MMORPG Gaming Market Trends

Statistics for the 2023 & 2024 MMORPG Gaming market trends, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. MMORPG Gaming trend report includes a market forecast to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry trends analysis as a free report PDF download.

Market Trends of MMORPG Gaming Industry

Rising Smartphone Penetration and Increasing Penetration of Internet among Developing Economies may Drive the Market Growth

  • With the increasing penetration of smartphones, more people have access to mobile devices capable of running MMORPG games. Smartphones have become ubiquitous, reaching a broader demographic of players, including those who may not have access to gaming consoles or PCs. Smartphones' ease of access and portability enable players to engage with MMORPGs anytime and anywhere, contributing to market growth.
  • MMORPG gaming has exploded in the past couple of years, especially on mobile platforms like smartphones and tablets. This growing demand for mobile-based gaming is a direct result of the multiple technological advancements in the market, such as AR, VR, cloud gaming, and 5G. This trend considers that the mobile gaming platform industry primarily relies on new technology. Another trend in the market includes the rise of the hyper-casual game genre.
  • The release of 5G and unlimited data plans is also expected to be key factors toward the success of cloud gaming globally, as most gamers currently prefer games on mobile devices. The increasing services and investment in 5G infrastructure are also vital to this success. According to Ericsson, globally, 5 billion 5G subscriptions are anticipated by the end of 2028, representing 55% of all mobile subscriptions, and 5G subscription uptake is likely to be more rapid than that of 4G following its launch, with 5G estimated to achieve 1 billion subscriptions two years sooner than 4G.
  • MMORPG games are being provided on the Android platform, which is expected to gain significant traction in the mobile-based gaming platform in the forecasted period. People prefer more paid application MMORPG games on the Andriod platform. For instance, old-school RuneScape for mobile devices has gained a lot of traction and is one of the significant MMORPGs on Mobile, where charges range from USD 10.99 per month to USD 99.99 per year.
  • All the MMORPG game-developing companies are releasing their products for mobile phones due to their market potential. For example, Ashfall, a shooter MMORPG from NetEase, has been released. Ashfall, formerly known as Project 56, would be launched on PCs and mobile devices in 2023.
  • While multiple gaming options are available for smartphones, the screen size might be too limiting to get an immersive gaming experience. A gaming tablet has been an excellent product for consumers who want to enjoy games on the go but want the option of a larger screen. Multiple gaming phones are available and more portable than a tablet. However, the bigger screen, much more battery life, and excellent processing power of the tablets have been the most important factors for their growth in the market.
MMORPG Gaming Market: 5G Mobile Subscriptions, Size in Billion, Global, 2019-2028

Asia Pacific is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Rates

  • The Asia-Pacific region has a robust gaming culture with a long history of enthusiasm for video games. Gaming is deeply embedded in the culture, and players are strongly associated with online multiplayer experiences. This cultural foundation has created a receptive audience for MMORPGs, driving their popularity and growth in the region.
  • The Asia-Pacific region has a significant population, including countries like China and India, with billions of people. This large population provides a substantial MMORPG player base, creating massive market potential. The sheer number of potential players fuels the growth of the MMORPG gaming market in the region.
  • Also, the Asia-Pacific region has been at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in internet infrastructure and mobile technology. High-speed internet connectivity and the proliferation of smartphones have made it easier for players to access and engage with MMORPGs. The availability of advanced technology supports the growth of the MMORPG market in the region.
  • Mobile gaming has seen explosive growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The convenience and portability of smartphones, coupled with the availability of affordable data plans, have made mobile gaming accessible to a wide range of players. As MMORPG developers adapt their games for mobile platforms, the popularity of mobile MMORPGs contributes to the overall growth of the market in the region.
  • According to the Publishers Association of China's Game Committee and the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, the number of mobile gamers in China increased between 2014 and 2019 before reaching a peak of about 656 million in 2021, slightly declining in 2022. However, mobile gamers in 2022 were recorded at around 654.86 million. Such a significant size would considerably benefit various MMORPG vendors across the region.
MMORPG Gaming Market - Growth Rate by Region

MMORPG Games Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)