One of the key events where experts discuss these issues will be the RuStore Mobile GameDev Conf (end of November). The platform brings together developers, publishers, and technology partners to analyze current trends and develop practical solutions for business growth.
According to Ilya Ulyanov, Business Development Director at RuStore, the following will take sustainable positions in 2025:
- hyper-casual games — due to low entry barriers, short sessions, and effective monetization through advertising;
- cooperative projects — thanks to the joint walkthrough mechanics, which enhance audience retention;
- turn-based strategies — due to deep gameplay and long life cycle;
- narrative visual novels — against the backdrop of growing demand for narrative formats.
Mobile MMOs and MMORPGs demonstrate a special perspective. Their commercial effectiveness is based on regular in-game purchases (cosmetic items, accelerators), social mechanics (guilds, raids), constant content updates, and integration of metaverse elements that expand interaction possibilities.
The trend for hybrid formats is also gaining momentum: developers combine, for example, casual mechanics with story inserts, which allows them to attract a diverse audience and increase the average revenue per user (ARPU).
To scale a business, it is crucial to develop regions with high growth potential:
- Asia (Central and Southeast) — a traditional leader in mobile game penetration;
- Middle East — a market with increasing investments in digital infrastructure;
- Africa — audience growth of 8.2% in 2024;
- Latin America — growth of 5.6% over the same period.
Key success factors in new territories include content localization (language, cultural characteristics), adaptation of payment systems (local payment methods, microtransactions), and consideration of user habits (session duration, genre preferences).
The development of 5G and high-performance mobile devices removes restrictions on launching projects with high-quality graphics, complex mechanics (physics, AI), and multiplayer modes.
This expands the audience of "heavy" games and stimulates the growth of in-game purchases. In addition, cloud technologies and cross-platform compatibility open access to new distribution models, reducing entry barriers for independent developers.
Understanding the digital habits of players and adapting to new markets is the key to success in mobile game development. We annually hold meetings with key market players as part of the RuStore Mobile GameDev Conf, where we discuss international trends and share best practices, which helps the industry respond to market changes in a timely manner