Would it surprise you to discover that many mobile gaming companies have found a hack to quietly rake in billions? These companies have successfully developed mobile games, generating millions in gross revenue. According to Data.ai, about 100 mobile games have surprisingly grossed more than $1 billion. Tencent owns the top spot with 12 games, including three in the top 10. Video Gaming has continued to evolve, creating opportunities for games like Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor) to displace previous world-record games like Monster Strike.Let’s delve into the top five highest-grossing mobile games of 2024 and uncover how they’re cashing in.
1. Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor)
Honor of Kings, also known as Arena of Valor in the West, is a massively popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Tencent Games. Launched in November 2015, it has garnered an impressive fan base, particularly in China. The game’s syntax involves players engaging in strategic battles – similar to League of Legends – in a fantasy world filled with mythical creatures and heroes.
Honor of Kings generates massive profits from in-game purchases as players are offered a variety of items, including skins, heroes, and in-game currency. Tencent has leveraged its massive user base from platforms like WeChat and QQ to drive in-game transactions.
Recent records reveal that Honor of Kings has generated a staggering $18.66 billion in revenue, making it the top-grossing mobile game of all time.
2. Candy Crush Saga
Next on our list is the phenomenal puzzle legend Candy Crush Saga. Developed by King (now part of Activision Blizzard), the tile-matching puzzle game has taken the world by storm since its release in November 2012. Players match colorful candies to progress through hundreds of levels, completing various objectives.
Candy Crush Saga runs on a freemium model, allowing players to download and play for free. The game also offers in-app purchases for various boosts and extra lives. This strategy has worked for King, with over $12 billion in revenue raked in already.
Candy Crush Saga’s addictive gameplay and clever monetization strategies will likely keep players returning for more.
3. PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is another brilliant game innovation by the industry-topping Tencent Games. Developed in collaboration with Krafton and VNG Games, it successfully launched in March 2018. PUBG Mobile draws its inspiration from the PC version, where players pit themselves against each other in a fight for survival on a shrinking battlefield.
PUBG Mobile’s primary monetization strategy is in-app purchases, particularly cosmetic items like skins and outfits. These items allow you to personalize your characters to stand out on the battlefield. Additionally, the game operates a Battle Pass system, which provides exclusive rewards for players who purchase it.
Since its launch in 2018, the game has generated over $11 billion, solidifying its place among the top-grossing mobile games worldwide. It consistently upgrades the gameplay and provides frequent updates to keep players engaged and eager to spend.
4. Monster Strike
Monster Strike is a mobile Japanese role-playing physics game that combines puzzle, strategy, and cooperative multiplayer elements. In the game, you collect and battle with various monsters in a quest to become the ultimate monster master.
Monster Strike embedded a gacha mechanic, where players spend in-game currency for a chance to obtain rare monsters. In addition to gacha, the game offers in-app purchases for energy refills, unique items, and exclusive content.
These strategies generated over $11 billion, making it one of Japan’s highest-grossing mobile games. The game retained the top spot in the earnings until recent figures by Tencent Games’ Honor of Kings.
5. Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans, a free-to-play mobile strategy game, was released in August 2012 and has captured millions of players worldwide. Players build and upgrade their villages, train troops, and battle with other players in a persistent online world.
The strategy was simple: generate funds through in-app purchases for gems. These gems are the life wire of the game. They are used to speed up construction, buy resources, and purchase exclusive items. The game also provides additional rewards for players who purchase it.
Clash of Clans has successfully generated over $10 billion in revenue and is, so far, one of the highest-grossing mobile games in history. Its long-term success is also attributed to its engaging gameplay, social features, and well-balanced monetization strategies.
Bonus codes
The use of bonus codes is extensive across industries like iGaming, where players are offered free chips to lose the fear of playing and take action. Take, for example, this 500% bonus plus 150 free spins. Managing the small letter guidelines gives a sense of low risk and high reward. In short, players should understand that these vast giveaways are meant for free cash to be used inside the games, and they are unlikely ever to see any winnings or small ones if they get lucky and comply with the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. How do these games make so much money?
These games utilize monetization strategies such as in-app purchases, gacha mechanics, and season passes to get players to spend money.
2. Are in-app purchases necessary to enjoy these games?
While in-app purchases can improve the gaming experience, they are not a significant requirement for gameplay progress. You can still enjoy the games without splurging.
3. Are these games worth the investment?
Well, it depends on your personal preference and budget. Many players find these games entertaining and support developers through in-app purchases.
Conclusion
Discovering how these gaming companies are raking in the big bucks by leveraging their users’ satisfaction has been interesting. The top-grossing mobile games of 2024 have shown that with the right techniques, anyone can build a million-dollar empire.
Now that you know the secrets behind their success, does it make you feel better about spending money in-app, or do you want a piece of the pie? Either way, we are confident you’re eager to dive back into your favorite mobile games and enjoy their ever-evolving ingenuity.
