289. Mobile Gaming in 2025: 10 Trends That Matter

Deconstructor of Fun

State of Gaming report: https://tinyurl.com/5eyye63d

In this episode, Mishka Katkoff sits down with Sensor Tower gaming insights analyst Sam Aune to dissect the state of mobile gaming in 2025. They unpack download trends, the evolving UA playbook, the hybrid casual boom, and shifting genre engagement. The conversation dives into emerging markets, how ads really impact player behavior, and what Gen Z expects from modern mobile games. Backed by fresh Sensor Tower data, Aune breaks down where the biggest opportunities—and pitfalls—lie for today’s game makers.

02:10 Current Trends in Mobile Gaming Downloads

05:12 User Acquisition and Monetization Strategies

07:45 Engagement Trends in Game Genres

11:31 The Rise of Hybrid Casual Games

16:49 Emerging Markets and Growth Opportunities

23:39 Revenue Trends Across Game Genres

27:36 Balancing Niche and Audience Size

30:59 The Decline of New Game Releases

31:56 Understanding Gen Z Players

35:38 Gender Targeting in Game Development

41:55 The Role of IP in Game Success

45:04 Market Concentration and Expansion Strategies