Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market Overview
The Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market Size is expected to reach USD 445.23 Billion by 2033. The Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market industry size accounted for USD 123.45 Billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.41% from 2023 to 2033. The Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market refers to the industry segment focused on the development, distribution, and monetization of video games that are specifically designed for smartphones and tablets. This market includes a wide variety of game genres, such as action, adventure, puzzle, strategy, role-playing, and casual games, among others.
The online smartphone and tablet games market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry that has transformed the way people play and interact with games.
Global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market Synopsis
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market. With lockdowns, social distancing, and the closure of various entertainment venues, people turned to online games as a primary form of entertainment. This led to a substantial increase in user engagement and time spent on mobile games. The pandemic brought in a wave of new gamers, including people who had not previously engaged in mobile gaming. The ease of access through smartphones and tablets made mobile games particularly appealing. Developers and publishers accelerated the release of new games and updates to capitalize on the growing demand. This included the introduction of new game genres, themes, and features tailored to the pandemic context, such as multiplayer games and social features. While the peak of the pandemic led to an unprecedented surge in the market, many of the new users and increased engagement levels have sustained even after restrictions eased, indicating a long-term growth trend. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of mobile gaming as a mainstream entertainment option, and this shift is expected to continue driving the market in the coming years.
Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market Dynamics
The major factors that have impacted the growth of Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market are as follows:
Drivers:
Ø Advancements in Mobile Technology
Improvements in mobile device hardware, such as more powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and better graphics capabilities, have enabled the development of more complex and visually appealing games. The widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks has improved the online gaming experience by reducing latency and enabling smoother gameplay, especially for multiplayer and cloud-based games. Game developers have successfully implemented monetization strategies such as in-app purchases, where players can buy virtual goods, characters, or upgrades. This model has proven highly profitable. Many games use advertisements as a revenue source, offering free access to players while generating income through ad impressions and clicks.
Restraint:
- Perception of Data Privacy and Security Concerns
As mobile games often require access to personal data for better user experience and targeted advertising, concerns about data privacy and security can deter users from engaging with certain games. Developing high-quality games, especially those with advanced graphics, AR/VR integration, or multiplayer capabilities, requires significant investment in terms of time, money, and technical expertise. These high costs can be a barrier for smaller developers.
Opportunity:
⮚    Adoption of 5G Technology
The rollout of 5G networks offers faster internet speeds and lower latency, which can enhance the quality of online gaming, particularly for multiplayer and cloud-based games. This technological advancement is likely to drive the development of more sophisticated and immersive mobile games. With 5G, cloud gaming on smartphones and tablets becomes more feasible, allowing users to stream high-quality games without the need for powerful hardware. This could attract a broader audience and reduce barriers to entry for new players. Casual and hyper-casual games, which are easy to play and require minimal time investment, have a broad appeal and can attract a diverse audience, including non-traditional gamers. These games often go viral and can achieve massive downloads, offering significant revenue opportunities through ads and in-app purchases.
Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market Segment Overview
By Operating System
Based on Operating System, the market is segmented based on iOS, Android and Others. The Android segment dominant the market. The fast growth of the operating system is supplemented by its affordable price and widespread availability. The open nature of the Android platform and distribution through mobile assistant applications dominate the android market.
By Game Type
Based on Game Type, the market segment has been divided into Massive Multiplayer Online Games, Casual, Social and Other. The Massively Multiplayer Online Games segment dominant the market. Massive multiplayer online (MMO) gaming involves several players playing different roles and strategies in a particular game from across the globe. In addition, substantial multiplayer games include various types, such as real-time strategy games (RTS), first-person shooter (FPS), and role-playing games (RPG).
Global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market Regional Analysis
Based on region, the global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is projected to dominate the use of the Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market followed by the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions.
Online Smartphone and Tablet Games North America Market
North America holds a dominant position in the Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, is a mature market with high smartphone penetration and widespread internet access. The region has a well-established mobile gaming ecosystem with a large base of both casual and hardcore gamers. North American gamers tend to spend more on in-app purchases, subscriptions, and premium games compared to other regions. This makes the region highly lucrative for game developers.
Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Asia-Pacific Market
The Asia-Pacific region has indeed emerged as the fastest-growing market for the Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market industry. Asia-Pacific (APAC) is the largest and fastest-growing market for online smartphone and tablet games. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India are leading the charge, with a massive number of gamers and a rapidly expanding market. In many APAC countries, mobile gaming is the dominant form of gaming due to the widespread availability of affordable smartphones and relatively lower PC and console penetration.
Competitive Landscape
The global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering a wide range of software solutions. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of established companies, as well as emerging startups and niche players. To increase their market position and attract a wide consumer base, the businesses are employing various strategies, such as product launches, and strategic alliances.
Prominent Players:
- Electronics Arts Inc.
- Gameloft
- Kabam Games Inc.
- King Limited
- MachineZone Inc.
- Melior Games
- NCSOFT Corporation
- Rovio Entertainment Corporation
- Supercell
- The Walt Disney Company
Key Development
In July 2022 – The Disney Storytellers Fund, established at Howard University by the Walt Disney Company, gave historically underrepresented students the chance to pursue future careers as storytellers and media and entertainment innovators.
Scope of the Report
Global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market, by Operating System
- iOS
- Android
- Others
Global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market, by Game Type
- Massive Multiplayer Online Games
- Casual
- Social
- Other
Global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market, by Region
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Austalia
- Malaysia
- India
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
| Parameters | Indicators |
|---|---|
| Market Size | 2033: USD 445.23 Billion |
| CAGR (2023-2033) | 5.41% |
| Base year | 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2023-2033 |
| Historical Data | 2021 (2017 to 2020 On Demand) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Key Segmentations | Operating System, Game Type |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, Africa |
| Key Vendors | Electronics Arts Inc., Gameloft, Kabam Games Inc., King Limited, MachineZone, Inc., Melior Games, NCSOFT Corporation, Rovio Entertainment Corporation, Supercell and The Walt Disney Company. |
| Key Market Opportunities | ·      Adoption of 5G Technology
·      Focus on Casual and Hyper-Casual Games |
| Key Market Drivers | ·      Advancements in Mobile Technology
·      Innovative Monetization Strategies |
REPORT CONTENT BRIEF:
- High-level analysis of the current and future Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market trends and opportunities
- Detailed analysis of current market drivers, restraining factors, and opportunities in the future
- Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market historical market size for the year 2021, and forecast from 2023 to 2033
- Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market share analysis at each product level
- Competitor analysis with detailed insight into its product segment, Government & Defense strength, and strategies adopted.
- Identifies key strategies adopted including product launches and developments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships as well as funding taken and investment done, among others.
- To identify and understand the various factors involved in the global Online Smartphone and Tablet Games Market affected by the pandemic
- To provide a detailed insight into the major companies operating in the market. The profiling will include the Government & Defense health of the company’s past 2-3 years with segmental and regional revenue breakup, product offering, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and key strategies.
