Europe Gaming Trend: 61% of the Population Now Plays Mobile Games

In 2025, European mobile game developers and publishers captured a staggering €7.53 billion ($8.7 billion USD) in global revenue. These landmark figures come from “Mobile Matters: The Impact of Mobile Games for Europe,” a comprehensive new study commissioned by Candy Crush creator King and developed with consulting firm Nordicity. The report provides the first deep dive into the full economic footprint of Europe's booming mobile gaming sector, showing a thriving industry that dominates the entertainment landscape.

The success of these mobile studios ripples far beyond the games we download, bringing serious financial weight to the broader economy. In 2025, the mobile gaming industry contributed an estimated €5.9B ($6.9B) in gross value added to the European economy. Rather than being controlled by just a few massive corporations, this wealth is driven by a vibrant, widespread ecosystem. 

The report, which covers 32 European jurisdictions, found that over 1,000 dedicated mobile games companies operate across the continent. Together, they serve as a major engine for high-skilled employment, supporting an impressive 63,340 full-time equivalent jobs.

Finland and the UK Lead Established Creative Hubs

When you look closely at where this money is being made, a handful of established creative hubs stand out. Finland led the charge by a massive margin, pulling in €1.4B ($1.6B) in 2025. The United Kingdom secured the second-place spot with €895M ($1.03B), followed very closely by Ireland at €868M ($1B), with Spain and Sweden also generating significant income. 

These regional successes reflect a massive worldwide shift in how we play. Mobile devices have officially become the planet's preferred gaming platform, accounting for more than half of all global games revenue in 2025. In total, mobile games pulled in €91.25B ($105.2B) out of the €167.26B ($192.8B) generated across all platforms worldwide, as per Gamesindustry.biz. 

The research also gives us a distinctly human look at who is actually playing these games, completely shattering the old stereotype that gaming is just a pastime for kids. Mobile gaming has achieved massive mainstream appeal in Europe, with 61% of the population playing games on their smartphones or tablets. That is over 320M players, and an overwhelming 97% of them choose to play accessible, free-to-play titles. The average age of a player is 31, and adults account for 75% of Europe's mobile player base.

Looking ahead, the upward trajectory of European mobile studios shows no signs of slowing down. Analysts forecast that global revenue for these companies will comfortably exceed €8B ($9.2B) by 2028. The sector's direct contribution to Europe’s economy is projected to follow suit, with gross value added expected to increase by 4.8% to hit €6.17B ($7.13B) over the next three years. This growth is set to be fueled by deeper smartphone adoption and constant technical innovation.

However, industry leaders are warning that this incredible momentum will require deliberate and ongoing support from policymakers. Todd Green, president of King, emphasized that Europe’s strength and rich heritage in mobile games should not be taken for granted in a fiercely competitive international market. 

Green noted that if Europe wants to maintain its position as a hub for creative and digital businesses, it needs to support the industry’s ability to invest, innovate, and grow. By reflecting on how the industry works today, the report aims to give policymakers a clear understanding of the value the sector already creates and exactly what conditions are needed to ensure the mobile gaming ecosystem can continue reaching global audiences from Europe.