Mobile RPGs Take the Lead in Revenue Generation for 2023
According to market data specialist Newzoo, role-playing games (RPGs) have emerged as the top revenue-generating genre in the mobile gaming industry so far in 2023. This is followed by puzzle, adventure, strategy, and idle games. Interestingly, the adventure genre has shown remarkable consistency across all platforms, being the only genre to feature in the top three on mobile, PC, and console.
The popularity of RPGs on mobile does not necessarily translate to success on console, where they rank fifth in terms of revenue. This difference highlights the influence of the platforms on players’ gaming preferences. Similarly, the puzzle genre thrives on mobile but does not make it to the top five on PC or console.
Recently, Zynga unveiled a new mobile RPG puzzle game based on the Game of Thrones IP.
Impact of Markets and Players
China, Japan, and South Korea are the leading mobile gaming markets, and they play a significant role in the success of RPGs. These games have contributed to 23% of all mobile gaming revenues in 2023. Honkai: Star Rail, a new RPG from China, stands out with the highest consumer spending in Japan and China.
Despite the success of RPGs such as Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact, the revenue from this genre is expected to decline by 1.6% year-on-year. Newzoo attributes this decline to challenges in user acquisition, including difficulties arising from Apple’s privacy changes that impact the entire mobile gaming market.
The strategy genre is also projected to face a decline in overall revenue this year, although it remains among the top five revenue generators in the mobile gaming industry. RPGs and strategy games are more affected by Apple’s changes than the puzzle genre due to their reliance on a smaller but monetized player base.
Newzoo stated in a blog post, “Games are everywhere, and the market is growing. This year’s packed release schedule across every platform and impressive slate of successful media drawing from game IP support this claim (and bolster our excitement at where the market’s headed).”
miHoYo, known for its successful RPGs, has been recognized as the top game maker in 2023 on our Top 50 Game Makers list.