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Online debates regarding the best gaming platform are endless, but mobile gaming currently holds the throne in terms of popularity. The primary reason for this is its accessibility; gaming can be done on almost any smartphone, and there is even a dedicated category of gaming smartphones. It is not surprising that mobile gaming is so popular, as it has several iconic games that helped to advance the industry in its early days. However, with the current golden era of mobile gaming, it was challenging to compile a list of the best and most iconic mobile games of all time.
Here are some of them.
- Angry Birds
- Pokemon Go
- PUBG Mobile
- Call of Duty: Mobile
- Candy Crush Saga
- Clash of Clans
Angry Birds
Price: Free / Premium / Free to play
Platforms: iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play)
Achievements:
Angry Birds holds multiple accolades in the mobile gaming industry. It was the first game to achieve one billion downloads, accomplishing this feat in 2012. Furthermore, the franchise holds the distinction of being the first to reach five billion downloads, which it achieved in 2022. Despite not being as popular as it once was, Angry Birds still remains one of the most-played mobile games ever.
It is no surprise that Angry Birds is included on this list of iconic mobile games. During the early days of mobile gaming, it dominated the industry, overshadowing most of its competitors. Its success can be attributed to the game’s fun gameplay, which involved flinging birds into buildings and pigs to clear levels. Additionally, the game’s simple controls, family-friendly content, and affordable pricing made it a hit. During this time, its main competition was games like Doodle Jump and Fruit Ninja, which were great arcade games but not as notable as Angry Birds, which was one of the first great mobile puzzle games.
Candy Crush Saga
Price: Free to play
Achievements:
Candy Crush Saga is one of the most iconic mobile games of all time, boasting 245 million active players at its peak. It is a household name, loved and hated by many, and is one of the earliest and most successful examples of the free-to-play model that has become synonymous with mobile gaming. The game continues to be one of the highest-grossing and most-played mobile games of all time, generating over $1 billion in revenue.
Initially, Candy Crush Saga was a Facebook game, but it gained immense popularity as a mobile game. The match-three game may not have introduced any new concepts, but its success lies in its implementation of free-to-play mechanics. Although the game didn’t break any records, it has achieved ubiquity that sets it apart from other mobile games. Although its developer, King, has yet to replicate the success of Candy Crush Saga, few developers have ever achieved that level of success. Hence, Candy Crush Saga remains one of the most iconic mobile games ever.
Pokemon Go
Price: Free to play
Accolades:
Pokemon Go, released in 2016, was an instant success, with over 100 million downloads in its first month. It held the record for the most popular mobile game launch until Mario Kart Tour and Call of Duty: Mobile surpassed it years later. The game’s unique gameplay, which required players to go outdoors and hunt for virtual creatures, had a significant cultural impact. In fact, it caused portable battery sales to double because players were out and about so much.
However, the game also had its downsides. Critics raised concerns about privacy since the game tracked players’ real-time location, and many people committed misdemeanors by trespassing on private property to catch Pokemon. As a result, developers had to add safety features like not allowing players to play while driving. Nonetheless, Pokemon Go remains one of the most popular augmented reality games across all platforms.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic made the game more playable from home, allowing people to safely social distance while still enjoying the game. Although its popularity waned somewhat in the years since its release, Pokemon Go continues to be a beloved mobile game.
PUBG Mobile
Price: Free to play
Platforms: iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play)
PUBG Mobile is a mobile game that has achieved great success since its launch in 2017, competing with and surpassing Fortnite in popularity. It is currently the second highest-grossing mobile game and the third most played mobile game ever. The game’s success has also contributed to the popularity of its parent game, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), making it the world’s most popular game across all platforms.
PUBG Mobile’s popularity is evident in its impressive stats, with over a billion downloads and likely to be the fourth game to hit $10 billion in sales. Despite a temporary ban in India, one of its most popular markets, the game continues to attract a loyal following worldwide, with its addictive gameplay being a major draw.
One of the key factors behind the game’s success is its gameplay mechanics. Players parachute onto a battleground with 99 others and fight to be the last one standing. Unlike many other mobile games, PUBG Mobile’s in-app purchases are mainly cosmetic, which means players cannot buy their way to victory. This has helped make the game more competitive and rewarding for players. While the game is popular globally, its biggest player base is in Asia, with countries like South Korea, China, India, and Japan contributing significantly to its success.
Clash of Clans
Price: Free to play
Clash of Clans is a classic example of a game that stood the test of time, maintaining its popularity and high ranking on Google Play and the App Store for years. It revolutionized the kingdom-building genre with its simple yet addictive gameplay of base building, troop training, and attacking other players. To this day, it remains one of the most imitated strategy games.
One reason for Clash of Clans’ success is its aggressive marketing strategy, including TV commercials and a highly successful Super Bowl ad featuring Liam Neeson. Its popularity helped boost the mobile gaming industry until the release of Pokemon Go. The game’s barbarian character is an icon in the mobile gaming world and its recognition is a testament to Clash of Clans’ status as one of the most iconic mobile games. With revenue exceeding $10 billion, it is among the top three highest-grossing games of all time.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Price: Free to play