For sportsbook operators and gamers alike, mobile esports games are a treasure trove of opportunities. With thousands of bookmakers jumping on the bandwagon, it's no surprise that the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. The rapid evolution of smartphones has enabled high-definition gaming, making mobile gaming one of the most profitable enterprises on the planet.
A Rise in Popularity
Mobile esports games are gaining traction at an incredible rate. In 2020, mobile gaming competitions surpassed traditional PC esports, with prize pools comparable to those of their PC-based counterparts. The popularity of mobile esports is particularly evident in China and Thailand, where gamers are flocking to play games like League of Legends: Wild Rift on mobile.
Top Mobile Esports Games
Here are the top mobile esport games that have taken the industry by storm:
1. PUBG Mobile
PUBG may be played on various platforms, including PlayStation, PC, and cloud gaming services. However, Bluehole Studios has chosen to focus on PUBG mobile for esports. In 2020, the game surpassed Garena Free Fire in terms of viewer hours, with a whopping 134.5 million hours of viewer time.
2. Garena Free Fire
Garena's Free Fire Continental Series Asia saw a massive surge in viewership in 2020, reaching a peak of 2.5 million viewers. This mobile shooter game has become one of the most popular free esports games available.
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a hit in Asia, with tournaments broadcast live on Nimo TV and TikTok. The game has gained traction in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, and Russia, setting new attendance records.
4. Arena of Valor / King of Glory
AoV and its sibling game, King of Glory, are two of the world's most popular mobile esports games. While KoG is exclusively available in China, AoV attracts some of the largest mobile esports audiences worldwide.
5. Clash Royale
Clash Royale has remained at number five, with a modest increase in viewer hours. However, its League World Finals 2020 drew only 112K viewers, lower than its previous years.
6. Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars set new records in 2020, attracting 280 thousand peak viewers for the Brawl Stars World Finals 2020. The game's popularity is evident in English and Turkish stream languages.
7. Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering is an outlier in the realm of esports, but its Hearthstone betting genre has gained popularity among bettors. In December 2020, the Zendicar Rising Championship was held, showcasing the game's potential for growth.
By embracing mobile game development and harnessing the power of these top mobile esport games, sportsbook operators can unlock new revenue streams and tap into a growing market. With the industry poised for further growth, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the latest trends in mobile gaming.