly from mobile sales. This statistic should come as no surprise, given the ubiquity of mobile devices (estimates suggest that almost 80% of the global population own a smartphone) and the growing number of micro-transactions and in-app purchases in mobile games. Here we will look at the top ten highest-grossing mobile games ever made, many of which still regularly appears near the top of the monthly global revenue charts.
Highest-Grossing mobile games of all time
Every one of these games has netted billions since their initial release, contributing to a sector that overshadows the global film industry and may even overtake television one day. Apart from general mobile games, new online casinos like those listed on this website have played a considerable role in propping up the sector during the pandemic.
1. Honor of Kings
The biggest mobile game on the planet may also be one that is a less familiar name to those of us living in the western world. That is because almost all the players of this game are in China, where the parent company Tencent originate.
The largest video game vendor on the planet, Tencent is also responsible for PUBG Mobile. The version created for the western market is renamed Arena of Valor.
2. Monster Strike
Similar to Honor of Kings, Monster Strike is a game with the majority of its players residing in one country – this time Japan. The game enjoys a large fanbase, complete with esports tournaments, and produces its own spinoff anime television series with a strong resemblance to Pokémon.
The game combines aspects of RPG, puzzle, strategy, and combat.
3. Puzzle and Dragons
Another Japanese success story, Puzzle and Dragons also get the majority of its revenue there. Although you may not see this title in the monthly top ten anymore, it still has lifetime earnings to keep it at number three in the world.
Back when it was released in 2012, the game grossed more than $1 billion in its first year. Blending RPG, match-three, and collectibles, this game has had a huge influence on how the mobile gaming market developed in Japan and elsewhere.
4. Clash of Clans
The first game on the list to originate outside of Asia, Clash of Clans was created by Finnish developer Supercell. The game is in the strategy genre, with a build-and-battle formula that has proved to have long-lasting appeal.
Despite being on the market since 2012, it can still be found near the top of the mobile games charts to this day.
5. Pokémon GO
This unique location-based augmented reality game burst onto the scene in 2016 and created a craze that swept the globe. The initial hype may have mellowed, but the game from Niantic is still increasing its revenue year on year.
One of the only games on the list that does not make money from in-app purchases, Pokémon GO creatively makes use of events and sponsorships to keep its player base engaged and the money coming in.
6. Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush was a pioneer in a number of ways, not least by being the first mobile game to use the freemium model of microtransactions in the app. It is also a game that transcended boundaries to be played by people from almost every demographic imaginable.
The simple match-three formula proved irresistible, and the game became a cultural phenomenon that continues to chart highly today.
7. PUBG Mobile
Tencent released the mobile version of the iconic battle royale game in 2018, and it quickly became a global bestseller.
Despite being embroiled in a number of controversies, and suffering a politically motivated blanket ban in India, PUBG Mobile has continued to sell well on mobile and currently has in the region of 800 million players.
8. Fate/Grand Order (English)
Fate started life as a graphic novel back in 2004, and the popularity of the franchise has continued to rise ever since. This is another game that has most of its fans in Japan and falls into the gacha category.
Gacha is a similar concept to loot boxes, where players pay for in-game items without knowing what they will be beforehand.
9. Free Fire
The secret to Free Fire’s success appears to be the way it was targeted specifically to emerging markets. It may not have much to distinguish it from other games in the battle royale genre, but its small file size and uncomplicated network requirements set it apart.
It was briefly the most downloaded mobile game globally. Southeast Asia, Latin America, and India have been the game’s biggest markets
10. Clash Royale
Another entry for Finland’s Supercell, Clash Royale borrows some characters from Clash of Clans and provides an energetic and fun game that has seen worldwide success.
Supercell have also branched out into esports with both of their flagship titles.
What do you think about this list of Highest-Grossing mobile games of the year 2021? Did we miss out on any game from the list? Drop-in your opinions in the comment section below!
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