Mobile games entertain, educate, and connect us with friends. But they’re also a technological marvel that can transform our humble cell phones and tablets into movie theaters, workstations, art canvases, social platforms, and even payment systems. They’re a massive global industry that continues to evolve and adapt to keep pace with technological and societal changes.

Mobile gaming first went mainstream in 1997 with a simple game: Snake, which was built into a few early PDAs like the Sharp Wizard and ran on a black and white screen. While it may not be a great gaming experience by today’s standards, it proved that smartphones were more than just communication devices — they could be fun.

After the rise of the iPhone and the App Store, the mobile gaming industry took off. Developers quickly figured out that they could create console-quality experiences on mobile, with high-performance processors, impressive displays, and fast internet connections. By the end of the 2010s, games were no longer a niche pastime for mobile users; they had become the largest part of the gaming industry in terms of active players and closing in on revenue.

While some mobile games are purely arcade-style, others rely on complex and social mechanics to drive engagement. Many are multiplayer-driven and feature ad-supported monetization strategies, including in-app purchases for boosters or extra lives. Some are augmented reality (AR) titles that layer virtual content onto the real world. Still others are educational and merge gameplay with learning, allowing players to explore new worlds and master skills without leaving home.

In addition to its widespread popularity, mobile gaming is a highly profitable industry. However, the industry is facing challenges. Concerns about addiction have led to stricter rules in places like China and increased pressure for developers to include healthy play tools, such as time limits and breaks. Privacy concerns have fueled regulatory actions that affect how games track and target users, as well as the growing influence of platform-controlled game stores that dictate distribution and take a cut of revenues. It’s getting harder to acquire players, and some gamers are burned out on ad-heavy or grindy freemium titles.

But mobile games continue to innovate and grow, with some claiming over 10 billion downloads. Whether it’s hyper-casual titles like Subway Surfers, Candy Crush Saga, and 8 Ball Pool, or battle royales like PUBG MOBILE and Free Fire, they attract players from all backgrounds. The popularity of these games shows that, even as technology and societal trends change, people are drawn to games that provide an escape from daily life and the promise of fun and rewards. For developers, this demonstrates the power of mobile to deliver a range of different gaming experiences that can suit any taste. It’s a massive opportunity that developers must tap into to survive and thrive. Those who do are poised to enjoy long-term success.