According to Statista, in 2023, people downloaded almost 300 billion mobile apps, over half of which were games. Furthermore, the number of app installations rose by almost 20%, with nearly 50 billion more than the previous year. Consequently, we anticipate even greater activity in 2024. While applications are currently generating more revenue in the US, mobile games still reign supreme globally, thanks to streaming media and subscriptions.
Insights from the 2023/2024 Global Market
Total Earnings: In 2023, the global mobile entertainment market generated $183.9 billion, reflecting a modest year-on-year growth of 0.5%. The mobile segment accounted for 49% of this number, or $90 billion.
Future Projections: The field is expected to reach $187.7 billion in revenue in 2024, indicating a growth of 2.1% compared to the previous year. Projections suggest it could hit $205 billion by 2026.
Regional Performance: The Asia Pacific region dominates this trend with $84.1 billion in profits despite a slight decrease of 0.8% from the previous year. North America experienced growth of 1.7%, reaching $50.6 billion, while Europe grew by 0.8%, totaling $33.6 billion.
Top 5 Mobile Games to Invest in for Family Night
With the interactive market continually evolving, standout options promise hours of enjoyment and foster meaningful interactions among family members. We’ve picked out five mobile titles that are perfect for family gatherings. These selections offer unique components for participants of all ages, creating an ideal blend of fun and teamwork.
1. Among Us
If you own a smartphone, you’ve likely encountered Among Us or spotted the quirky, colorful astronauts on different merchandise. InnerSloth launched Among Us on June 15th, 2018, for Android and iOS. At first, only 30-50 people played together at the same time—two years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were over 3.8 million players simultaneously.
To initiate a private session, you’ll need at least four participants. If your family is small, you can also think about inviting cousins or friends. With the latest update, private sessions can now have up to 14 participants, making them a great choice for entertaining larger groups of kids.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Gameplay: Players collaborate aboard a spaceship while trying to identify the imposter who disrupts their mission.
Features: This activity teaches participants to communicate effectively, collaborate, and utilize deductive reasoning. You can customize your character and settings for various play styles.
Since Among Us appeared on the market, it has generated $86 million in revenue. In 2022, it was downloaded 530 million times worldwide, with the US contributing $54.6 million to total spending. Earlier this year, InnerSloth planned to create a new version of Among Us but opted instead to enhance the existing experience with new elements.
2. Pokémon GO
Pokémon Go allows users to locate and catch Pokémon in real-world settings through augmented reality (AR) and GPS. Participants can connect with others by sharing trainer codes. This experience promotes physical activity, as participants search for Pokémon while out and about, making it a fun way for families to stay active together. As they progress, they will have battles with friends and trade Pokémon.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Gameplay: An augmented reality arena where players can move around the real world, search for Pokémon, complete tasks, and participate in a community’s activities.
Features: It is quite suitable for family-led leisurely activities, plus it encourages exercise and going outside. People can team up to fight gyms or exchange Pokémon, which blends teamwork and togetherness.
According to AppMagic estimates, over the past eight years, Pokémon Go has made $7.9 billion in total sales ($5.5 billion after expenses) on the App Store and Google Play.
3. Skribbl.io
Skribbl.io is an online activity in which people choose to draw something or guess what others are drawing. As with many games, the objective of Skribbl is simple: to have fun.
When selecting a word to illustrate, it’s important to consider how easy or challenging it will be to guess. Think about the word’s length, the different ways it can be represented, and the preferences of the person you’re drawing for. These factors can enhance the enjoyment and engagement of everyone involved.
Platforms: Web-based, playable on mobile browsers.
Gameplay: An online drawing and guessing experience where one participant illustrates a word while others try to figure it out.
Features: With its user-friendly interface and customizable word lists, it’s perfect for family nights and ideal for those who enjoy creativity and laughter.
The platform attracts around 4.1 million visitors each month, with players typically spending nearly four minutes each session. Ranked #16,222 globally, it holds a competitive position, though visits have recently declined by 4.11%, indicating opportunities for growth and the need for strategies to retain users.
4. Heads Up!
This is a digital take on the classic party activity. In this format, one person holds a word or phrase to their forehead and tries to guess it based on clues provided by friends. Heads Up! revolves around fast-paced interaction and only requires a single device. To participate, select a category and hold the phone to your forehead while others provide hints. If you guess correctly, you tilt the phone down for a new word, and you can skip a term by tilting it up.
You can also use your phone’s camera to record the fun, capturing amusing moments and quirky clues shared among friends and family.
Platforms: iOS, Android.
Gameplay: A lively experience where one participant holds their device to their forehead while others give clues to the word displayed on the screen.
Features: It remains fresh and engaging with various categories such as celebrities, animals, and movies. Easy to play and suitable for all ages.
Originally released as a standalone app in 2013 after Ellen DeGeneres showcased a similar version on her show, it has been the top paid app in the Apple App Store for four consecutive years. According to app analytics firm Sensor Tower, Heads Up generated over $26 million in sales across both app stores in the last five years, with $5 million in sales in 2018 alone.
5. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a delightful experience where you can create and personalize your own campsite. You collect charming animal friends and collaborate with others to build the perfect outdoor retreat. This title captures the essence of the classic Animal Crossing universe in a mobile-friendly format while introducing new and engaging interface.
In Pocket Camp, available in some regions outside North America, you can befriend animals, gather fruit, catch bugs, and customize your living space. The app offers a good balance of short-term and long-term objectives, though collecting rewards may take some time. An internet connection is required, and playing on the go can drain your phone’s battery.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Gameplay: A casual simulation experience where users create and manage their own campsite with adorable animal characters.
Features: Family members can visit each other’s camps and share resources, promoting collaboration and creativity.
In 2020, Pocket Camp generated $77.5 million in profits, a 23.6 percent increase from the previous year. As of 2021, player spending reached $55.1 million, with a significant portion—67.3 percent—originating from Japan, totaling $172 million.
Conclusion
In 2022 and 2023, the mobile game market declined after two years of growth because of the lockdown. The global recession, changes to IDFA, and instability in the Chinese sector also caused the global gaming market to decrease. However, things seem to be getting better now, and it’s predicted that this industry will do really well and make the most money in 2024.
Mobile entertainment is a large and ever-growing category of multimedia and entertainment products, offering plenty of chances to create exciting interactive content that will bring families together. For instance, Skribbl.io exemplifies how we can create activities that appeal to a wide range of audiences. While some experiences face challenges with overcrowded participation, there are ways to keep users engaged. The future looks promising for mobile entertainment, making it a worthwhile area for investment.
