Game Applications Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Marketplace (Google Play Store, Apple iOS Store), By Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2028

Report Overview

The global game applications market size was valued at USD 100.36 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth (CAGR) of 13.3% from 2022 to 2028. With increasing digitalization, the penetration of smartphones with advanced hardware capabilities has also been increasing over the last couple of years. In addition, there are very few entry barriers to this market. Gaming apps are the best alternative to video games and computer games considering convenience. Using the availability of resources, the development of the gaming app is less complex. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, are also developing and offering a number of innovative gaming apps with a high level of differentiation and engaging end-users with games to enhance the advertising strategies.

During the pandemic, the governments of various countries restricted physical movements as a precautionary measure. Enterprises allowed employees to work from home due to the pandemic and government restrictions. As most countries globally were under lockdown, to control the spread of the virus, it was observed that there is a significant growth in the usage of digital entertainment, including mobile games.

Key players have observed a steady growth in downloads of mobile games during the pandemic. The increasing availability of high-speed internet connections, especially in emerging economies, has made online gaming practical for more people in recent years. Apart from communication purposes, smartphones are also used for online games, internet surfing, or browsing, which drives the market further. The advancement of smartphone technology, in terms of hardware and software, has led to the growth of gaming apps. Moreover, these apps provide opportunities to explore favorite digital worlds. Understanding the needs of end-users, developers produce user-friendly app interfaces.

Marketplace Insights

Based on the marketplace, the global market has been divided into Google play store, Apple iOS Store, and others. The Google play store segment accounted for the highest revenue share of more than 48.5% in 2021. Android users can use the Google play store and take advantage of cloud-based content management. Google play store is comparatively more economic than other app stores. Best Android widgets, price comparison tracker, open ecosystem, personalized alerts features for enhancing users’ experience, and intelligent multitasking system are fueling the market growth.

Android platform is providing offers thousands of innovative gaming apps. End users from APAC prefer to download gaming apps via the Google play store. The Apple iOS Store segment will register the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2028. This can be credited to the growing demand for the highly-secured and multitasking operating system from the smartphone users, particularly in the U.S. and U.K. Faster access and user-friendly interference are fueling the market growth. Cloud storage, efficient battery use, and impeccable security to expert-validated advice for games apps are also driving the market growth.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR of more than 14.00% from 2022 to 2028. Developing countries, such as China and India, have been hubs for the digital industry for the last decade. Simultaneously, these countries have a huge customer base with a growing population. A huge number of gaming apps were downloaded in this region by the end-users. Most of the revenue generated using game apps came from the adverting segment. The ease of accessibility with multilanguage support across the region will contribute to the market growth. Enterprises are investing huge amounts in this region to grab the opportunities. Thus, during the forecast period, the region is expected to grow significantly in the years to come.

North America dominated the global market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021. The U.S. is positively contributing to the growth of the regional market. The presence of well-established gaming app developers is one of the key factors supporting the market growth. The rising trend in this region to adopt social media integrations are propelling the market growth. The market share of the U.S. is driven by the rising demand for the agile functionality-based gaming app. North America is one of the promising regions to launch and adopt new technology in terms of IT infrastructure and advanced research and development activities, which help innovate and develop gaming apps.

In addition, the ease of availability of IT resources and related technological talents will contribute to the market growth in the region. Europe held a significant revenue share in 2021. This can be attributed to the growing demand for gaming apps from the consumers of the U.K., France, and Germany. Increasing adoption of these apps and the availability of a variety of gaming app options are major driving forces of the market. The development of low-cost and less complex gaming apps is driving the market. Furthermore, the rising demand for online games via social media platforms is anticipated to boost the market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of various well-established multinationals and several small- and medium-scale companies. Software companies are focusing on research & development activities to launch the latest technology to improve the access speed and boost the adoption of gaming apps. Moreover, these vendors are expanding their reach across all the regions to increase their market presence and revenues. Such initiatives are expected to drive the market. The market players are following organic as well as inorganic strategies to expand their footprints across the global market. Some prominent players in the global game applications market include:

• Tencent

• Nintendo

• Activision Blizzard

• Ubisoft

• Electronic Arts Inc.

• Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

• Bethesda Softworks LLC

• Zynga

• Epic Games, Inc.

• NetEase, Inc.

Game Applications Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global game applications market report based on marketplace and region:

• Marketplace Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Google Play Store

  • Apple iOS Store

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa