The gaming industry is evolving at a rapid pace, but one thing remains clear: mobile gaming is dominating the ecosystem. With billions of players worldwide and mobile gaming revenues projected to exceed $116 billion in 2025, brands that fail to tap into this space risk falling behind. Mobile gaming isn’t just entertainment anymore: its where young audiences engage, interact, and make purchasing decisions.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming as the Primary Entertainment Platform
Mobile gaming has outpaced PC and console gaming in both audience size and revenue. In 2024, more than half of total gaming revenues will come from mobile, reinforcing its dominance as the preferred platform for players of all ages, especially Gen Alpha and Gen Z.
Key Stats:
- 3 billion active mobile gamers worldwide
- 90% of kids aged 6-12 play mobile games weekly, compared to just 57% engaging with social media (See: Kidoz Infographic)
- Mobile gaming ad spend is expected to reach $130 billion by 2025
Why Mobile Gaming is the Future of Brand Engagement
Unlike traditional advertising, mobile gaming captures real attention. Young audiences aren’t just scrolling past ads: they’re actively engaging with in-game experiences, making it one of the most effective platforms for brands looking to connect with the next generation.
- Higher Engagement Than Traditional Digital Ads – Playable ads and rewarded video ads see up to 10x higher retention rates compared to standard display or video ads (See: Kidoz Infographic).
- Brand Safe, Privacy-First Environment – With COPPA 2.0 regulations tightening, mobile gaming offers brands a safe, compliant way to reach young consumers (See: Kidoz Infographic).
- Interactive & Seamless Integration – Instead of interruptive traditional pop-ups, mobile gaming allows for rewarded ads, in-game brand integrations, and sponsored challenges that feel native to the experience.
- Contextual Advertising Drives Stronger Engagement – Unlike broad-targeted ads, contextual placements ensure that brands reach audiences in relevant, immersive settings, increasing brand recall and user interaction and satisfaction.
How Brands Can Tap Into the Mobile Gaming Ecosystem
Brands looking to win in this space need to go beyond traditional ad placements and embrace immersive, interactive experiences. Here’s how:
- Leverage Playable Ads & Rewarded Video
Engage users by allowing them to experience a mini-version of your brand before making a purchase or taking action (See: Kidoz Infographic).
- Prioritize Contextual & Kid-Safe Ad Placements
Ensure relevance, engagement, and compliance by working with trusted partners like Kidoz, which specializes in kid-safe, COPPA-compliant advertising.
The Bottom Line: Mobile Gaming is No Longer an Option – It’s a Must
With Gen Alpha and Gen Z spending more time gaming than on any other digital activity, mobile gaming is now the most effective way to reach young audiences. Brands that embrace interactive, engaging, and kid-safe advertising within mobile games will build stronger connections, drive higher engagement, and stay ahead of competitors.
The future of digital advertising belongs to brands that embrace immersive, engaging experiences. Mobile gaming offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with young audiences in meaningful, impactful ways.
This article is co-authored by IAB Canada member Kidoz. Whether you’re looking to drive awareness, boost engagement, or ensure brand safety, Kidoz is here to help you navigate the mobile gaming landscape and achieve your goals.