Mobile Gaming Set to Dominate Revenue in 2023
According to data projections from data.ai and IDC, mobile gaming is expected to account for 56% of gaming revenue in 2023, surpassing consoles (22%) and desktop (21%). Despite experiencing a decline in 2022, the mobile gaming segment is predicted to make a significant comeback next year.
One key factor contributing to the dominance of mobile gaming is accessibility. Mobile devices are at the forefront of gaming due to their widespread availability, affordability, and portability. While PCs and consoles offer more power, they come with a higher price tag, making them less appealing to casual gamers.
Mobile gaming platforms are also continuously upgrading their hardware to enhance the visual appeal and performance of their games.
Regional Differences in Mobile Gaming Spending Habits
A recent report by Coda Payments sheds light on the spending habits of mobile gamers in different regions. The study reveals that over 90% of mobile gamers worldwide are willing to make in-game purchases, but there are significant variations in how consumers in each region spend their money.
Eastern countries tend to be more focused on customization and collectible elements, leading them to purchase cosmetic items like limited-time items, characters, or cosmetics. On the other hand, Western users prioritize game design and are more inclined to spend money on unlocking new modes, levels, or game maps.
In terms of spending power, Western consumers spend an average of $72.47 per month on direct purchases, compared to $30.70 in the East. This is partly due to the stronger currency in the West, which gives users in countries like Britain and the USA greater purchasing power.
Interestingly, the report highlights that female gamers in Western countries spend an average of $22.93 more on mobile gaming than their male counterparts, underscoring the popularity of mobile gaming among women.
When it comes to preferred payment methods, e-wallets are particularly popular in the East, while Western consumers prefer to use debit and credit cards.
Regional Differences in Mobile Gaming Engagement
The report also reveals disparities in mobile gaming engagement between Eastern and Western nations. Gamers in the East spend more time playing mobile games, with 40% playing for more than 16 hours per week. In comparison, only 33% of gamers in the West dedicate the same amount of time to mobile gaming.
Thailand takes the lead as the country with the most engaged gamers, with a staggering 45% playing for more than 16 hours every week. Indonesia (43%) and the Philippines (40%) closely follow suit.
Among Western nations, Brazil proves to have the highest engagement levels, with 36% of gamers playing for more than 16 hours. Mexico (33%) and the USA (30%) also demonstrate a significant level of engagement. These figures highlight the growing mobile market in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, where 38% of all game development is focused on mobile titles.