Mobile games are on the rise. From remakes of classic titles to brand new games built specifically for mobile platforms, people can’t seem to get enough.
In fact, Mobile games are so popular that there are now 21 games that have generated over $1 billion in revenue.
That’s not an easy number to reach. For reference, there are only five Call of Duty titles that have made over $1 billion dollars. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 sit at the top of that list, bringing in over $1.23 billion to the franchise.
For mobile games to even be in the same ballpark is astonishing, but they’ve proven their worth time and time again.
When it took Pokémon GO three days to earn $2 million in 2016, there were less than a handful of mobile games that attracted a following of comparable size. Clash of Clans and Clash Royale were among those who were amassing millions in revenue, but they certainly weren’t the norm.
Today, these staggering numbers are becoming more and more commonplace. Call of Duty: Mobile earned $2 million and 20 million downloads during its first two days in app stores. Mario Kart Tour’s two-day earnings support similar figures.
Clash Royale’s total revenue is over $2.5 billion, and the game isn’t alone. Here are all 21 games that have grossed over $1 billion, as compiled by PocketGamer:
- PUBG Mobile
- Fortnite Mobile
- Lineage M
- Lineage 2: Revolution
- Pokémon GO
- Clash Royale
- Fantasy Westward Journey
- Honor of Kings
- Fate/Grand Order
- Mobile Strike
- Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle
- Summoners War
- Boom Beach
- Monster Strike
- Game of War: Fire Age
- Disney Tsum Tsum
- Candy Crush Saga
- Clash of Clans
- Hay Day
- Puzzle & Dragons
- EA Sports (Publisher)
When most people think of mobile games, they probably think of match-three puzzle games or hyper-casual titles like Candy Crush. Candy Crush did make the list, but there isn’t a well-defined genre that dominates the charts. Mobile games from every walk of life and every corner of the globe are featured.
The mobile experience is evolving and gamers are more receptive to the platform’s legitimacy than ever before. As developers continue to expand their capabilities and optimize their pricing models, there’s no reason to suggest that mobile games won’t continue to improve their share of the market.