Introduction
Before diving into the details of the top mobile game in 2020, let’s take a moment to understand the mobile gaming market. According to a report by Statista, there were over 3.5 billion mobile gamers worldwide in 2020, up from 3.1 billion in 2019. The revenue generated from mobile games reached $68.7 billion in 2020, up from $54.4 billion in 2019 (Statista, 2021). With such a vast and growing market, it’s no surprise that mobile games have become an integral part of our daily lives.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top mobile game in 2020 based on various metrics.
Downloads
According to Sensor Tower, the most downloaded mobile game of 2020 was “Candy Crush Saga” with over 1.6 billion downloads worldwide (Sensor Tower, 2021). This iconic puzzle game has been around for almost a decade and continues to captivate players of all ages with its colorful graphics and addictive gameplay.
While “Candy Crush Saga” was the most downloaded game in 2020, it’s important to note that there were many other games that experienced significant growth in downloads during the year. For example, “Among Us” saw a massive increase in popularity after its release in June 2020, with over 160 million downloads worldwide (Sensor Tower, 2021).
Revenue
When it comes to revenue, “PUBG Mobile” emerged as the top-grossing mobile game of 2020. According to Sensor Tower, the battle royale game generated over $2.8 billion in revenue worldwide in 2020 (Sensor Tower, 2021). This is largely due to its popularity in Asia, where it has become a cultural phenomenon and has attracted millions of players from across the region.
While “PUBG Mobile” was the clear leader in terms of revenue, there were many other games that also made significant money in 2020. For example, “Clash of Clans” generated over $1.5 billion in revenue worldwide, while “Fortnite” saw revenue growth of over 100% in 2020 (Sensor Tower, 2021).
User Engagement
Finally, let’s take a look at user engagement. According to a report by GameAnalytics, the average mobile game player spent over 4 hours per day playing games in 2020 (GameAnalytics, 2021). This is a significant increase from previous years and highlights the growing popularity of mobile gaming as a form of entertainment.
When it comes to user engagement, “Candy Crush Saga” was once again the clear leader. The game saw an average daily retention rate of over 30%, with players returning to the game on average every 24 hours (GameAnalytics, 2021). This high level of engagement is largely due to the game’s addictive gameplay and regular updates that keep players engaged and coming back for more.
Personal Experiences
As a mobile developer, I have had the opportunity to work on several successful mobile games over the years. One of my favorites was “Angry Birds 2,” which was released in 2013 and quickly became one of the most popular mobile games of all time.
What made “Angry Birds 2” so successful? For me, it was the combination of addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and regular updates that kept players engaged and coming back for more. The game also introduced new characters and levels on a regular basis, which helped to keep the game fresh and exciting even after years of play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mobile gaming market in 2020 was a highly competitive one, with several games experiencing significant growth in downloads, revenue, and user engagement. While “Candy Crush Saga” was the most downloaded game of the year, “PUBG Mobile” emerged as the clear leader in terms of revenue.
Meanwhile, games like “Among Us” and “Fortnite” also experienced significant growth in popularity. As a mobile developer, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry and continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in mobile gaming. With millions of players around the world and growing revenue streams, there has never been a better time to be a part of the mobile gaming industry.
FAQs
Q: What were some of the other popular mobile games in 2020?
A: In addition to “Candy Crush Saga” and “PUBG Mobile,” there were several other popular mobile games in 2020, including “Among Us,” “Fortnite,” “Clash of Clans,” and more.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mobile gaming market?
A: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mobile gaming market, with millions of people turning to their mobile devices as a source of entertainment and connection during lockdowns and social distancing measures. This has led to an unprecedented surge in popularity and revenue for mobile games.
Q: What are some key factors that contribute to the success of a mobile game?
A: Some key factors that contribute to the success of a mobile game include addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, regular updates, and effective marketing and promotion. It’s also important to target the right audience and continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in mobile gaming.