Why Mobile Gaming Is the Biggest Opportunity for Independent Game Creators Today
Evaluz Luna
Posted
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that mobile games are everywhere. They’re in your pocket, on your feed, played by your friends—even strangers on the bus. What you might not realize is just how massive mobile gaming has become, and how much space it makes for new creators—especially those using no-code tools like GDevelop.
But for indie mobile creators in 2025, what does that actually mean?
Let’s dig into why mobile matters, what players are looking for, and how you can build games people love (and actually play).
The Mobile Market Is Huge
Mobile isn’t just part of the gaming world—it’s the biggest part.
In 2022, mobile games made $103.5 billion globally. That’s more than half of all the money made from games across every platform combined ( Bryter Global).
And it’s still growing: Technavio reports a growth of 9.9% every year, and predicts that the mobile gaming market will grow more than 11% every year until at least 2029.
By 2032, it’s expected to be worth over $227 billion.
Source: Technavio
What’s driving that growth?
More people have phones. A lot more.
- According to ITU, as of late 2023, 5.4 billion people around the world are online—that’s 67% of the entire global population.
- About 60% of internet use happens on mobile devices ( Stat Counter) which explains the big trend of mobile being the main device to access and play video games.
Source: Data Reportal, 2025
So if you're thinking about where to publish your game... this is where the players already are.
Why Mobile Games Work So Well
Mobile games fit our lives. They’re easy to start, don’t need fancy gear, and you can play them almost anywhere. That makes them appealing across ages.
In April 2025, we sat down with players in one-on-one interviews to explore what’s really driving the “mobile-first” mindset in gaming. The answer was clear: portability is everything.
Some players told us they sold their console because “they were no longer using it”. Others still have consoles, but said they prefer mobile because it fits better into their day. Console games, they explained, often feel like a commitment: you need time, space (a couch, a TV, console and controllers…), and focus for high-stakes games.
Mobile games? You can open one during a 15-minute break, play a level, and move on.
And it’s not just one age group leading the charge. According to DataReportal’s 2025 report, the most active mobile gamers are between 16 and 24—but players aged 45–54, and even 65+, are part of the picture too. Mobile gaming isn’t just accessible. It’s flexible. And that’s exactly what modern players are looking for.
Source: Data Reportal, 2025
When we looked at the numbers, we wanted to understand what was really behind them—so we talked to players. What stood out? Age doesn’t determine interest in gaming.
The drop in playtime as people get older isn’t about losing passion; it’s about life getting busier. Jobs, family, personal projects… less free time means less energy for high-stakes, time-intensive games.
That’s exactly why casual mobile games work so well. They slip into the gaps of everyday life: no setup, no pressure, just quick moments of relaxation.
What Players Actually Care About
When someone’s scrolling through the app store or watching a video ad, they make up their mind fast. First impressions really matter.
Here’s what makes a difference:
- How the game looks in motion
People watch how the characters move, what the gameplay feels like, and whether the style matches what they like. Players said that “they can tell if they’ll like the game just by looking at the video”. - How well it works
If the controls are clunky, the game lags, or the game crashes, most players will delete the game. To prevent bugs and crashes, GDevelop helps creators identify system optimisations through the “Game Debugger” and the “Profiler”, but if you want to quickly know how to improve your game's UI, here are 5 quick ways to do so. - Whether their friends are playing
Players told us they’d rather play a game they wouldn’t normally choose, as long as it’s with people they know. Friends and family matter more than genre. Because as life gets busier, it’s harder to find time to play and reconnect with people. So when that rare window opens up, players are happy to jump into a casual game—even if it’s not their usual style—just to share the moment.
It’s not about the perfect game. It’s about making the most of the time they have together. If you are thinking about making a co-op or multiplayer game, GDevelop makes it possible for people to have a player account and for creators to build co-op games. - Ongoing fun
Players said that daily missions and updates are a reason why they come back to play a game. Limited-time events, new levels, and leaderboards keep players coming back. A leaderboard system could be hard to implement from scratch. GDevelop has a ready-made leaderboard solution to keep players motivated.
How People Discover New Games
Most people still find games through app stores like Google Play and the App Store.
Source: Mobile insight report, Google 2022
But here’s what’s catching attention lately:
- Video ads with a twist
Games like Royal Match and Gardenscapes used “fail ads” (where the player in the ad loses on purpose) to spark curiosity. Those games hit $1 billion in player spending according to Sensor Tower.
Source: Data.ai
- Short game clips for game discovery
According to Sensor Tower, TikTok advertisement increased its reach in 2024, though other platforms are still sharing the online space.
Source: Sensor Tower 2025
- Word of mouth
Still a powerful curating and discovery tool. Mostly because -as explained above- players want to connect with friends, or friends know the player’s tastes well.
What Makes a Mobile Game Succeed (Especially for Indies)
Big games with big budgets will always exist. But indie developers—especially no-coders—have their own space. Here’s how small teams can make it work:
- Keep it simple
You don’t need massive infrastructure. Start small. Even single-player games can be engaging. Design the game within the limitations of mobile gestures and taps. Be creative on how a simple controller could bring versatility through game levels. - Make it look great
A memorable character, clean interface, and smooth animation can do wonders. Follow video game concept artists and illustrators, and consider contacting them to make the final art for your game. - Use free-to-play well
Most mobile games are free to download. Money comes in through ads, upgrades, or in-game cosmetics. In 2023 Data.ai reported that 95% of mobile revenue came from in-app purchases or ads.
In 2025, Sensor Tower identifies a possible in-app-revenue growth depending on game class (Puzzle & Lifestyle, Action & Strategy, Sports & Racing…)
Source: Sensor Tower 2025
- Track the data –
Use tools like game analytics to see what players are doing. Are they finishing the tutorial? Coming back the next day? GDevelop includes an integrated in-app analytics tool to measure your game performance. - Talk to players
Big data shows trends. But real conversations help you understand emotions, confusion, or ideas your players care about. You can learn how to collect this information through GDevelop’s " UI/UX Essentials" Course.
Tips for GDevelop Creators
- Grab attention quickly
Your game has around 30 seconds to show its value. Make sure that players understand how to play the game and get a first payback for their efforts to keep them motivated. - Design for short bursts
Think coffee breaks, bus rides, or chill evenings. - Polish the feel
A horizontal desktop game is not equivalent to landscape mobile. Smooth controls and intuitive UI make a big difference. - Plan for retention
Events, un-lockables, and multiplayer modes help players stick around. - Make it rewarding to stay
Let your players feel progress, not pressure.
In Short: The Door Is Open
Mobile is where the players are—and where indie games can thrive.
If you’re creating with GDevelop, you already have the tools to launch a complete game. You don’t need a huge budget. You just need a sharp idea, a bit of polish, and a willingness to test and learn.
Games don’t have to be massive to matter. They have to connect.