Top Grossing and Most Downloaded Mobile Games of 2024

As 2024 comes to a close,  the mobile gaming industry reflects on a year of record-breaking revenues, major acquisitions, and technological advancements. Here are  the top stories that defined  the year in mobile gaming: 

1. Top-Grossing Mobile Games of 2024

Despite a challenging year for the industry, leading titles continued to generate billions in revenue. Tencent’s Honor of Kings maintained its reign as the top-grossing mobile game for the third consecutive year, earning an estimated $2.6 billion in 2024. This success underscores its enduring popularity, particularly in its home market of China. 

Close on its heels was Scopely’s Monopoly Go, which raked in an impressive $2.2 billion, nearly tripling its 2023 earnings.  The game’s massive success also earned it accolades like Game of Year and Best Publisher at Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2024. Top earners included Royal Match, PUBG Mobile, and Roblox, which rounded out the top five. 

Notably, new releases like Tencent’s Dungeon & Fighter: Mobile made waves, earning $1.1 billion in its debut year, driven largely by its popularity in China. 

2. Most Downloaded Mobile Games 

In addition to its revenue success, Roblox dominated download charts for the second consecutive year, amassing over 210 million installs globally in 2024. This highlights the title’s continued appeal across diverse age groups and regions. 

Major contenders in downloads included Hungry Studio’s Block Blast with 205.9 million installs, followed by enduring classics like Subway Surfers, Pizza Ready, and Ludo King. Toger, se games showcased the resilience of both emerging titles and long-time favorites in the competitive mobile gaming space. 

3. Sega Explores Subscription Services 

A notable development came from Sega, which revealed plans to explore a subscription-based service after delisting several classic titles from digital storefronts. Shuji Utsumi, CEO of Sega America and Europe, expressed interest in a subscription model, describing it as “very interesting” and indicative of the company’s strategic shift. While details remain scarce, this move signals Sega’s intent to innovate within the digital landscape. 

4. Scopely Acquires Chengfeng Studio 

In a significant acquisition, Scopely purchased Perfect World’s Chengfeng Studio for $34.5 million, a move designed to bolster its game development capabilities. This deal also included the transfer of certain Codename PIE assets, while Chengfeng’s core team announced plans to form a new studio in China. Scopely’s minority stake in the new venture reflects its commitment to fostering innovation within its ecosystem. 

5. AI Revolution in UGC Platforms 

rise of AI-driven tools was a key me in 2024, particularly within user-generated content (UGC) platforms. Stefano Corazza, head of Roblox Studio, highlighted how AI is transforming game creation. “AI ensures that creators’ success is driven by originality and quality of our ideas, rather than technical limitations,” he said. This paradigm shift is expected to democratize content creation, empowering a broader range of developers to bring their visions to life. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

With 2024 setting the stage, the mobile gaming industry is poised for further growth and innovation in 2025. From AI integration to new monetization models and blockbuster releases, the future promises to be as dynamic and unpredictable as ever. For players and developers alike,  possibilities are endless.