The global mobile gaming industry was valued at USD 121 billion in 2025. Forecasts indicate steady growth at an annual compound rate of nine to one hundred through 2030. North America is a key contributor to this market, and California is one of the largest state markets because of its population size, technology sector, and high smartphone penetration.
California follows the broader global trend of increased mobile gaming adoption. Players in the state prefer mobile platforms because of accessibility and convenience. The state’s diverse demographics and technology-driven culture influence the types of genres that perform well, including casual, strategy, adventure, and simulation, action and multiplayer, and role-playing games.
This report reviews six major mobile gaming genres trending in California in 2025
Casual Games
Casual games are simple, easy to learn, and designed for short bursts of play, making them accessible to players of all ages. Popular examples in California include Candy Crush Saga, Royal Match, and Subway Surfers, which continue to dominate download charts. Recently, Wild Fury slot machine has also gained traction as a casual, chance-driven title with spin mechanics and colorful reward cycles.
The global casual gaming market accounts for nearly 40% of all mobile downloads in 2025. Within the broader mobile gaming sector (valued at USD 121 billion this year), it is also expected to grow steadily at a 9% CAGR. This rapid expansion explains why Californians, in particular, embrace casual games: their on-the-go behavior and preference for short bursts of entertainment make these titles a perfect fit.
Strategy & Competitive Games
Strategy and competitive games focus on tactical play, resource management, and real-time battles. Key titles include Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, and Last War: Survival, which remain highly ranked across app stores. These games are designed to reward planning, timing, and repeated play, giving users both short daily sessions and long-term progression through season passes and in-game clans.
According to Grand View Research, the North American gaming market generated approximately USD 68.5 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a 7.5% CAGR through 2030. These figures show strong demand for competitive gaming. In California, the genre’s popularity is linked to the state’s active esports communities and interest in multiplayer formats.
Adventure & Simulation Games
Adventure and simulation games provide immersive experiences through exploration, creative play, and world-building. Two popular examples of such games are Roblox and Genshin Impact. Roblox allows users to design and share their own games, while Genshin Impact brings console-quality open-world exploration to mobile platforms.
In 2024, simulation games made up about 20% of mobile downloads, tied with puzzle games as the top genres globally. Players of simulation games report an average daily play of about 19.5 minutes. In California, younger demographics strongly support these titles due to interest in creativity, storytelling, and community interaction.
Action & Multiplayer Games
Action and multiplayer games deliver high-speed combat, survival gameplay, and cooperative features. Leading titles include Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile, all of which have consistently ranked within top categories for both downloads and revenue. These games emphasize competitive shooting mechanics, seasonal events, and real-time multiplayer interaction.
Battle royale and shooter titles continue to appear in the top 10 grossing charts in the United States this year. California contributes significantly to this demand due to, as stated, its younger player base and interest in competitive gaming. Multiplayer features, team-based formats, and community-driven events make this genre particularly attractive within the state’s diverse mobile gaming market.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
Role-playing games (RPGs) combine long-term character development, storytelling, and progression systems. These include Raid: Shadow Legends and Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which extend traditional RPG mechanics to smartphones. These titles rely on quests, gacha mechanics (a system where players spend in-game currency for a chance to obtain rare characters or items), and frequent updates.
In fact, RPGs consistently rank among the highest-grossing mobile genres in 2025. They generate billions annually through in-app purchases and live-service events. In California, adoption is further supported by a strong base of younger players who prefer long-term progression. These users also respond well to community features, which drive daily engagement and retention.
Educational & Brain Training Games
Educational and brain training games combine entertainment with cognitive development. Popular examples include Lumosity, Elevate, and Duolingo. These apps are widely available on mobile platforms and appeal to users who want to learn or practice skills during short sessions. Their design prioritizes accessibility while encouraging consistent daily use through rewards and progress tracking.
Although smaller in market share than entertainment-driven genres, educational and brain training games show steady growth in North America. In California, adoption is strengthened by the state’s strong education sector and technology-driven culture, where students and professionals alike use mobile games for both skill development and casual play.
California Mobile Gaming Outlook
Looking ahead, mobile gaming will continue to shape entertainment habits in California, supported by rising adoption across age groups and sustained demand for both short and extended play sessions. The state is positioned to influence product development, monetization strategies, and the balance between entertainment and educational applications within the broader mobile gaming market.
