Top 10 revenue & download mobile games of 2024: Roblox, Honor of Kings, and more

Mobile gaming has become a big part of how people have fun and enjoy entertainment. Thanks to better phones, faster internet, and popular free-to-play games, it’s now easier for anyone — gamer or not — to experience games. Let’s check out the top 10 mobile games of 2024 that are leading in revenue and downloads.

Honor of Kings (HoK), a MOBA mobile game by Level Infinite (a global publishing company from Tencent Games), has once again claimed the top spot in mobile game revenue for the past three years, in addition to also ranking first in 2017-2019, based on an annual chart by App Magic.

In addition to the game’s regular updates and competitive gameplay keeping players hooked and spending money on in-game content, Honor of Kings is also known for regularly collaborating with popular IPs, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Saint Seiya, Hello Kitty, and recently with Detective Conan on its China server.

Tencent Games continues to dominate the mobile gaming scene, with several of its titles making it to the top charts. PUBG MOBILE, which was the highest-grossing game in 2020-2021, remains a fan favorite for its intense battle royale action. Meanwhile, the newly launched ARPG Dungeon & Fighters: Origin, released in May 2024, has already racked up over $500 million in revenue within just a few months.

Other Tencent-backed games like Brawl Stars (by Supercell), Teamfight Tactics and League of Legends: Wild Rift (by Riot Games), and Goddess of Victory: Nikke (by Level Infinite) also secured spots in the top 40. This impressive lineup highlights the Chinese powerhouse's strong influence on the mobile gaming industry over the years.

In addition, COGNOSPHERE (global publishing of miHoYo) also has more than one game in the top 15 list, Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact. While their ranks are declining compared to last year, the games are still well-loved by players and have great potential to gain revenue.

Casual games are proving that despite being free to play, they can successfully attract players to spend money, thanks to their creative marketing and monetization strategies. Roblox leads the way with its creative platform, letting players build and explore endless worlds. Another standout, MONOPOLY GO!, combines classic board game nostalgia with a fresh mobile twist.

Other hits include classics like Candy Crush Saga, Royal Match, and Coin Master. Newer survival-themed casual games, such as Last War: Survival and Whiteout Survival, which are often seen in ads, also grabbed players’ attention by mixing simple gameplay with strategy. These games show how casual and puzzle mobile games can attract huge audiences while still making serious money.

Roblox emerged as the most downloaded mobile game of 2024, holding this position for the second consecutive year. The game’s simultaneous success in both revenue and downloads underscores its position as one of the most popular mobile games of 2024.

Roblox successfully built a player base among a wide range of age groups, thanks to its unique ecosystem that empowers players to create, share, and play games within the platform. This user-driven approach has consistently attracted new users while retaining its core audience.

Casual games continue to rule the download charts, much like last year. While a few new titles made waves in 2024, older favorites like Candy Crush Saga and Royal Match slipped down a bit in the rankings. This shift shows that while classics remain loved, players are also eager to try out fresh games.

The simplicity and fun of casual games keep them popular. They’re easy to pick up and play, making them perfect for all types of gamers. With new games popping up regularly, this genre isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Garena’s Free Fire and Free Fire MAX (the enhanced version of Free Fire) were the only esports-focused games to make the top 10 downloads list. The game's fast-paced action and frequent events keep players returning for more, even though they didn’t make the top revenue charts.

Meanwhile, esports heavyweights like Honor of Kings and PUBG MOBILE ranked high in revenue but didn’t crack the download top 10. This shows the difference in how games attract players: esports titles often rely on smaller groups of dedicated players who spend big, while games like Free Fire focus on reaching as many players as possible.

The top mobile games of 2024 show how the gaming world strikes a balance. Big titles like Honor of Kings, PUBG MOBILE, and Honkai: Star Rail keep players hooked with immersive experiences, while casual games like Roblox and Royal Match win over massive audiences with their easy-to-learn, fun gameplay.

Esports games make huge money from loyal fans and sponsorships, but casual games lead the download charts, often boosted by quirky ads that grab attention. As mobile gaming keeps growing, it’s clear that staying creative, making games accessible, and keeping them fresh with updates are key to staying popular.

Looking ahead to 2025, mobile gaming shows no signs of slowing down. With new games coming out all the time, the competition to keep players engaged is only going to heat up.

Technological advancement also plays a bigger role, pushing the boundaries of what mobile games can deliver. Genres like RPGs, shooters, and strategy games may continue to dominate, but there’s also room for innovation in casual and social gaming experiences, as seen with the enduring success of games like Roblox and Balatro.

The big question is: which game will take the lead in 2025?

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