Mobile games are one of the biggest segments of the gaming industry. They generate billions of dollars in revenue and command attention through millions of hours of gameplay each day. The genres are massive, too — from simple puzzles and thought-provoking anagrams to complex strategy titles and real-time multiplayer wars. And, unlike console games, mobile titles reach a broad audience, balanced across genders, ages and backgrounds.

Mobile gaming grew rapidly in the early 2000s, fueled by booming feature phone sales and fast 4G networks. Japan led the way, embracing mobile gaming with i-mode in 1999, which let users download new titles over the air, and major developers like Konami and Namco ported their arcade hits to mobile devices. Japan’s commute culture made it a natural fit for mobile gaming, and its app stores solved the discovery problem that plagued carrier portals.

As smartphone hardware grew more powerful and the market matured, games moved beyond casual and hyper-casual genres. Smartphones allow players to navigate with precision, and their high-resolution visuals enabled more sophisticated gameplay experiences. In 2015, hit mobile titles like Vainglory and Honor of Kings brought real-time 5v5 competitive MOBAs to mobile, redefining the category with sharp 3D graphics, precise controls, and team-based strategy.

The popularity of mobile gaming reflects people’s natural desire to explore the world around them. It’s why many people play mobile games to pass the time while waiting for a bus or train. Others have a more serious motivation, playing mobile games to improve their skills or as part of a cognitive training regimen. In fact, studies have shown that games that require quick decision-making can help improve cognitive flexibility and delay age-related mental decline in older adults.

Regardless of their purpose, mobile games have become the dominant way that people game, reaching far more people than console or PC games can. And, while the industry is highly fragmented, a few titles dominate both downloads and revenue.

Match-3 puzzle games have long dominated the top of the charts. Titles like Candy Crush Saga, Wordscapes and Royal Match continue to keep huge audiences hooked daily, with monetization via ads and gentle in-app purchases (like extra lives).

Battle royales have been a breakout success for mobile, with games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire proving that lightweight, accessible design and addictive mechanics can drive massive installs on lower-end phones. Meanwhile, user-generated content (UGC) games like Roblox have proven that the mobile gaming platform can also support games rooted in creativity and self-expression.