The search for the best mobile game of the year ends with the Best Top Mobile Game award. Game creators and players eagerly await this moment. It highlights the games with the best gameplay, new ideas, and engaging stories. These are the games that have captured the hearts of gaming fans.
In a world of tough competition and fast technology changes, finding the top mobile game of 2021 was no small task. This award stands for excellence and guides the way for future top games. By recognizing the most played and loved mobile games, we encourage new innovations and amazing gaming moments.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 300 billion mobile apps were downloaded globally in 2023, with over half being games.
- Monopoly Go! and Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle were among the top downloaded games early in 2024 on iOS and Android.
- iOS accounted for 20% of global downloads in 2023, while Android dominated with 240 billion installs.
- Games remained a significant source of revenue globally and in the U.S., even with apps surpassing games in revenue due to streaming media and subscriptions.
- Approximately 15 of the top 30 downloaded games overlapped on both iOS and Android, showcasing the popularity of certain titles across platforms.
Nominations from The Game Awards
The Game Awards honor the top achievements in the gaming world every year. The nominations for the ‘Best Mobile Game’ category are now out. This event drew a massive 118 million viewers in 2023, showing its importance.
The nominated games come from many genres, showcasing the best on platforms like the iPhone.
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis brings back familiar Final Fantasy VII worlds. It mixes mobile gaming mechanics with stories that fans love, putting it high on the list.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
On Apple Arcade, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a hit. It shows how games on subscription services are becoming favorites among iPhone users.
Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail won Best Mobile Game at the 2023 Game Awards. It’s loved for its fun play and impressive looks. Fans enjoy its new and engaging features.
Monster Hunter Now
Monster Hunter Now blends augmented reality with a classic adventure. This shows how mobile gaming is advancing. It’s now a top choice for iPhone and other device users.
Terra Nil
In Terra Nil, players work on eco-friendly strategies. It’s big for Netflix’s gaming services, showing a change in how people play on phones. This game shares key features with today’s most popular mobile games.
The Game Awards’ selection is very strict. It involves experts from over 100 media companies worldwide. Winners get picked by both the jury and public, making it a fair and celebrated event.
Top Downloaded Mobile Games in 2024
In 2024, the world saw more than 300 billion mobile apps downloaded. People all over the globe joined in on the mobile gaming fun. Monopoly Go! emerged as a favorite soon after its 2023 launch, topping the charts on Android and iOS.
Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle is another favorite, growing fast a month after its release. It stands out with its unique strategy, capturing the hearts of Android and iOS users.
Monopoly Go!
Monopoly Go! gave a modern twist to the beloved classic game. It quickly won over players, thanks to its fun play and nostalgic feels. This unique mix made it a hit on Android.
Roblox
Roblox is a hit across all age groups with its endless virtual world. Its user-generated content keeps the game fresh and engaging. This shows how a strong community can fuel long-lasting fun.
Royal Match
Royal Match is popular thanks to its fun tests and beautiful design. It’s a favorite on Android, proving that classic puzzles still draw in fans.
Block Blast!
Block Blast! reimagines the block puzzle by making it smart and fun. Players love its design and challenging levels. It’s a game that keeps their minds sharp and entertained.
Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle
Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle won fans with its unique style and captivating look. In just a month, it climbed the ranks on Android and iOS. This proves that creative play can win over users fast.
Game | Launch Year | Platforms | Ratings |
---|---|---|---|
Monopoly Go! | 2023 | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 |
Roblox | 2006 | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 |
Royal Match | 2021 | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 |
Block Blast! | 2020 | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 |
Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle | 2024 | Android, iOS | 4.9/5 |
These games really stand out, not just by attracting downloads but also by keeping players hooked. By offering something unique, they’ve made their mark as the top mobile games of 2024.
Highest Grossing Mobile Games of All Time
Mobile gaming is now a hugely profitable industry. It showcases top-rated games that have made a lot of money over the years. One such example is Honor of Kings. Published by Tencent, it has made over $18 billion since its release. Players, whether on tablets or smartphones, still love it.
Monster Strike and Puzzle & Dragons are also big hits, earning more than $7 billion each. They have loyal fans and a consistent way of making money. Puzzle & Dragons is especially well-loved in the puzzle RPG world. Even with stiff competition, it remains popular among gamers.
Pokemon GO became a worldwide hit when it came out in 2016. It used augmented reality in a new and exciting way. Its revenue kept growing, hitting about $1.4 billion annually by 2019. This shows how it has maintained its appeal over the years.
Genshin Impact changed the game by offering an open-world action RPG for mobile devices. By 2023, it had earned over $4 billion. Its big world and ability to play on various platforms make it stand out among the best games for mobile and tablets.
These games show how much the mobile gaming sector has grown. They’ve not only done well financially but also inspired others in the industry.
Top Mobile Games for Android
Android users love many game types, so the best games are from many genres. They provide fun gameplay and new mechanics. This is why they’re top mobile games of 2021.
Help Me: Tricky Story
Help Me: Tricky Story is full of puzzles and stories that twist and turn. It’s a top pick for people who like to use their brains. Players enjoy figuring out the puzzles and exploring the engaging story.
Traffic Escape!
Traffic Escape! is all about dodging cars and trucks in busy streets. As players race to avoid crashes, their reflexes and quick decision-making skills are put to the test. The thrill of the chase keeps players hooked.
Dice Dreams
Dice Dreams is a social game that mixes luck with strategy. Players roll dice to move ahead, aiming to beat their friends and become champions. It’s a fun and interactive gaming experience.
Last War: Survival Game
Last War: Survival Game takes players into a post-apocalyptic fight for survival. In this game, players must gather resources and make tough decisions to survive. It attracts fans of the survival genre with its immersive world and challenging gameplay.
Township
Township lets players build a farm and a town. It combines farming activities with city growth management. This mix shows how varied and interesting mobile games on Android can be.
For more top mobile games for Android, check out this review.
Game | Price | Rating |
---|---|---|
Chrono Trigger | $9.99 | 4.6 |
Hearthstone | Free (with in-game purchases) | 4.5 |
Hitman Go | $5.99 | 4.3 |
Monument Valley | $3.99 | 5.0 |
Reigns: Her Majesty | $2.99 | 4.4 |
Top Mobile Games for iOS
The iOS platform plays a big role in mobile gaming, with lots of downloads globally. It gets more if we talk about revenue. That’s because many Apple users are willing to spend money on games.
Most played mobile games on iOS draw a lot of attention. Games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Clash Royale are big. They are free but you can buy extra stuff in the game. Genshin Impact has also become a favorite worldwide, and it’s free.
Some games are not free but still do well. Games like Alto’s Odyssey cost around $7.99 and have beautiful graphics. Dead Cells costs $8.99 and is known for its fun play style. Then there’s Device 6, a puzzle game, costs $3.99 and is loved by players.
Here’s a look at some of the top mobile games for iOS:
Game | Price | Rating | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Alto’s Odyssey | $7.99 | N/A | Apple.com |
Among Us | Free | 4.0 | Apple App Store |
Call of Duty: Mobile | Free | N/A | Apple App Store |
Crypt of the Necrodancer | $3.99 | N/A | Apple.com |
Device 6 | $3.99 | 5.0 | Apple.com |
Genshin Impact | Free | N/A | Apple App Store |
There’s a wide range of games on iOS, from free to premium. This variety caters to different players. It results in games having good ratings and doing well in the market.
Popular Mobile Games Across Platforms
A game reaching success on many platforms is a big achievement. It shows many people are interested in it. Games like Tetris and Subway Surfers are loved by players on Android and iOS. This shows how mobile gamers’ needs are growing.
Tetris
Tetris has been popular for years. Its simple but fun gameplay makes it a favorite. It’s known by many people over different times. This shows that games don’t always have to be complex to be loved.
Subway Surfers
Subway Surfers stood out in 2023 with 218 million downloads. It was very popular on Google Play with 181 million downloads. Even on iOS, it did well despite strong competition. This game is vibrant and keeps players hooked.
Fishdom
Fishdom mixes puzzles with creating your own aquarium. This unique blend keeps it a favorite. Many enjoy its lively looks and the puzzles it offers.
Wordscapes
Wordscapes tests your word skills in a fun way. Word game fans really like it. Its popularity shows people want games that are smart and enjoyable.
We Are Warriors!
We Are Warriors! is full of action and excitement. It has a strong story and thrilling game features. This has made it very popular among players. It shows the power of a good story and exciting game dynamics.
High-Revenue Generating Games of 2024
How much money a mobile game makes is an important sign of its success. It shows if people are liking the game and if its ways of making money are working. Games like Marvel SNAP and Coin Master were very popular in 2024. They showed they could keep players coming back and get them to spend money in the game. On the other hand, Pokemon GO did really well, proving it’s still loved for its game style that uses real-world locations.
Additionally, Township and Toon Blast proved that casual and puzzle games do really well. They showed that easy-to-play and fun games can make a lot of money.
Game | Revenue (Billion USD) |
---|---|
Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor) | 18.66 |
Candy Crush Saga | 12.00 |
PUBG Mobile | 11.00 |
Monster Strike | 11.00 |
Clash of Clans | 10.00 |
The success of top mobile games shows how key their money-making strategies are. The way they sell things in the game, like extra items or season passes, is crucial. It’s worth noting that Tencent, a big gaming company, had 12 games on the list. This shows just how strong their games are in the market.
Looking deeper, different countries had their favorites in terms of money made. Games like Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile made a lot of their money in China. But games such as Candy Crush Saga were most popular in the US. In the UK, Roblox stood out as a top earner.
Heading into the future, the ways these games earned money will likely lead to more new ideas and success in 2024 and later. The success of these top tablet games could be a sign of what’s to come in mobile gaming.
Unique Newcomers in 2024
In 2024, some unique mobile games have caught our eye. They bring fresh and exciting gameplay. These games are getting a lot of love from players because they’re different and fun to play.
Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle
One game that stands out is Wood Nuts & Bolts Puzzle. It’s smart and easy to get into. This puzzle game quickly rose to fame, showing everyone loves a good challenge, no matter their age.
Outlets Rush
Outlets Rush is another game making people pay attention. Its gameplay is fresh and unique, winning fans from all over. This game’s success in 2021 has set a new standard for what gamers expect.
Last War: Survival
Last War: Survival has a post-apocalyptic world waiting for players. It combines strategy and action very well. This makes it a top choice for many, showing that detailed stories and careful gameplay are always a winner.
These new games show that mobile gaming is always moving forward. They promise a future full of new adventures and challenges. For game dev teams and players alike, it’s an exciting time to be in the mobile gaming world.
Top Mobile Game Developers
Every top mobile game has a visionary developer behind it. They love creating fun and new experiences for us. These developers work in both small teams and big companies. They drive the industry forward by making games that millions enjoy.
MobilityWare is known for its card and puzzle games, downloaded over 600 million times. Niantic’s Pokemon Go has millions of fans. Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is a hit on Android and iPhone. These games show the impact of skilled game development. Microsoft creates mobile versions of favorites like Sudoku and Solitaire, enjoyed by many.
Tencent Games is the biggest in the gaming world, with shares in games like Fortnite. They own 40% of Epic Games too. Supercell made Clash of Clans, a huge hit. It quickly became the top earning app in the US App Store. This shows how careful planning can lead to big success.
Jam City made over $150 million from games like Family Guy and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. Pocket Gems impressed Tencent with games like Episode. NCSOFT’s Lineage W is very successful on Google Play.
SciPlay is focused on casual casino and bingo games, with titles like Monopoly Slots. Warner Bros. made popular games like DC Batman. Roblox is unique, allowing anyone to create and share games. It’s a big community of game lovers.
MZ found success with Game of War: Fire Age and Mobile Strike. Their journey shows the value of support programs. Gameloft has made over 600 mobile apps. Garena’s Garena Free Fire had 80 million users each day in May 2020. They show the power of mobile game developers.
The future of mobile gaming is bright. With the market projected to grow, developers will keep shaping the industry. Their creativity and hard work will continue to entertain us all.
Standout Indie Mobile Games
Indie games have found a special place in the mobile gaming world. They bring something fresh and personal to gamers. These standout indie mobile games show off the creativity and skill of their developers. They give us unique stories, beautiful designs, and show their love for what they do.
Laya’s Horizon
Laya’s Horizon is special. It mixes fun gameplay with a deep story. In this game, players enter a well-crafted world to discover new things and face challenges. With its open-world approach, this game proves indie developers can stand tall next to big titles.
Terra Nil
Terra Nil is a game like no other. It’s all about making the virtual world greener; not about fighting or taking over. This game stands out because of its eco-friendly play, gorgeous look, and deep thoughts. It shows that mobile games can both be fun and have a strong message.
Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game
Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game lets players make music by tapping on tiles. It’s not just fun; it’s a mix of skill and rhythm, perfect for music fans. As one of the top indie mobile games, it draws players with its clear, fun gameplay. It shows the wide variety of indie mobile games available.
Game | Category | Features |
---|---|---|
Laya’s Horizon | Open-world Exploration | Rich Narrative, Creative Gameplay |
Terra Nil | Environmental Strategy | Ecological Repairs, Stunning Visuals |
Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game | Music/Rhythm | Skill-based Gameplay, Engaging Experience |
Each of these games shows how indie developers are shaking up the mobile game world. Their achievements are a guide for other indies, proving hard work and smart ideas can lead to great success. They have truly made their mark on the industry.
Conclusion
This year, we’ve seen a lot of new mobile games. The gaming world is full of creative ideas and understands what people want in their games. There were nearly 300 billion app downloads in 2023, and more than half of those were games. This big number shows just how much people love playing games on their phones.
“Monopoly Go!”, “Help Me: Tricky Story,” and “Roblox” were very popular on Android. On iPhones, “Monopoly Go!”, “Twisted Tangle,” and “Royal Match” stood out. iOS had about 60 billion game downloads, while Android had around 240 billion. This shows that gamers enjoy many of the same games on different platforms.
In terms of making money, games like “Genshin Impact,” “Candy Crush Saga,” and “Roblox” were the most successful on iOS. Surprisingly, 21 of the top money-making games were not on the download charts. This means that keeping players interested over time is crucial for financial success. The money made from mobile games has grown a lot, from $2.6 billion in 2005 to over $50 billion in 2017.
These mobile games have become very important to a lot of people. They’ve won over millions of fans and have made a lot of money. This success in downloads and making money shows the gaming world is lively and keeps getting better. There are so many new games to look forward to that will change what we think great games are.