LogInThe Q1 2025 Edition of The Xsolla Report: State of Play shows that while mobile game monetization is evolving, PC and console players maintain higher spending habits.
Digital wallets are expected to become more widely adopted, growing from 50% of ecommerce transaction value to 61% between 2023 and 2027, reflecting a 14.9% CAGR. Additionally, global marketplace platforms are seeing increased demand for disbursements to digital wallets, particularly in emerging markets where mobile banking is more popular than traditional banking.
According to AppsFlyer data for Tier-1 Western markets, hybrid mobile monetization (IAP and IAA) achieves the highest D90 average revenue per user (ARPU), with mid-core projects achieving $9.69 on iOS and $1.54 on Android.
Meanwhile, in-app purchases (IAP) models perform best in casual games, with a D90 ARPU of $3.15 on iOS and $2.15 on Android. In-app advertisement (IAA) monetization shows the weakest results at $1.26 (iOS) and $0.81 (Android).
It’s worth noting that new distribution models are reshaping how players access content within the mobile gaming industry. Subscription services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Apple Arcade are offering mobile games as part of their broader entertainment ecosystems, reducing the need for ads or microtransactions. This shift suggests that premium-quality mobile gaming experiences are gaining traction, potentially reducing player reliance on traditional free-to-play monetization.
Unlike the mobile sector, PC and console players are historically more willing to invest in full-price games, expansions, and in-game content. In fact, 29% of console players and 26% of PC players fall into the "medium spender" category, compared to just 20% of mobile players. Their higher average spending habits and their deeper engagement suggest a stabilizing market that could fuel long-term sustainability for developers and publishers.
Additionally, PC and console players not only spend more, but also dedicate more time per session than mobile users, though they engage fewer days per week. On average, they play 2.1 hours per day, 30 more minutes per day than mobile gamers.
To learn more data about monetization strategies and other key industry trends, read the Quarterly Xsolla Report Q1 2025:
- Industry Updates
- The gaming industry state of play: 2025 and beyond
- Representation in the games industry
- Tools, solutions, & essentials for game developers
- A guide to new monetization strategies in the mobile gaming landscape