Japan’s mobile game downloads grow 2.5% in H1 2024, hitting 320 million

In the first half of 2024, Japan’s mobile gaming industry experienced a 2.5% increase in download volume, reaching a notable 320 million downloads, according to Sensor Tower. This uptick in downloads showcases the continued strong interest in mobile gaming within the country. Despite this growth, total market revenue saw a significant decline of 17%, dropping to USD $5.3 billion. Analysts have attributed this revenue dip to the pressures of a weakening yen, which has impacted in-app purchases and overall consumer spending.

Several domestic mobile games dominated Japan’s revenue charts in early 2024, with mixi’s Monster Strike leading the way. Having generated over $290 million in in-app purchases during the first half of the year, Monster Strike remains a giant in Japan’s mobile gaming space, maintaining its top position for over a decade. The game’s enduring popularity has contributed to its global revenue surpassing $11 billion, making it the highest-grossing mobile game in Japan.

Another standout title, Legend of Mushroom by Joy Net Games, debuted in February 2024 and quickly ascended to the top revenue charts, surpassing $100 million in just four months. This rapid success solidified its position as one of the top-grossing new games in the Japanese market.

Additionally, Bandai Namco Entertainment emerged as the top publisher in Japan during this period. Its successful releases, including the anime-based game Gakuen Idolmaster, played a key role in boosting the company’s mobile game revenue. Bandai Namco’s revenue increased by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter, driven by strong performances in both domestic and international markets.

Japan continues to be a global leader in anime-style mobile games, with nearly half of the global revenue in this genre coming from the Japanese market. Established titles such as Uma Musume Pretty Derby and Puzzle & Dragons remain dominant, reflecting the strong loyalty of Japanese gamers to homegrown, anime-themed games. The period from January to July 2024 also saw new anime-style games, including Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves, achieve impressive revenue milestones.