Sensor Tower: 2024 Global Mobile Publisher Revenue TOP50

In 2024, global consumer spending on mobile apps will exceed $150 billion for the first time, up 13% year-on-year. At the same time, the market's top players are becoming more competitive, and the industry's innovation momentum is strong. This article analyzes the industry landscape and key highlights based on data insights.

Note: The data covers App Store and Google Play, excluding third-party Android channels.

Global landscape: Dominated by Chinese and American giants, fierce competition in multiple tracks

Among the top ten, Tencent (No. 1) continues to hold the top spot, maintaining its leading position with its full ecosystem layout in the fields of games and social networking. ByteDance (No. 2) has a year-on-year revenue surge of 38.2% thanks to the TikTok ecosystem and global layout, and remains in second place. Google (No. 3) and Microsoft (No. 4) still maintain a solid position in the market, and Scopely (No. 5) has become the biggest dark horse of the year with a high growth rate of 57.1%.

It is worth noting that the influence of Chinese publishers in the global market continues to expand. About a quarter of the publishers on the list are from China, and the top concentration effect is significant. In addition to Tencent and ByteDance, major companies such as NetEase, Mihoyo, and Alibaba continue to promote innovation, while companies such as Lilith Games, 37 Interactive Entertainment, and Paper Games continue to make breakthroughs in their respective segments.

Industry trend insights: Diversified growth drives market evolution

In 2024, the global mobile application industry showed a diversified growth trend. The empowerment of AI technology, the evolution of game categories and the rise of emerging markets jointly shaped a new industry landscape.

The application of AI technology in user analysis, content generation, and personalized recommendations has gradually deepened, driving refined product operations. OpenAI (No. 46) has entered the ranks of the world's top 50 publishers for the first time with its breakthroughs in AI technology, while Duolingo (No. 38) uses AI to optimize language learning experience and improve user stickiness.

Hybrid casual games continue to promote gameplay innovation in traditional game tracks and continue to win the recognition and support of global players. Scopely (No. 5) has achieved rapid revenue growth with a diverse product matrix such as "Monopoly GO!" and has become a benchmark company for global distribution. Dream Games (No. 12) has demonstrated the potential of global distribution for small and medium-sized manufacturers through innovative mechanisms of elimination games such as "Royal Match". Joy Net Games (No. 45) has deeply cultivated the Southeast Asian market and accurately matched regional user needs through light strategy games. Its revenue increased by 915.5%, and its localized operations have achieved remarkable results.

In addition, the renewal of classic IPs has become an important support for the continued growth of the gaming industry. BANDAI NAMCO (No. 22) relies on classic IP derivative mobile games such as "Dragon Ball" and "One Piece" to demonstrate the deep accumulation of Japanese manufacturers in the field of IP operation. The Pokémon Company (No. 48) has achieved the continuous release of IP value through "Pokémon GO" and cross-terminal linkage strategies, with revenue increasing by 461.1% year-on-year. Supercell (No. 10) has increased its revenue by 84.1% through long-term operation strategies such as "Clash of Clans" and "Brawl Stars" and the construction of the event ecosystem.

In terms of cross-category breakthroughs, non-game tracks also showed strong growth. Duolingo (No. 38) opened up a new commercialization path for language learning applications through gamification mechanisms and subscription models. OpenAI (No. 46)'s first appearance on the list further verified the role of AI tools in promoting industry efficiency.

The dividends of regional markets have been further released, and the mobile application markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America and other regions have grown significantly. Garena Games Online (No. 33) has deepened its presence in the Southeast Asian market, and the "Free Fire" series continues to lead the battle royale category. Netmarble Games (No. 20) has accelerated its penetration into the European and American markets, and "The Seven Deadly Sins: The Battle of Light and Darkness" has demonstrated the cross-regional distribution capabilities of Korean manufacturers.

Chinese manufacturers are steadily advancing their globalization pace, with leading and emerging companies moving forward in parallel. Tencent (No. 1) and ByteDance (No. 2) rely on the synergy of social and short video ecosystems to cover multiple tracks such as hyper-casual and open world. Diandian Interactive (No. 19) has become a model for small and medium-sized manufacturers to go overseas with its SLG category "Frost Apocalypse"'s outstanding performance in the European and American markets. Paper Games (No. 50) has opened up a vertical track of emotional narrative for female-oriented games with "Love and Deep Space", with revenue growth of 659.7%, verifying the globalization potential of niche categories.

Conclusion

 In 2024, the global mobile application market will present a trend of "coexistence of top consolidation and innovation breakthrough". The deep integration of AI technology, the release of opportunities in emerging markets, and the continuous evolution of game categories will become the key driving force for future industry growth. In the future, with the further deepening of AI in content production, user interaction and other fields, the global mobile application market may usher in new changes.

Data source: Sensor Tower Store Intelligence Platform, global App Store and Google Play revenue estimates from January to December 2024.