Popular Categories That Generate Revenue in Mobile Game Genres

Mobile phones are compelling enough for game developers to capture user attention, and this leads global revenue generation in the gaming industry. According to a study of global revenue generated by the gaming sector, PC and console games account for 24% and 25%, while 51% of revenue is generated by mobile games. 

Mobile Game Genres Have Their Price

Mobile game development is a popular niche. However, the bitter truth is that not all games become successful. Simply recreating a well-known game does not bring success; before creating a game idea, market research must be conducted. And most importantly, you need to decide on the game genre because it is tied to the budget. 

There are several mobile game genres with various categories. We cannot identify a specific category as successful, or that games made in that particular category lead to success. Success depends on several factors. 

The Role of Game Category in Revenue Generation

Can the success of a game be predicted? What is the secret to topping the charts? Which games achieve success? 

To answer all these common questions, it is necessary to conduct marketing research on game genres and how they affect game profits. 

We have all encountered hyper-casual games, games that are called easy, with instant gameplay and simple mechanics. Such games are addictive due to short sessions that help players instantly hook onto the goal. However, if you look at Google Play, the top gaming apps are divided into hardcore and mid-core. 

• Hardcore Games: Hardcore games are aimed at a specific circle of players interested in a particular game genre. They spend time exploring the complexity and high level of engagement in the game. 
• Mid-Core Games: Mid-core games are slightly more complex than casual games; they require player ranking and strategic thinking. 

According to game development companies, the subtle gap between hardcore and mid-core games will disappear when mid-core games have complex functionality and a serious set of features, while hardcore games become easily accessible.

If you look at the top-selling games in the Play Store and App Store, only mid-core games created for loyal players will be in the charts, while the best free games are hyper-casual ones. 

Some of the popular game genres:

• City Building: This is a simulation game where players must build a stable structure so that its inhabitants can survive in various conditions. 
• Battle Royale: This is a fighting game where ultimately only one fighter survives.
• Match 3: In this game, the player arranges identical elements into a line.
• Turn-Based RPG: In this game, the player leads a character through various actions to overthrow the opponent.
• Endless Runner: Players have limited control over game characters that keep moving forward in the game. 

Nevertheless, the popularity of a game is to some extent based on user engagement and game functionality. Therefore, one should not think that all games that generate millions of downloads are profitable, because ultimately the commercial success of a mobile game depends on its revenue. 

Monetization Mechanism of Mobile Games

If you look at the Play Store, there are three million apps available, of which only 3% are paid. The mobile game market is dominated by freemium apps, meaning users get the app for free, but they have to pay for certain additional content. 

Some of the monetization methods for freemium games are:

• In-App Purchases: This monetization method is used in most games because it helps developers avoid ads and allows the user to use in-game purchases to upgrade the game. An interesting fact about in-app purchases: 50% of revenue is generated by less than one percent of users. 
• Rewarded Ads: This is one of the welcoming formats that is socially acceptable, and players find it beneficial because watching an ad gives the opportunity to receive an in-app reward, such as virtual currency, customizable game elements, or extra lives. Allowing players to earn coins by watching videos can give you a break from constant switching.
• Ads: When it comes to hyper-casual games, developers try to use in-game advertising as a monetization strategy. But many players find it annoying to see an ad just when they complete a level. They believe that game development companies get more monetization through such a method. 
• Subscription: Although this type of monetization is ignored by developers, it is the future of the monetization mechanism. Let's see how it works: once a developer subscribes, a certain amount is debited from their card, and players find it easier. 

Conclusion

A game built with deep competitive intelligence, a productive user acquisition strategy, and excellent game design can withstand any competition. Always remember that the success of an app depends on user engagement and the monetization mechanism.