In the global mobile game market last month, Korean game companies failed to place a single title in the top 10 for revenue or downloads. Chinese games, by contrast, swept the top ranks and showed strength. Analysts say the global mobile game market favors casual genres, aligning well with the hallmarks of Chinese mobile games that emphasize light, easy play. Korean developers, which focus on massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), are growing more concerned.
According to market research firm Sensor Tower on the 23rd, there were no Korean games in the global top 10 for mobile game revenue last month. KRAFTON's Chinese version of Battlegrounds, "Peacekeeper Elite," ranked seventh, but the game is developed and distributed by China's Tencent. KRAFTON failed to obtain a Chinese publishing license for Battlegrounds in 2018 due to violence concerns. Tencent then consulted KRAFTON and launched a similar title, "Peacekeeper Elite," on its own, and KRAFTON now receives only technology fees.
Chinese mobile games made their presence felt by sweeping the upper ranks. The No. 1 spot in global mobile game revenue last month went to FirstFun's casual title "Last War: Survival." Since its global launch in Aug. 2023, the game has consistently placed near the top of global revenue charts. Sensor Tower said last month's updates, including a season-end event and the launch of a competitive mode, helped drive revenue. The No. 2 and No. 3 spots also went to Chinese publishers, with Tencent's "Honor of Kings" and Century Games' "Whiteout Survival," respectively.
Games from the United States and the Middle East also performed strongly. ▲ No. 4, U.S. Scopely's "Monopoly Go" ▲ No. 5, Türkiye's Dream Games "Royal Match" ▲ No. 6, U.S. Microsoft's "Candy Crush Saga" ▲ No. 8, U.S. Scopely's "Pokémon Go" ▲ No. 9, Israel's Moon Active "Coin Master" ▲ U.S. Roblox "Roblox," among others.
While overseas publishers from China and the United States dominate the global mobile game market, Korean companies that once produced many hits are struggling. Industry observers note that in North America, where mobile games account for a large share of revenue, consumption centers on casual genres, but Korean publishers have failed to target this segment effectively.
Sensor Tower said the United States generated the most global mobile game revenue last month. The U.S. accounted for $2.3 billion (about 3.195 trillion won), or 32% of the market. It was followed by China (iOS only) at 15.3% and Japan at 12.8%. The North American game market is divided between mobile and console platforms, and on mobile, games that tout easy, light play centered on casual titles are showing strength. The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) previously assessed the global mobile game market by saying that "light genres such as puzzle and arcade are popular thanks to easy gameplay and simple design."
Korean publishers centered on MMORPGs are also trying to diversify into casual genres. Notably, MMORPG powerhouse NCSOFT established a mobile casual center last month. The company said it was to diversify its globally focused game portfolio.
A game industry official said, "Korean publishers have so far focused on AAA genres such as MMORPGs, putting casual game development on the back burner," and added, "To enter the global mobile game market effectively, they need to more proactively identify and nurture casual games that fit local user preferences and market characteristics."