Singapore’s mobile gaming scene is nothing short of electric. Nestled within the vibrant tech landscape of Southeast Asia, the Lion City has become a hotspot for mobile gaming, fuelled by high smartphone penetration, reliable internet infrastructure, and a population keen to stay connected and entertained. From blockbuster RPGs to deceptively addictive casual games, the top-grossing titles in Singapore are a window into both global gaming trends and uniquely local player preferences.
Who Are the Reigning Champions?
As of mid-2025, Singapore’s top-grossing mobile games represent a mix of international mega-hits and regionally beloved franchises. According to current charts from the App Store and Google Play, the following titles consistently dominate the revenue rankings:
- Honor of Kings (by Tencent Games)
- PUBG Mobile (by Tencent/LightSpeed & Quantum Studio)
- Genshin Impact (by miHoYo/HoYoverse)
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (by Moonton)
- Clash of Clans (by Supercell)
- Royal Match (by Dream Games)
- Fate/Grand Order (by Lasengle/Aniplex)
- Roblox (by Roblox Corporation)
- Candy Crush Saga (by King)
- Pokémon GO (by Niantic)
On Google Play specifically, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Genshin Impact, and Honor of Kings maintain particularly strong positions. While most of these games are international in origin, they have found deep resonance with Singaporean audiences due to robust localisation and regular content updates.
Though no Singaporean-developed game currently dominates the top-grossing ranks globally, local studios such as The Gentlebros (creators of Cat Quest) and XII Braves (known for Valiant Force) have produced titles with strong monetisation and critical acclaim. Their works showcase the potential of homegrown talent in a highly competitive market.
What Genres Are Dominating the Revenue Charts?
When it comes to genres, the Singaporean market shows a clear preference for:
- Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs): Titles like Mobile Legends and Honor of Kings are immensely popular, tapping into players’ desire for strategic competition and team-based play.
- Gacha RPGs: Games such as Genshin Impact and Fate/Grand Order utilise gacha mechanics that appeal to collectors and narrative-driven players.
- Battle Royale Shooters: PUBG Mobile continues to thrive thanks to its high-octane gameplay and evolving game modes.
- Match-3 and Puzzle Games: Casual titles like Royal Match and Candy Crush Saga maintain their grip on a broad demographic, including older and more casual gamers.
These genres not only offer gameplay depth and social connectivity but also provide extensive room for monetisation. Whether it’s the thrill of climbing ranked ladders or the joy of completing a cute puzzle board, there’s something for every type of gamer.
How Do These Games Make Their Money?
The monetisation strategies of the top-grossing games in Singapore are multi-layered, combining psychological triggers with well-timed offers. Here are the most prominent models in use:
- In-App Purchases (IAPs): Almost every top game includes options for players to buy in-game currency, power-ups, or characters. For example, Genshin Impact sells “Primogems” which players use to unlock new characters and weapons.
- Gacha Mechanics: Especially common in RPGs, gacha systems let players “pull” for rare items or characters. These mechanics, influenced by Japanese capsule toy vending machines, play on probability and are often at the heart of monetisation strategies in games like Fate/Grand Order.
- Battle Passes: Games such as PUBG Mobile and Clash of Clans employ season-based battle passes that offer exclusive rewards and progression incentives for a one-time or recurring fee.
- Cosmetic Sales: Skins, avatars, emotes, and other non-functional items are popular in games like Mobile Legends, allowing players to express individuality while contributing to revenue.
- Limited-Time Events: Time-sensitive sales and events create urgency, often increasing spending during specific promotional periods.
Interestingly, in-game advertising plays a relatively small role in top-grossing games in Singapore. Instead, the emphasis is placed squarely on content-rich IAPs that enhance or personalise the gameplay experience.
What Drives Player Spending in Singapore?
Singaporean gamers are among the highest-spending mobile players in Southeast Asia. Several cultural and demographic factors contribute to this trend:
- Disposable Income: As a high-income economy, Singapore boasts a population with greater purchasing power compared to regional neighbours.
- Convenience Culture: With fast-paced urban lifestyles, mobile games provide an accessible form of entertainment that fits into commuting and short breaks.
- Social Connectivity: Many top games encourage or require group participation. Guilds, clans, and ranked matchmaking incentivise spending to keep up with peers or outshine rivals.
- Status and Collection: In gacha-based games, having rare characters or exclusive skins is a status symbol. Players are willing to pay to complete collections or secure a competitive edge.
- Cultural Relevance: Games that include localised events or culturally resonant content tend to perform better, as seen in collaborations with anime, K-pop, and regional festivals.
What’s the Bigger Picture of Singapore’s Mobile Gaming Market?
Singapore’s mobile gaming industry is booming. In 2024, the market was valued at over US$330 million, with projections suggesting continued growth driven by 5G adoption, AI integration, and an expanding esports ecosystem.
According to Statista, Singapore’s average revenue per user (ARPU) for mobile games is among the highest globally, hovering around US$145 per year. This figure underscores not just high engagement, but also a strong culture of spending within games.
Several factors have contributed to this:
- High smartphone penetration (over 90%)
- Excellent mobile internet infrastructure
- Widespread adoption of digital wallets and seamless payment methods
- Strong esports presence, particularly in games like Mobile Legends, which has a significant following in the Singaporean professional gaming scene.
Moreover, government initiatives and private sector investments have further cultivated a supportive environment for gaming innovation. Initiatives like Pixel Studios by IMDA (Info-communications Media Development Authority) offer funding and development support to aspiring local studios.
Conclusion
Singapore’s mobile gaming ecosystem is thriving, fuelled by a mix of global mega-hits and promising local talent. From the high-octane battles of PUBG Mobile to the imaginative worlds of Genshin Impact, these games are more than just entertainment—they’re economic powerhouses powered by savvy monetisation, passionate communities, and a culture ready to invest in digital experiences.
As mobile gaming continues to evolve, Singapore is poised not only to consume the best games the world has to offer but also to produce its own chart-topping titles in the near future.