From chunky arcade machines to the first handheld Nintendo device, the gaming scene has never shied away from innovation. Thanks to this relentless ingenuity, today we have options ranging from dedicated set-ups like the PS5 and portable ones like the Nintendo Switch to mobile gaming apps, and also playing scrabble, which is one of the interesting games to play nowadays.

In short, gaming has never been as diverse and accessible as it is today. In 2024, we will even have platforms dedicated to selling in-game items and boosting, showcasing how profitable the industry as a whole is.

Those interested in anything beyond graphics should stick around to discover the number behind these gaming apps. Let’s get started! 

How much do Gaming Apps make per day? 

Mobile game apps can generate an average of $10–$200 per day. And the wildest part? This is simply from ads, with an average estimate of 1,000 active users. In fact, according to reports by Main Leaf, the average daily app revenue generated by mobile games in 2021 was $1 million. 

While this figure can vary from app to app, a gaming app can still earn anywhere from $0.60 to $1.20 per download. Now, the case is different for extremely popular apps. For instance, the top 200 apps generate over $80K daily, while the top 800 rack up around $3.5K.

Given the huge ad revenue, game developers equally invest in it. A report from Statista reveals a whopping $327.1 billion was spent on mobile advertising in 2022. The number is anticipated to be higher for 2024, with the expected spending being $399.6 billion.

Highest Grossing Gaming Apps in 2024 

Keeping in line with money generated from gaming apps. Here’s a list of some of the highest-grossing gaming apps of 2024:

• Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor): This gaming app mainly generates its profit through in-game purchases and has generated over $15.6 billion on just Chinese app stores. 

• Candy Crush Saga: With a freemium model running on both free gameplay and in-app purchases, this puzzle mogul app has racked in over $20 billion in revenue. 

• PubG Mobile: Since its launch, PubG’s in-app purchase monetization strategy has worked out pretty well and has garnered about $7.4 million daily. 

• Monster Strike: Through its in-game currency tactic, this game has also collected over $11 billion in revenue over the years.

• Clash of Clans: Released in 2012, the game has generated more than $10 billion in revenue thanks to its in-app purchases, which include adding gems to your account.

How Gaming Apps Bring In Money 

There are four major ways a gaming app generally brings in money. We’ve briefly mentioned them in the above section and now we can have a closer look at the methods.   

1. Paid Games (Premium)

Many developers often earn revenue by directly selling the game. This is often facilitated through a one-time payment. This allows the game to be downloaded and accessed in its full glory. This is often sought by gamers looking for the ultimate experience. 

2. In-App Purchases (IAP)

This is commonly found in freemium games. It is a type of game app that’s free to play but comes with additional perks that can often be accessed only through methods such as In-app purchases. Through this, users are able to make upgrades or buy premium content and/or virtual goodies. 

3. In-App Ads

Developers are often able to strategize and monetize free games by incorporating ads within the app. As ad spaces are sold to various advertisers, the developers are able to create a profitable revenue stream through this. 

4. Promoting Partnerships

To foster promotional activities, gaming apps often form collaborations and partnerships with brands. This can range from product placements within the gaming environment to sponsored content, all of which contribute to revenue.

Factors that Affect the Revenue of Mobile Games 

The factors influencing mobile game revenues are just as diverse as the gaming genre, including: 

• DAU (Daily Average Users): This represents the percentage of unique players who open up the app every single day. 

• DARPU (Daily Average Revenue Per User): This represents the total revenue made per day divided by the DAU

• Game Type: This plays a huge role in deciding whether a game would be popular or not, which in turn dictates the revenue generated by the game. This “game type” is largely taken up by casual games (appealing to the masses) and niche or hardcore games (appealing to a specific audience). 

• Platform Type: Despite both iOS and Android being solid options, Android still holds a massive share of the global mobile market. This makes Android a much more profitable choice.

• Ads and In-App Purchases: When played out strategically, these two pretty much rule over the revenue generation for the majority of gaming apps. 

Bottom Line 

The mobile gaming industry is full of opportunities. What makes it truly special is its inclusivity, welcoming genres of all kinds, allowing every developer a chance to make their mark.