GamingonPhone’s Year in Review 2024: A year of wins, upsets, and lessons in Mobile Games

Story Highlights

• 2024 was a transformative year for mobile gaming, marked by impressive revenue milestones and groundbreaking releases.
• On the flip side, controversies and game shutdowns sparked community debates.
• The next year is curiously awaited, boosted with new release and improved tech.

As someone who has been following the mobile gaming industry for quite some years now, I must say that this year’s developments have left me both heartbroken and hopeful at the same time. The shutdown of various studios and platforms was indeed a tough blow, but it also served as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability that characterizes this dynamic field.

Looking forward to next year, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. The promises of new games, improved hardware, and innovative approaches from industry giants like EA Sports and Microsoft are truly inspiring. The prospect of console-quality AAA games on our phones is no longer a distant dream, but a tangible reality that’s just around the corner.

However, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of it all. Here we were, just a few years ago, marveling at the idea of mobile phones capable of playing simple games like Snake and Tetris. And now, we’re on the brink of an era where gaming-oriented smartphones will rival consoles in terms of graphics and performance! If you had told me back then that I would one day be writing about console-quality games on mobile phones, I would have laughed so hard my sides would have hurt!

But hey, who am I to question progress? The rise of AI tools might just be the spark that ignites a new era of creativity and innovation in mobile gaming. As someone who has spent countless hours tapping away at screens, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us gaming enthusiasts. So, let’s gear up for an exciting ride ahead, and remember, the only limit in mobile gaming is your imagination!

As I pen down these words towards the end of 2024, it’s hard not to be left speechless by how swiftly this year has passed. It feels like just yesterday when I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new year, and now here we are, reflecting on moments that seemed to flash by in an instant. Life indeed moves at an exhilarating pace, and it’s essential to pause every once in a while and appreciate its fleeting beauty.

However, let us set aside my personal reflections for the moment and focus on the topic at hand: the mobile gaming industry. As someone who has been closely following this fascinating world for years now, I can confidently say that 2024 was another remarkable year for mobile games. The creativity, innovation, and sheer talent on display throughout the year were nothing short of awe-inspiring.

With that in mind, I’m excited to share my GamingonPhone Mobile Games Year in Review for 2024. Let us delve into the captivating world of mobile gaming and explore some of the incredible new creations that graced our screens this year.

2024 was a year for grand releases

2024 was unquestionably a stellar year for me as a gamer, with handheld gaming truly shining. From heart-pounding RPGs that sent me on swashbuckling adventures, to puzzle games that tugged at my emotional strings, there was something for every kind of gamer. And let’s not forget the numerous big games we saw! Titles like “Wuthering Waves”, “Honor of Kings”, “Zenless Zone Zero”, and “Blood Strike” were just a few highlights among many. The list went on, with these standouts being just the tip of the iceberg.

In a short span of time, the game Wuthering Waves created quite a stir when it generated over $36 million in mobile earnings, demonstrating its potential to become a blockbuster. On the other hand, Honor of Kings showed no mercy, achieving an astounding 50 million downloads and earning $100 million in its initial month. I’ll delve deeper into such notable milestones in games in a separate section further below.

As a long-time gamer, I must admit that I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the creativity and innovation shown in mobile gaming this year. While it may seem like we haven’t seen too many out-of-the-box concepts lately, there have certainly been some truly unique games that have caught my attention. From quirky ideas to fresh takes on familiar genres, these games have kept me engaged and entertained. In my opinion, the standout genres this year have been RPGs and Strategy games, and it’s no surprise given their popularity among gamers for a long time. As someone who has spent countless hours playing both RPGs and strategy games, I can attest to their ability to immerse me in a world of adventure and challenge. The market has definitely shaped itself around these genres, and I’m excited to see what new experiences they will bring in the future.

Beyond the notable titles I highlighted in the piece, there were also exciting launches such as “Squad Busters,” “Solo Leveling: ARISE,” “Ash Echoes,” “Age of Empires Mobile,” and “Disney Speedstorm.” Many other games joined me on this adventure. The simulation genre saw some impressive debuts with “Love and Deepspace,” “BTS Cooking On: TinyTAN Restaurant,” and “Neko Atsume 2: Kitty Collector” being just a few examples, with more to come next year.

Instead of focusing on the mainstream hits that dominate headlines, let’s shed some light on lesser-known but equally captivating games that have stolen our hearts in the indie scene. Some standout titles include “Balatro,” “Please, Touch The Artwork 2,” “BROK the InvestiGator,” “Slash Quest,” “The Abandoned Planet,” and many more, which are definitely worth mentioning.

In our commitment to shine light on cutting-edge developments, GamingonPhone launched an exclusive area called “Indie Highlight“. This segment showcases lesser-known treasures in the indie gaming scene and provides captivating suggestions for our readers. By visiting this section, you’ll have the opportunity to explore developer minds, engage them in discussions on diverse topics, and learn about their creative odysseys – so feel free to check it out if you’re curious!

Never fun without controversies

2024 saw me, as a gaming enthusiast, grappling with several heated debates within the industry. Kicking off the year was a storm brewing around Twitch, particularly in Korea, when streamers expressed their discontent over policy adjustments by inundating the platform with mature content as a form of protest.

MapleStory, one of Nexon’s prominent games, has been mired in a scandal involving questionable item handling. This issue also affected KRAFTON and Com2uS. Interestingly, KRAFTON faced legal issues once more due to accusations of sexual misconduct and unjust dismissals.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to talk about some exciting developments on the Apple scene. The announcement of allowing sideloading for iOS devices in the EU was a game-changer, no doubt. However, whispers of extra fees and limitations on third-party app stores have sparked controversy. The ongoing tussle with Epic Games hasn’t gone unnoticed either. After Apple kicked Epic out of their developer program, accusations followed that they were trying to hinder the launch of the Epic Games Store. But let’s give credit where it’s due; they eventually smoothed things over.

Despite facing obstacles, Apple continued to generate news headlines. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) was a significant factor, compelling Apple to allow alternative app stores, potentially revolutionizing the mobile environment. In Japan, Apple’s market dominance faced challenges as there was mounting pressure to approve third-party app stores. This push became more intense with the increased scrutiny of Apple’s practices by the European Union.

It was also whispered that it would be among the initial entities to receive penalties under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, exacerbating the troubles for the worldwide titan. However, on a more optimistic note, at year’s end, rumors emerged that Apple is developing a iOS App Store with a gaming focus, featuring social aspects and accomplishments. This move towards enhancing user experience and broadening its user base is a trend we’ve noticed among market leaders in this sector.

On a more personal level, the heartbreaking demise of Lee Woo-ri, renowned as the voice actor for the Korean version of ‘Cyno’ in Genshin Impact, left the gaming community stunned. This event served as a poignant reminder that behind the screens and controllers, the industry is populated by individuals with their own stories. Conversely, Yoozoo Games faced unfavorable attention due to a former executive being sentenced to death for allegedly poisoning the company’s billionaire founder. This distressing tale has cast an ominous cloud over the business aspect of gaming.

Busy businesses and landmarks

2024 was thrilling for me because major corporations started admitting their intentions to improve mobile gaming significantly. It seemed as though they were gradually acknowledging the immense potential hidden in this sector, which could potentially revolutionize the industry. The air was filled with announcements customized for our devices, and I’m optimistic that 2025 will witness some of these commitments becoming reality.

In terms of business, it’s crucial to scrutinize the major corporate events such as mergers and acquisitions that occurred during the year. You may recall that there were some substantial transactions finalized last year, and this year appears to be following a similar pattern, albeit with a few deals showing larger financial figures.

2021 began with Disney causing a splash by investing an impressive $1.5 billion in Epic Games, creators of Fortnite. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Keywords Studios by EQT for $2.8 billion was a notable headline event. As the year drew to a close, Miniclip purchased Easybrain from Embracer Group for $1.2 billion, and Modern Times Group (MTG) acquired Plarium, known for Raid: Shadow Legends, for $620 million. Both deals were finalized in November.

Playtika, like others in the mobile gaming scene, made a strategic move by purchasing SuperPlay for approximately $700 million. On the other hand, Tencent Games had an impressive year with numerous releases and also showed interest in industry expansion. Towards the end of the year, it was announced that Tencent acquired a 51% stake in Kuro Games, developers of Punishing: Gray Raven and Wuthering Waves. Additionally, rumors circulated about a possible acquisition by Tencent and the Guillemot family of Ubisoft, one of France’s leading game developers.

I’ll delve deeper into this part to discuss the fiscal aspects. The new products consistently provided a continuous influx of income-generating updates throughout the year. The latest offering, Pokémon TCG Pocket, debuted triumphantly, generating a whopping $33 million in revenue and racking up 30 million downloads within its initial week. This figure eventually swelled to an astounding $200 million by the end of its first month. Despite a less-than-stellar start, COD Warzone Mobile still managed to earn over $200,000 and recorded nearly 1.5 million downloads on its opening day.

As a lifelong board game enthusiast, I have to say that the success of MONOPOLY GO! has been nothing short of astounding. I remember playing classic Monopoly with my family as a child and never imagining it would one day become a digital juggernaut, generating over $3 billion in lifetime revenue. It’s incredible to see how technology can breathe new life into timeless games like this one. What makes the game so appealing to millions of players worldwide is the sense of nostalgia it evokes, combined with the excitement of exploring new territories and building virtual empires. The fact that MONOPOLY GO! surpassed $2 billion in revenue just ten months after its launch speaks volumes about the game’s universal appeal and the power of great design. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this incredible franchise.

In the realm of casual gaming, the mobile phenomenon known as Coin Master has solidified its status as a dominant force in the industry, amassing an astonishing lifetime revenue of over $6 billion. This popularity stems from the appeal of effortless play that these kinds of games offer. While Whiteout Survival surpassed the $1 billion mark, Hero Wars: Alliance reached even higher with $1.5 billion, and Peak Games, responsible for Toon Blast, achieved an impressive milestone of $5 billion.

Other significant victories featured the game “Fallout Shelter,” that experienced a tenfold jump in daily earnings post the debut of its TV show. In the past year alone, mobile games have recorded an impressive 40 billion downloads and earned a staggering $53 billion in revenue, underscoring the industry’s expansion and its knack for keeping audiences enthralled. These trends will likely continue to escalate further.

Some promises that were left unfulfilled

This part wasn’t part of my original plan, but I realized there was a lot to discuss on this topic. It seemed that Need For Speed Mobile and Delta Force were both set for release this year based on all indications. However, our hopes were dashed as we only received limited tests for these games in certain regions. But, I’m happy to share that the release of Need For Speed Mobile has been officially confirmed for early 2025, and the same goes for Delta Force.

As a seasoned video game enthusiast who has been following the gaming industry for over two decades now, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the constant delays and postponements of highly-anticipated titles. Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to seeing keywords like “postponed” and “delayed” in countless announcements. It seems that many eagerly awaited projects have become recurring themes, leaving us fans hanging on for what feels like an eternity.

Take The Division Resurgence, a game I had been eagerly waiting to play since its initial announcement. Unfortunately, it has been postponed time and time again, just like Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin’s Creed Jade. What makes this ironic is that none of these games have even launched yet.

As someone who has witnessed the evolution of the gaming industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration when projects I’ve been looking forward to for months, or even years, are delayed indefinitely. It’s a feeling that’s all too familiar for many of us fans, and it’s become an unfortunate reality we must face whenever a new title is announced with a release date attached.

The sections above touched on some of the “letdowns” that will surely look to see a launch in the future. However, there were also promises that never fully materialized, like the end of operations for games that didn’t even get a proper global launch: Clash Mini, and Everdale, to name a few. I’ll dive deeper into these and other disappointments in my dedicated article reflecting on the year’s biggest letdowns.

It isn’t very pleasant when we’re promised a few mobile games, but they never make it to us. We could have given them more support and attention if they had. Hopefully, 2025 will be different, and we’ll finally get the new titles that were promised. Here’s to getting the best mobile gaming in the coming year, a virtual “tink of our glasses”.

Disappointing dead ends

As a gamer who’s been around for quite some time, I’ve seen my fair share of mobile game shutdowns, and it always leaves a bitter taste. It’s not something I particularly enjoy talking about, but it’s a reality we have to face. Some of these games were long-standing titles with dedicated fan bases that had grown attached over the years, while others were fresh releases that struggled to find their footing before being taken off the market. It’s never easy to see a game I enjoyed disappear, and it serves as a reminder of how fleeting our digital experiences can be.

2021 witnessed a significant number of games, ranging from mainstream to more specialized, closing down operations. Some of the prominent titles that ceased operation include “Naruto x Boruto Ninja Voltage“, “Disney Mirrorverse“, “Brave Nine“, “Dead By Daylight Mobile“, “BLEACH: Eternal Soul“, and “Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp“. Similarly, titles like “Artery Gear: Fusion“, “Konosuba: Fantastic Days“, “The King of Fighters ALLSTAR“, “Code Geass: Lost Stories“, “Hachigatsu no Cinderella Nine“, and “Magic Chronicle: Isekai RPG” also announced they were shutting down, leaving their devoted player communities disheartened.

2021 wasn’t exactly a successful year for games produced by Square Enix and NetEase Games as they bid farewell to several titles. From Square Enix, the games Nier Reincarnation, FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS, Romancing SaGa: Re;univerSe, Dragon Quest: Champions, and Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi were among those that said goodbye. Similarly, MARVEL Super War and Order & Chaos: Guardians, which were under NetEase Games, also ceased operation.

Due to the shutdown of MLB Tap Sports and F1 Mobile Racing, as well as announcing the end of service for The Simpsons: Tapped Out, UFC Mobile 2, and Risk of Rain: Hostile Worlds, Electronic Arts (EA Sports) was compelled to reduce its workforce. These titles, which initially seemed promising, unfortunately did not fully materialize.

Beyond simple game releases, we’ve seen a number of studios closing for different reasons, which often goes unnoticed due to the challenges they face. One significant piece of news was the closure and mass layoffs at NetherRealm Studios. Shipyard Games, supported by Supercell, closed its operations, while FreshCut, a platform for the gaming community on Roblox, also shut down. Reports suggest that Hypernova, creators of Mayanagari, have ceased functioning as well.

The shutdown issue has spread to platforms such as Twitch, where debates and demonstrations over operational changes have underscored larger issues within the gaming sector. Given that even prominent figures are adapting to these shifting trends, it’s evident that this path is not an easy one. However, we can only offer our support and wish for brighter days ahead for those impacted.

Looking forward to the next year

2023 promises to be an exceptional year for gaming, as the anticipation builds for a fantastic array of upcoming games. The excitement lies not only in the highly-anticipated new releases but also in the significant improvements we’re seeing from various game developers. Simply put, I can hardly wait!

For example, consider EA Sports. Following a challenging year (mainly due to their end-of-support announcements), they’re aiming to make a strong comeback. They’ve hinted at an open-world experience within their Football (FC) and Madden series, and there are whispers of mobile versions as well. Moreover, the Sims franchise has some intriguing plans to provide more diverse experiences, such as narrative-driven mobile games. Isn’t that exciting?

Microsoft, in its endeavor to reshape the gaming landscape, is extending the boundaries of Xbox far beyond just consoles. Their goal is to construct an entirely unique and immersive fan experience. Although the launch of the Xbox Mobile Gaming App Store has been postponed, their dedication to thorough market research indicates they aim to unveil something truly significant. Initially, I had some reservations, but considering a company’s commitment to enhancing user experiences, it’s only logical to remain hopeful.

A commonly overlooked aspect in mobile gaming discussions is the hardware. I personally am captivated by the latest smartphones and their growing focus on gaming. Can you imagine console-quality games being played on our phones? Last year, Apple made a significant statement with its iPhone 15 series, demonstrating it’s indeed possible. Now, Android is preparing to enter the scene with its remarkable progress.

The advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite processor has been introduced, and what a difference it’s expected to make! This chip is designed to bring mobile gaming to an entirely new level, offering console-like immersion and responsiveness. It won’t be long until next year’s top-tier devices leave us speechless with their capabilities. With technological advancements like these, it’s not hard to envision a future where AAA console-quality games fit comfortably in our pockets. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the incredible potential this chip holds.

As a seasoned developer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned that creativity is the lifeblood of our field. Even as AI tools have come into play, it’s always been our human minds pushing the boundaries and driving innovation. And now, with the impending boom in mobile gaming next year, I find myself brimming with excitement.

It’s crucial that we, as an industry, seize this opportunity to create more avenues for passionate individuals from around the globe to join us. After all, it’s through collaboration and shared learning that we truly thrive. So let’s grow together, nurturing a vibrant community of creative minds, united by our passion for technology and its endless possibilities!

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2024-12-30 17:14