The Japanese mobile gaming market thrives on both established franchises and innovative new titles. Long-standing games like Monster Strike and Fate/Grand Order dominate through loyal communities and proven revenue models. Meanwhile, newcomers such as Honkai: Star Rail show that fresh ideas can capture significant market share.
The list underscores diverse player preferences and a strong spending culture, ensuring a dynamic gaming environment that continues to evolve.
Here are the top 10 mobile games, along with their monthly active players and revenue insights:
Rank | Game Title | Monthly Active Players | Estimated Monthly Revenue (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Monster Strike | 10M+ | $290M |
2 | Uma Musume: Pretty Derby | 5M+ | $160M |
3 | Fate/Grand Order | 5M+ | $100M |
4 | Professional Baseball Spirits | 1M+ | $90M |
5 | Dragon Quest Walk | 1M+ | $50M |
6 | Puzzle & Dragons | 4M+ | $40M |
7 | eFootball 2023 | 1M+ | $30M |
8 | Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle | 1M+ | $25M |
9 | Genshin Impact | 3M+ | $20M |
10 | Honkai: Star Rail | 2M+ | $15M |
Overview of the Japan’s Top 10 Games
1. Monster Strike
- Developer: Mixi, Inc.
- Release Date: 2013
- Gameplay: Players use slingshot mechanics to launch monsters in turn-based battles. Special abilities activate based on positioning, adding strategy.
- Gacha System: Monsters are obtained through a gacha system using in-game currency.
- Unique Features: Includes “Mon Spots,” which reward players for visiting real-world locations.
- Player Engagement: Supports multiplayer with up to four players.
- Monthly Active Players: 10M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $290M
2. Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
- Developer: Cygames
- Release Date: 2021
- Gameplay: Players train horse-girls to race, combining training, story progression, and racing mechanics.
- Gacha System: Characters and costumes are acquired through a gacha system.
- Unique Features: Strong storytelling and high-quality graphics.
- Monthly Active Players: 5M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $160M
3. Fate/Grand Order
- Developer: Delightworks
- Release Date: 2015
- Gameplay: A turn-based RPG where players summon Servants to battle enemies.
- Gacha System: Players summon new Servants and items through gacha pulls.
- Unique Features: Features extensive storytelling and seasonal events.
- Monthly Active Players: 5M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $100M
4. Professional Baseball Spirits
- Developer: Konami
- Release Date: 2004 (Mobile version released later)
- Gameplay: Realistic baseball simulation with team management options.
- Gacha System: Players acquire team members through a card-based gacha system.
- Unique Features: Detailed graphics and immersive gameplay.
- Monthly Active Players: 1M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $90M
5. Dragon Quest Walk
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 2019
- Gameplay: Combines augmented reality and RPG mechanics, encouraging players to explore real-world locations.
- Gacha System: Weapons and items are obtained through gacha pulls.
- Unique Features: Blends traditional RPG gameplay with exploration mechanics.
- Monthly Active Players: 1M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $50M
6. Puzzle & Dragons
- Developer: GungHo Online Entertainment
- Release Date: 2012
- Gameplay: Players solve match-three puzzles to attack enemies, integrating RPG mechanics.
- Gacha System: Features gacha mechanics for obtaining new monsters.
- Unique Features: Offers deep gameplay with frequent updates and events.
- Monthly Active Players: 4M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $40M
7. eFootball 2023
- Developer: Konami
- Release Date: 2022 (latest update)
- Gameplay: Football simulation focusing on realistic team management and gameplay.
- Gacha System: Player cards are acquired through gacha pulls.
- Unique Features: Includes online multiplayer and updates reflecting real football seasons.
- Monthly Active Players: 1M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $30M
8. Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle
- Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Release Date: 2015
- Gameplay: A puzzle-based RPG featuring characters from the Dragon Ball series.
- Gacha System: Characters and items are available through a gacha system.
- Unique Features: Combines puzzle mechanics with an engaging Dragon Ball storyline.
- Monthly Active Players: 1M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $25M
9. Genshin Impact
- Developer: miHoYo
- Release Date: 2020
- Gameplay: Players explore a large open world, complete quests, and battle enemies.
- Gacha System: Used for acquiring characters, weapons, and items.
- Unique Features: Features cross-platform play, stunning visuals, and deep lore.
- Monthly Active Players: 3M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $20M
10. Honkai: Star Rail
- Developer: miHoYo
- Release Date: 2023
- Gameplay: A turn-based RPG where players explore worlds and battle enemies.
- Gacha System: Players obtain characters and items through gacha pulls.
- Unique Features: Combines immersive storylines with high-quality graphics.
- Monthly Active Players: 2M+
- Estimated Monthly Revenue: $15M
Whether you’re a gamer, a developer, or simply intrigued by gaming trends, this snapshot of Japan’s top games highlights the creativity and dedication driving the industry forward.
This list highlights the gameplay styles and monetization strategies that contribute to the success of mobile games in Japan. It also emphasizes their unique features, making them popular among diverse audiences.