Deconstructor of Fun 289. Mobile Gaming in 2025: 10 Trends That Matter
Jun 5, 2025
Sam Aune, a gaming insights analyst at Sensor Tower, dives deep into the future of mobile gaming. He highlights download trends and innovative user acquisition strategies that game makers should adopt. Aune discusses the hybrid casual game boom and its monetization potential, while also addressing growing engagement in genres like strategy. The conversation touches on emerging markets, the needs of Gen Z players, and the importance of gender targeting in game development. He emphasizes both opportunities and challenges in this ever-evolving landscape.
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Mobile Game Downloads Plateau
- Mobile game downloads have plateaued since 2020 but in-app purchase revenue shows slight growth.
- 2020 was abnormal due to a spike; growth now is stabilizing to a long-term steady rate.
Be Creative in User Acquisition
- Innovate and be creative in user acquisition, avoiding copycat strategies.
- Target existing audiences with tailored IPs and smaller celebrities to lower costs and improve effectiveness.
Growing Game Genres and Engagement
- Time spent playing mobile games increased 8% year-over-year with more sessions logged.
- Strategy, shooters, simulation, and puzzle games are the growing genres in engagement.