The mobile gaming industry is at a crossroads, with AI-powered innovations poised to revolutionize user experiences. According to Adjust's report, the market is expected to reach $126.1 billion by 2026, driven by the growing demand for personalized and immersive experiences.
Key trends include hybrid monetization strategies and the increasing use of AI to enhance user engagement. As the global mobile gaming industry rebounds from a challenging 2023, developers and advertisers must adapt to these shifts to capitalize on new opportunities.
In 2024, gaming app installs grew by 4% year-over-year, but the total number of sessions declined by 0.6%, indicating that users are returning to games less frequently. However, the LATAM and MENA regions performed well, with installs up 8-10% and sessions up 5-7%. Europe saw a decline in both installs (down 1%) and sessions (down 6%).
More key figures from Adjust's report include:
- The average number of ad partners per gaming app increased from 5.7 to 6.2.
- Day 1 retention dropped slightly from 28% to 27%.
- Strategy games saw a record +83% growth in installs year-over-year.
- Racing games experienced a sharp rise in CTR, from 18% to 26%.
The global mobile gaming industry is at a turning point, driven by new technologies and promising trends. As the market rebounds from a challenging 2023, developers and advertisers must adapt to these shifts to capitalize on new opportunities.
Currently, the outlook for the segment is positive, with gaming app revenue projected to reach $126.1 billion in 2026. Mobile games accounted for 49% of total gaming revenue in 2024, compared to 28% from consoles and 23% from PC.
In 2026, mobile's share is expected to grow even further, making it essential for brands and ad platforms to invest in mobile-first strategies. For developers looking to effectively deliver key messages and build loyalty, the BYYD platform is here to help.
According to Adjust's report, the most downloaded mobile game genres in 2026 are:
- Hyper-casual
- Hybrid-casual
- Puzzle
- Strategy
These genres are easy to pick up, highly engaging, and appeal to a broad audience – which is why they consistently stay at the top of the charts.
In addition, ultra-casual games continue to evolve in the mobile gaming market. To address retention challenges, developers are introducing regular updates, in-game events, and personalized rewards.
Games based on well-known brands, such as Monopoly Go! and Pokémon TCG Pocket, also continue to hold strong popularity. Nostalgia, emotional connection to the franchise, and the desire to be part of an active community all play a major role in driving engagement.
The global mobile gaming industry is at a turning point, driven by new technologies and promising trends. As the market rebounds from a challenging 2023, developers and advertisers must adapt to these shifts to capitalize on new opportunities.
For more insights on AI-powered mobile gaming, explore our case studies or reach out to us at hello@byyd.me to launch your next campaign.