Mobile Game Market Review July 2024

As we pass the halfway mark of 2024, the Mobile Gaming industry continues to demonstrate its resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.

With a surge in new game releases, increased competition in the casual and hyper-casual markets, and growing trends in live service models, July 2024 has been an exciting month for both developers and players. This month’s mobile game market review examines key trends, top-performing titles, and the shifting dynamics that are shaping the industry.

Key Market Trends for July 2024

a) Cross-Platform Integration Grows Stronger

Mobile gaming is no longer an isolated ecosystem. Cross-platform integration is one of the biggest trends, as game developers focus on making their games accessible across mobile, PC, and consoles.

July saw multiple announcements and launches of cross-platform titles, with notable successes like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal paving the way for this trend. These games allow players to switch between devices seamlessly, expanding the player base and increasing engagement.

For mobile game developers, embracing cross-platform play is becoming a critical strategy for retaining players and maximizing revenue. This approach also opens up new possibilities for community building, as players can stay connected and engaged across multiple devices.

b) Continued Rise of Live Service Games

Live service games have been a dominant force in the mobile gaming market, and this trend has only grown stronger in 2024.

Games that receive regular updates, new content, and live events are not only keeping players engaged but also driving long-term monetization.

Titles like Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, and Apex Legends Mobile have capitalized on live service models, launching seasonal events, battle passes, and exclusive content drops.

In July, mobile game developers have increasingly adopted this model, and we’re seeing more traditional games shift toward live service frameworks.

For analysts, the takeaway is clear: live service games are here to stay, and developers looking for long-term success

Must invest in continuous content updates, real-time feedback loops, and community engagement through live events.

c) Generative AI and User-Created Content

July 2024 saw generative AI continue its impact on mobile gaming. Developers are leveraging AI tools to assist with game design, procedural content generation, and more personalized player experiences. Beyond this, games with user-generated content are gaining momentum. Titles like Roblox and Minecraft have built entire ecosystems around player-created content, and we’re starting to see more mobile games incorporate similar tools.

Mobile games that offer players creative freedom, whether through level creation, skin customization, or modding communities, are thriving. Developers who build platforms for players to generate content will find themselves better equipped to maintain

User interest and expand their game’s lifespan Why Logic Security is The Key in 2024.

Top-Performing Mobile Games in July 2024

a) Honor of Kings – Still Reigning Supreme

Honor of Kings remains one of the top-performing games globally, particularly in its home market of China. Its blend of strategy, fast-paced action, and community-driven esports ecosystem continues to attract millions of players. July saw the introduction of several in-game events and new heroes, keeping the player base engaged.

The key to Honor of Kings’ success lies in its effective use of live events, regular updates, and the deep integration of social and competitive gameplay. Its dominance in the mobile MOBA genre shows no signs of slowing down.

b) Diablo Immortal – Expanding the RPG Market

Diablo Immortal has had a controversial journey, but it is now solidifying its place as a staple in the mobile RPG genre.

With a growing player base in both Western and Asian markets, its July updates introduced new storylines, dungeon events, and co-op raids, all of which have drawn in more players.

Blizzard’s commitment to delivering regular updates and high-quality content has kept Diablo Immortal competitive. This is a prime example of how AAA developers are successfully tapping into the mobile market through traditional PC and console franchises.

c) Royal Match – Casual Gaming Hits New Heights

On the casual front, Royal Match has been one of the standout titles. Its innovative take on the match-3 puzzle format combined with a city-building mechanic has struck a chord with casual gamers. The game’s developer, Dream Games, continues to add themed levels and special in-game challenges.

For mobile marketers and developers, Royal Match shows that innovation in even the most saturated genres can still lead to success. Casual games with polished gameplay, clear progression systems, and regular content updates continue to thrive.

Monetization Trends in July 2024

a) Hybrid Monetization Models Take Over

In July, hybrid monetization strategies continued to dominate the mobile gaming industry. Developers are increasingly combining in-app purchases (IAP), ads, and subscription services to diversify revenue streams. This approach allows developers to appeal to different player segments

Some players prefer a premium experience, while others are more willing to watch ads in exchange for rewards.

Notable games like Candy Crush Saga and Clash Royale have long utilized hybrid models, but we’re now seeing smaller games adopt this approach as well. For developers looking to maximize revenue, experimenting with hybrid monetization offers both flexibility and scalability.

b) Rewarded Ads are Still King

Rewarded ads—ads that give players in-game currency or rewards for viewing—remain one of the most effective monetization tools. These ads strike a balance between user experience and revenue generation, offering players tangible benefits without disrupting gameplay. According to July’s data, rewarded ads continue to generate higher engagement rates and better ROI compared to traditional banner or interstitial ads.

For mobile game developers and advertisers, rewarded ads should be a top priority in monetization strategies. Their effectiveness lies in the seamless integration with gameplay and the win-win proposition they offer to players and marketers alike.

Market Shifts and Challenges

a) Regulatory Pressures and Monetization Scrutiny

July 2024 has seen increasing regulatory scrutiny on mobile game monetization practices, particularly around loot boxes and gambling mechanics. Several countries are considering or have implemented stricter regulations on games that feature loot boxes or other chance-based mechanics

Leading developers to re-evaluate their monetization strategies.

For developers, navigating these regulatory pressures will require innovation in monetization models. Transparent pricing, alternative methods of in-game purchases, and ethical monetization will become critical as regulatory frameworks evolve.

b) Increasing Competition in Hyper-Casual Games

While the hyper-casual genre has been a goldmine for many developers in recent years, July 2024 data suggests that competition is ramping up, and user acquisition costs are rising. Hyper-casual games, known for their simple mechanics and short play sessions, are facing saturation. Developers in this space will need to focus on player retention strategies to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch

As we move into the second half of 2024, several key trends are likely to shape the mobile gaming market:

• AI-Driven Game Design: Expect more games to integrate AI tools for personalized gameplay and procedural content generation.
• Immersive Mobile Experiences: With 5G technology maturing, more mobile games will explore AR, VR, and cloud gaming options to deliver deeper experiences.
• Sustainability in Monetization: Developers will need to find ethical, transparent ways to monetize games as regulatory scrutiny continues to increase.

Conclusion

July 2024 has highlighted the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the mobile gaming industry. With new innovations in monetization, cross-platform integration, and live service models, developers are finding more ways to engage and retain players.

As we head into the latter half of the year, those who can adapt to emerging trends and challenges will continue to thrive in this competitive market.