In 2025 year to date, Pokémon GO in-app purchase revenues surpassed 297.44 million U.S. dollars worldwide. The AR game's most profitable year was 2020, when many gamers discovered the title during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pokémon Go: a global phenomenon Pokémon Go took the world by storm in 2016. Within a week of its release on July 19, the mobile app had been downloaded over ten million times worldwide, indicating the enormous hype surrounding the launch of Nintendo’s first venture into mobile gaming. The location-based augmented reality (AR) game involves catching, training, and battling virtual creatures (Pokémon) in real-world locations via smartphone. While the initial Pokémon craze has slowly faded, the game still enjoys millions of active users around the world and the Asia-Pacific region, in particular. Player spending increases in a quest to catch ’em all Pokémon Go ranks among the leading free-to-play (FTP) gaming titles worldwide, generating over four billion U.S. dollars in lifetime IAP revenue. While both app download and usage are free, the game uses a freemium business model that supports in-app purchases. Users can buy additional Pokéballs or other in-game items to level up and increase their chances of becoming a successful virtual Pokémon trainer. In order to maintain players’ interest and participation, developer Niantic continues to expand the game by introducing new features and characters like popular franchise antagonists Team Rocket..

In 2025 year to date, mobile gaming title Pokémon GO generated more than 113 million U.S. dollars through in-app purchases across markets in Asia-Pacific. The Americas were ranked first with more than 136 million U.S. dollars in annual app revenues.

In 2020, mobile gaming title Pokémon GO had its biggest year yet, with a total of 356 million U.S. dollars worth of in-app purchases (IAP) revenues by gamers in the United States. The majority of Pokémon GO revenues are generated via Google Play. However, in 2024, the iOS Store for iPhone and iPad generated more IAP revenues for the AR hit, amounting to a total of 145.2 million U.S. dollars.

The gaming app "Pokémon GO" generated a monthly app revenue of about ***** million U.S. dollars in Japan in December 2024. The total app revenue during that year reached almost ***** million dollars. The location-based augmented reality (AR) game was developed by Niantic, Inc. and released in 2016.

According to figures provided by Airnow, the net revenue made on Pokémon GO in the Netherlands was highest right after the app was launched. The app still generates revenue since those months, with peaks between June and September. The source defines net revenue as the revenue made with in-app purchases after the stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) received their share.Pokémon GO was launched in the summer of 2016 and for a time became one of the world's most played mobile games. Developer Niantic allows players to "catch" the popular Japanese pocket monsters from Nintendo in outside real world locations using augmented reality.

According to figures provided by Airnow, the net revenue made on Pokémon GO in Belgium was highest right after the app was launched. The app still generates revenue since those months, with peaks between June and September. The source defines net revenue as the revenue made with in-app purchases after the stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) received their share.Pokémon GO was launched in the summer of 2016 and for a time became one of the world's most played mobile games. Developer Niantic allows players to "catch" the popular Japanese pocket monsters from Nintendo in outside real world locations using augmented reality.

In 2025 to date, mobile gaming company Niantic generated over 344 million U.S. dollars in IAP revenues. The most popular mobile gaming titles published by Niantic include the mobile AR hit Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Pokémon GO's impact on Niantic's company revenue cannot be overstated — in 2015, in-app revenues amounted to a comparatively low 840 thousand U.S. dollars.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Mobile Games market size is USD 100584.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 40233.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 30175.26 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 23134.37 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share for more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5029.21 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 2011.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Android held the highest Mobile Games market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Mobile Games Market

Key Drivers for Mobile Games Market

Smartphone Penetration Growth: The swift rise in affordable smartphones and access to high-speed internet is propelling the global adoption of mobile gaming, allowing for a broader audience reach in both urban and rural settings, thereby enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Freemium and In-App Purchases: The effectiveness of free-to-play models that incorporate in-app purchases and advertisements is driving revenue growth. This business strategy attracts a large user base while providing steady income streams for game developers and publishers.

Rising Esports and Social Gaming: The growth of mobile esports tournaments and multiplayer platforms is increasing user engagement. Players are increasingly drawn to competitive, interactive, and community-oriented gaming experiences, which in turn stimulates sustained demand for mobile gaming solutions.

Key Restraints for Mobile Games Market

Monetization Challenges: A heavy dependence on microtransactions and advertisements can lead to user frustration. Developers encounter challenges in balancing revenue generation with user experience, which may hinder retention and long-term profitability in a fiercely competitive market.

Device and Connectivity Limitations: Performance issues on lower-end devices and unreliable internet connectivity in emerging markets hinder seamless gaming experiences, limiting adoption among users who cannot access high-quality, graphics-intensive mobile games.

High Market Saturation: The industry is confronted with fierce competition, with thousands of games launched each year. Challenges in discoverability make it difficult for new developers to attract users, thereby restricting innovation and profitability for smaller studios.

Key Trends for Mobile Games Market

Cloud Gaming Expansion: Cloud technology is transforming mobile gaming by facilitating high-quality, console-like experiences on smartphones without hardware constraints, enabling users to instantly access advanced games through streaming platforms.

AR and VR Integration: The increasing adoption of augmented and virtual reality technologies in mobile gaming is enhancing immersive experiences, with games such as Pokémon Go demonstrating the potential of interactive, location-based entertainment.

Expansion of Cross-Platform Gaming: The rising demand for cross-platform compatibility enables players to experience seamless interactions across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, thereby enhancing engagement and broadening the scope of mobile gaming ecosystems. Introduction of the Mobile Games Market

The mobile games market refers back to the enterprise targeted at developing, dispensing, and monetizing games for smartphones and tablets. It contains an extensive variety of game genres, from casual puzzles to immersive multiplayer experiences. With the tremendous adoption of smartphones globally, the cellular gaming market has grown unexpectedly, turning into one of the most important segments of the gaming enterprise. Key drivers consist of the accessibility and convenience of gaming on cell devic...

In June 2025, Pokémon Go was the top grossing gaming app for iPhone in Sweden. The AR game generated more than ******* U.S. dollars in revenues from iPhone users. Candy Crush Saga was the second-most grossing gaming app title with approximately ******* U.S. dollars in revenue during that month.

The Augmented Reality (AR) gaming market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in mobile technology, increasing smartphone penetration, and the rising popularity of immersive gaming experiences. The market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $80 billion by 2033. This significant expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Firstly, the continuous improvement in AR hardware, such as Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) and handheld devices, is leading to more realistic and engaging gaming experiences. Secondly, the increasing accessibility of AR technology through smartphones is democratizing access to AR games, broadening the user base considerably. Thirdly, the development of innovative game mechanics and storylines specifically designed for AR platforms is enhancing user engagement and driving adoption. Finally, the integration of AR gaming with social media and online communities fosters a collaborative and competitive environment that boosts user retention. The market is segmented by application (commercial and home use) and device type (HMD, handheld, and spatial displays), with the handheld segment currently dominating due to its accessibility and affordability. However, certain restraints hinder the market's full potential. High initial investment costs associated with AR hardware and software development can limit market penetration, especially in developing economies. Furthermore, concerns about data privacy and security related to AR applications, coupled with technological limitations like battery life and processing power in some devices, pose challenges. Despite these challenges, the market's positive trajectory is expected to continue. Strategic partnerships between game developers, hardware manufacturers, and technology companies are crucial for addressing these limitations and accelerating AR gaming market growth. The geographic distribution is broad, with North America and Europe representing substantial market shares initially, while Asia Pacific is projected to experience the fastest growth due to its burgeoning tech-savvy population and increasing mobile gaming adoption. Key players like Niantic (Pokémon Go), Qualcomm, and others are shaping the future of AR gaming through continuous innovation and expansion.

In September 2022, Candy Crush Saga was the top grossing gaming app for iPhone in Finland. The match-3 game title generated more than ** thousand U.S. dollars in revenues from iPhone users. Pokémon GO was the second-most grossing gaming app title with approximately ** thousand U.S. dollars in revenue during that month.

In September 2022, Candy Crush Saga was the top-grossing gaming app in the Google Play Store in Finland. The match-3 game title generated ** thousand U.S. dollars in revenues from Android users. Pokémon GO was the second-most-grossing gaming app title with approximately ** thousand U.S. dollars in revenue during that month.

Released in July 2016, Pokémon GO was instantly a smash hit, accumulating close to 700 million lifetime downloads. During its first quarter, the app generated a dizzying 228 million downloads before winding down to a double-digit download volume over time. Pokémon GO players are a highly engaged audience, and live events, when possible, are very popular with the player community. In the second quarter of 2025, the Pokémon GO app generated over 8.98 million downloads worldwide.

In September 2022, Candy Crush Saga was the top grossing gaming app for iPhone in Norway. The match-3 game generated more than *** thousand U.S. dollars in revenues from iPhone users. Pokémon GO was the second-most grossing gaming app title with approximately ** thousand U.S. dollars in revenue during that month.

With a global sales volume of over ***** million units, Pokémon Red/Green/Blue was the franchise’s best-selling video game worldwide as of December 2024. The first full Pokémon game release on Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Sword/Shield, came in second place with **** million units. Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, the most recent series entry for Nintendo's current Switch console, has sold approximately ***** million units worldwide. Pokémon: a global success story Pokémon is an immensely popular Japanese video gaming series published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, centering around an ever-expanding universe of fictional creatures that players can collect, train, and battle. Since launching its first generation of console games on Nintendo’s Game Boy back in 1996, Pokémon has grown to become one of the world’s most successful gaming franchises with over 480 million Pokémon games sold as of May 2023. Pokémon is also one of the most persistent brand names in the gaming industry, with its Red/Green/Blue Version placing among the five best-selling console games of all time in 2023 - 27 years after its release. Venturing into the mobile games market While Pokémon has been a household name for console gaming for several decades, the franchise ventured into the world of mobile gaming for the first time in 2016. With the launch of Pokémon GO, a location-based augmented reality (AR) mobile version of the original hit gaming series, the franchise adapted to the latest trends in the video game market that center around the growing popularity and profitability of mobile games. Pokémon GO is one of the top-grossing mobile gaming titles worldwide.

Published in August 2023, Monster Hunter Now is a location-based AR game developed by Pokémon Go maker Niantic and Capcom. In December 2024, the mobile gaming app generated approximately **** million U.S. dollars in in-app purchases.

The COVID-19 pandemic that spread across the world at the beginning of 2020 was not only a big threat to public health, but also to the entire entertainment industry. While cinemas and theaters closed their doors to try to stem the spread of the disease, many people turned to home entertainment and gaming during periods of self-isolation. In the week beginning **************, player spending on the hugely popular mobile game Pokémon Go hit a peak of *** million U.S. dollars in the United States, representing around ** percent of the global revenue for that week.

Extended reality (XR) gaming combines real world environments with virtual elements to create an immersive experience for the gamer. Games such as Pokémon Go fall under the category of mobile augmented reality. Global revenue in this segment has grown from 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 to 1.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

In the most recently reported fiscal year, Google's revenue amounted to 348.16 billion U.S. dollars. Google's revenue is largely made up by advertising revenue, which amounted to 264.59 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. As of October 2024, parent company Alphabet ranked first among worldwide internet companies, with a market capitalization of 2,02 billion U.S. dollars. Google’s revenue Founded in 1998, Google is a multinational internet service corporation headquartered in California, United States. Initially conceptualized as a web search engine based on a PageRank algorithm, Google now offers a multitude of desktop, mobile and online products. Google Search remains the company’s core web-based product along with advertising services, communication and publishing tools, development and statistical tools as well as map-related products. Google is also the producer of the mobile operating system Android, Chrome OS, Google TV as well as desktop and mobile applications such as the internet browser Google Chrome or mobile web applications based on pre-existing Google products. Recently, Google has also been developing selected pieces of hardware which ranges from the Nexus series of mobile devices to smart home devices and driverless cars. Due to its immense scale, Google also offers a crisis response service covering disasters, turmoil and emergencies, as well as an open source missing person finder in times of disaster. Despite the vast scope of Google products, the company still collects the majority of its revenue through online advertising on Google Site and Google network websites. Other revenues are generated via product licensing and most recently, digital content and mobile apps via the Google Play Store, a distribution platform for digital content. As of September 2020, some of the highest-grossing Android apps worldwide included mobile games such as Candy Crush Saga, Pokemon Go, and Coin Master.

In the year 2021, the digital content platform Google Play generated gross revenues of approximately ** billion U.S. dollars through mobile apps. This is a global consumer spending increase of about ** percent, compared to the previous year. With gross revenue reaching over **** billion U.S. dollars, Apple’s App Store remained in the lead.

Leading apps on Google Play Store Some of the leading Google apps that can be found on the Play Store included Google Play Games and YouTube Music, however, with over ** million downloads worldwide, Google Meet took the top spot in 2020. The most popular kind of app on the platform was by far the gaming app: in the first quarter of 2020 alone, gaming apps accounted for approximately ** billion downloads. Tool and entertainment applications ranked second and third in terms of download count, respectively.

Leading mobile gaming apps Having generated over 100 million U.S. dollars in revenue worldwide, Coin Master was the leading mobile gaming app on the Google Play Store. Other successful and familiar gaming apps that could be found on many smartphones around the world included Pokémon GO, Candy Crush Saga, and PUBG MOBILE – NEW ERA.