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Every year, the mobile gaming industry dominates the video game market with a flood of new titles added to platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. By mid-2013, mobile games had outpaced both console and PC games in terms of quantity and revenue. This trend has only grown stronger into 2023, with mobile games contributing over 55% of all gaming revenue.
Many mobile games have crossed the 500 million download threshold in terms of popularity, with a few even surpassing one billion downloads. These include some popular names, such as Candy Crush Saga, Garena Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Subway Surfers.
As the mobile gaming industry has evolved, so has the diversity of game genres. Today, mobile gamers can choose from a wide array of genres, including shooters, adventure, and racing games. Furthermore, mobile gaming has given birth to new sub-genres such as merge games, match-3 puzzles, idle simulators, and hypercasual games.
As the global mobile gaming market seems promising for the years to come, let’s talk about the 10 most popular mobile games in India that have revolutionized the entire online gaming industry.
A Look Into Mobile Gaming Industry of India
- The market for mobile games in India is on an upward trajectory, with revenues expected to hit a significant US$151.60 million by 2024. (Source: Statista)
- The upward trend is going strong, with an annual growth rate of 7.02% anticipated from 2024 to 2027, leading to an expected market volume of US$185.80 million by the end of 2027. (Source: Statista)
- In terms of user numbers, the mobile games market is expected to reach 239.6 million by 2027. This suggests consistent growth in user engagement, with penetration rates estimated at 14.6% in 2024 and potentially increasing to 16.3% by 2027. (Source: Statista)
- Looking at the average revenue per user (ARPU) in the mobile games market, it’s projected to stand at US$0.73 in 2024. (Source: Statista)
- In terms of categories, action games remain the most popular, with over 30%, followed by Strategy with 20%, Casual with 18%, Arcade with 15%, Puzzle with 10% and Sports with 7%.
Most Downloaded Games in India
| Game | Downloads | Ratings | Genre |
| Candy Crush Saga | 1B+ | 4.4 Stars | Casual |
| BGMI Mobile | 100M+ | 4.5 Stars | Action |
| Free Fire | 100M+ | 4.3 Stars | Action |
| Call of Duty | 100M+ | 4.2 Stars | Action |
| Subway Surfers | 100M+ | 4.4 Stars | Arcade |
| Teen Patti | 100M+ | 4.3 Stars | Casino |
| Ludo King | 500M+ | 4.2 Stars | Board |
| Clash of Clans | 500M+ | 4.5 Stars | Strategy |
| Temple Run 2 | 500M+ | 4.5 Stars | Action |
| Fruit Ninja | 500M+ | 4.1 Stars | Arcade |
Popular Categories on the App Store and Play Store
List of Top 10 Mobile Games in India
Below, we have curated a list of India’s top 10 popular mobile games based on the number of downloads, user reviews, and ratings.
#1. Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga is a simple yet addictive puzzle game that invites players to combine similar candies to advance through stages. Its easy-to-understand gameplay, combined with a constant addition of new obstacles, keeps players hooked and mentally stimulated, enticing them to return for more. It’s a delightful game for solo players.
The game unfolds through stages, each with specific goals to accomplish within a set number of moves. These objectives range from achieving specific scores to eliminating candies or directing special ingredients.
#2. Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
Battlegrounds Mobile India, formerly popular as PUBD, has transformed the mobile gaming landscape with its fascinating battle royale gameplay. Players are dropped onto a large island where they must scavenge for weapons and equipment and engage in fierce combat until only one player or team remains.
The winning player or team is awarded the title of ‘Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.’ Regular gameplay enhances the player’s points as they complete routine missions. Its lifelike graphics and tactical gameplay have made it a hit among Indian gamers, creating a competitive and engaging gaming atmosphere. It was the go-to game during the entire lockdown period.
Due to the game’s developers being based in China, the Indian government banned it on September 2, 2020, along with 117 other Chinese apps. However, an India-exclusive version, BGMI, was launched on July 2, 2021.
#3. Free Fire
Free Fire stands as a strong competitor in the action game genre, offering a unique mix of rapid action and strategic gameplay. Players navigate their characters from a third-person perspective using a joystick. The fire button enables them to shoot and hurl objects.
The character can execute actions like jumping, crawling, and lying prone. Free Fire allows up to 52 players to land weaponless on an island. Playing in ranked mode influences their ranking. Players can select from six maps: Bermuda, Bermuda Remastered, Kalahari, Purgatory, Alpine, and NeXTerra.
Its compatibility with numerous devices has led to its widespread popularity in India, enabling gamers of all types to participate in exciting battles and strategic gameplay.
#4. Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Mobile is a mobile version of the famous desktop game series Call Of Duty. The game offers a variety of gameplay modes, including battle royale and traditional multiplayer. In multiplayer mode, players have the option to participate in ranked or non-ranked matches.
It features two types of in-game currencies: “Credits,” which are accumulated by playing the game, and “COD Points,” which are purchased with real money. Playing the entire game without spending money is feasible, although some exclusive character and weapon skins can only be acquired with COD Points. Its console-like graphics and responsive controls appeal to FPS fans, contributing to its success among Indian gamers.
#5. Subway Surfers
Subway Surfers offers a unique kind of adventure where the goal is to reach the end of the line. The game features a young boy who dashes through subway tracks with a police officer and his dog hot on his heels. The humor lies in the chase!
As the player, you can swipe in all directions to dodge various obstacles, including moving trains, poles, tunnel walls, and barriers. The faster you swipe, the more points you earn.
Subway Surfers takes you on an exhilarating ride through subway tunnels, where you must avoid obstacles and gather coins. Its straightforward yet engaging gameplay and vibrant graphics make it a popular choice for a quick gaming fix.
#6. Teen Patti
Indians have a natural affinity for card games, and Teen Patti, a traditional Indian card game, has successfully transitioned to the digital world.
The game provides a casino-like ambiance and allows for multiplayer interactions, which have helped boost its popularity among card game lovers. Teen Patti offers a range of games, including Poker and Rummy, which have been well-received by players.
#7. Ludo King
Ludo King is a modern-day version of the timeless board game Ludo. Whether online or offline, this game provides a fun-filled experience and has attracted a broad spectrum of players across different age groups.
The game’s unique ability to evoke the charm of traditional board games while incorporating digital elements has made it a favorite among casual gamers and gaming enthusiasts. It’s a straightforward game that doesn’t require much skill. Ludo King can be enjoyed online and offline, allowing you to play with friends or compete with players worldwide.
#8. Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans delivers a tactical gaming experience where players construct and safeguard their villages, train armies, and participate in intense battles against other players. Clash of Clans is an online multiplayer game where players create communities known as clans, train troops, and attack other players to gather resources.
Resources such as Gold and Elixir can be used to construct and upgrade defenses and traps that shield the player’s village from other players’ attacks and build and upgrade buildings. Elixir and Dark Elixir are also utilized to upgrade troops and spells. Its social and cooperative aspects, coupled with its vibrant graphics, have contributed to its enduring popularity.
#9. Temple Run 2
Temple Run 2, just like Subway Surfers, presents an unending journey of thrill and excitement as players navigate through perilous temple trails. The game demands sharp reflexes and accuracy from its players. The game’s bot can be saved from demise using green gems, which can either be collected during the run or bought online.
Unlike its old version, Temple Run 2 is set in a new location and features a faster main character. The trio of monkeys that pursued the character in the original game are no longer present. The game’s simple yet pulse-pounding gameplay is a hit among players.
#10. Fruit Ninja
Fruit Ninja is a game that tests players’ fruit-slicing skills. Players use their fingertips to control a blade on their mobile screens, slicing through airborne fruits. As fruits are tossed onto the screen, players swipe their fingers to make a cutting motion, aiming to split the fruit in two.
Bonus points are given for slicing several fruits in one swipe, known as “combos,” and players can use more than one finger for multiple simultaneous slices. The game requires all fruits to be sliced; missing three fruits in total ends the game.
However, upon reaching scores that are multiples of a hundred, and if the player has lost at least one life, they are awarded an extra life. The game’s gratifying mechanics and competitive aspects have made it a go-to for casual gamers seeking a quick gaming session.
Conclusion
The mobile gaming industry in India is a shining example of how technology and entertainment can revolutionize a sector. The above-mentioned 10 mobile games in the country reflect the variety, thrill, and creativity that are the hallmarks of this dynamic field.
As the adoption of smartphones and gaming technologies continues to grow, the Indian gaming industry is set to embark on even more exhilarating quests, building bonds and promoting a spirit of unity among gamers nationwide.
