Mobile gaming has carved a lucrative niche in the entertainment sector, with projections indicating an upward trajectory in the coming years. It’s an industry poised to continue its rapid expansion, with revenues set to more than double from $104.4 billion in 2022 to an estimated $253.2 billion by 2030, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%.
This rapid growth can be attributed to the ubiquity of smartphones, projected to generate revenues of $222.4 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 12.2%.
The increased accessibility of mobile devices, coupled with the burgeoning popularity of mobile gaming platforms, has fuelled this industry’s remarkable growth. The United States, with a current market estimation of $23.2 billion, is a significant player in the mobile gaming market, along with China, which is forecasted to reach an astounding $60.3 billion by 2030, trailing a CAGR of 14.9%.
Player Demographics and Preferred Genres
The demographics of the mobile gaming audience is diverse and expansive. Nearly half of the mobile gamers in the US are women, with a staggering 65% of women aged 10-65 playing mobile games. The 18-34 age group is the most prevalent among dedicated players, with an equal gender split.
Interestingly, female players engage more frequently in mobile gaming, despite being less likely to identify themselves as gamers. This reveals an untapped potential for game developers to better engage with this demographic.
When it comes to game genres, Role Playing Games (RPGs) take the lead as the most profitable, commanding 31% of in-app purchase spending in 2022. This is followed by arcade and tabletop games, which saw an increase in spending of 14.8% and 0.9% respectively in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period the previous year.
Augmented Reality: A Game Changer
Adding a new layer of experience to mobile gaming, Augmented Reality (AR) is set to revolutionise the industry. AR enables a blend of real-world and digital elements, providing immersive experiences for players. By transforming the surroundings into a gaming environment, AR is poised to drive a new level of engagement, attracting more players and pushing up revenue growth.
By fostering this heightened level of interactivity, AR is expected to attract a broader audience to mobile gaming. As the line between reality and gaming blur, players not traditionally drawn to video games might find the immersive nature of AR gaming appealing. This could lead to an increase in the number of players and, in turn, a significant boost to industry revenue.
Implications for the iGaming Industry
- Expanding Demographics: The broad and diverse audience of mobile gaming offers a golden opportunity for the iGaming industry. The industry can leverage this by tailoring games to engage a wider demographic, particularly focusing on female players who are an under-represented demographic in the gaming community.
- Genre Preferences: With RPGs being the most profitable mobile gaming genre, iGaming companies should consider incorporating RPG elements into their games to increase appeal and profitability. Exploring popular genres like arcade and tabletop games could also attract more users.
- AR Integration: The introduction of AR in mobile gaming presents a significant trend in the iGaming space. By integrating AR technology, iGaming companies can offer a more immersive and engaging gaming experience, setting them apart from competitors and attracting more users.
