Recent Trends of Japanese Mobile Gaming Market 2023

Gacha screens of Grand Summoners　(Source:https://applimaniacs.com/gacha-game)

Dominance of Mobile Games

• Mobile gaming has become the primary gaming platform in Japan.

• The widespread use of smartphones and tablets, along with the convenience and accessibility of mobile games, has led to a significant shift from traditional gaming platforms such as consoles and handheld devices.

Social, Casual and RPG Gaming

• Social and casual games have gained immense popularity in Japan. Games that emphasize social interactions, virtual communities, and cooperative play have attracted a large user base.

• These games often incorporate features like gacha (randomized in-game item acquisition) and collaborative events to engage and retain players.

• Among the genre, RPGs have a long-standing presence in the gaming culture of Japan, and they have successfully transitioned to the mobile platform.

IP-Based and Collaborative Games

• Collaborations with popular anime, manga, and other intellectual properties (IPs) have become a prevalent trend. Japanese mobile game developers often partner with well-known franchises to attract a larger audience and leverage existing fan bases.

• These collaborations create synergistic opportunities by combining the appeal of established IPs with the interactive nature of mobile gaming.

Example of IP Collaboration of Knives Out (Net Ease Games), Source: https://mangaip.kodansha.co.jp/case/detail/41265/

Live Streaming and Community Engagement

• Live streaming platforms, such as Twitch and Niconico, have fostered a vibrant community around mobile gaming.

• Players can share their gameplay experiences, interact with viewers, and build communities of dedicated fans.

• This level of engagement and interactivity has further contributed to the popularity and success of mobile games.