Sensor Tower reports that three sim games cracked the top ten in download growth, with four hitting the global top ten, solidifying them as September's hottest genre in Mobile Game Marketing. Despite intense competition in the global mobile gaming market, where new games rarely disrupt established hits, sim games are bucking the trend and gaining ground. What’s the current state of the global sim game market, and which new games are making a splash?
01/ Overview of the Simulation Mobile Game Market
The global simulation mobile gaming market is maturing, focusing more on quality than quantity. According to Sensor Tower data, global downloads of simulation mobile games in 2023 (January-July) fell by 17% , but IAP revenue defied the trend, increasing by 2%, which has signaled growing player commitment and a higher willingness to pay for engaging content.
The US tops simulation mobile game IAP revenue, with 43% of the global share in 2023, followed by Europe at 23%, and Japan and Korea at 12%. Europe and Latin America each have a 21% share of downloads, while India and Southeast Asia account for 18% and 16% respectively.
Within the sub-genres, the mainstream categories currently are simulation management, sandbox, time management, simulators, and adventure. Among them, simulation management games generate the highest IAP revenue, accounting for about 50% of the total income from simulation games, with representative titles being Playrix's "Township" and Moon Active's "Family Island".
02/ Top Popular Simulation Mobile Games Roundup
In the top four sim mobile games by global downloads in September, there were two new releases and two older titles. "Roblox" and "Pizza Ready!" were released in 2011 and 2023, respectively, while "My Supermarket Simulator 3D" and "Satisroom: Perfectly Organize" are new products launched this year.
In "My Supermarket Simulator 3D", players manage a small supermarket, growing it into a larger chain through tasks like stocking and pricing. The game offers a first-person shopping experience, allowing for tactical shelf layout and staff management.
Since its global launch in July 2024, the mobile game has amassed over 18 million downloads. Key markets for downloads include the US, Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia. According to DianDian Data, the game currently ranks 6th on the US iOS Free Total Chart and 3rd on the Simulation Free Chart.
"Pizza Ready!" by Supercent is a pizza restaurant sim where players manage every aspect of the business, from cooking and serving to cleaning and staffing, offering a full immersion in the day-to-day operations of a pizza joint. Though it's a hyper-casual game, "Pizza Ready!" introduces deeper collection and progression elements, allowing players to develop the restaurant based on personal preferences and strategies. There's no set storyline; instead, players face strategic challenges, balancing material costs, menu pricing, and staff management to maximize profits.
"Pizza Ready!" from Supercent has kept its downloads high since its launch over a year ago. It currently ranks 19th on the US iOS Free Total Chart and 6th on the Simulation Free Chart. Globally, it has surpassed 100 million downloads.
"Satisroom: Perfectly Organize" is a puzzle simulation mobile game published by FALCON GAME STUDIO, themed around tidying up chaotic spaces. Players can relieve stress through mini-games such as makeup, cleaning, arranging, and cooking. The game has been well-received for its clean 2D art style, ASMR sound effects, and relaxing gameplay experience.
"Satisroom: Perfectly Organize" has climbed to the top of global downloads in just three months, now ranking 9th in September's mobile game downloads. It has amassed over 180 million downloads, with major markets in Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and India.
Sensor Tower reports that simulation games ranked third in global downloads and fifth in revenue in 2023. Compared to mid-to-heavy strategy mobile games, simulation mobile games have a lower barrier to entry and face less fierce competition, making them a blue ocean category ripe for development and providing strong mobile marketing examples. "Fishing Master," with its motion-sensing gameplay, is a breakout success, topping download charts globally and going viral on social media. As users increasingly value diverse gameplay and immersive experiences, simulation games are expected to continue thriving.
