Why Did South Korean Mobile Game Sales Decline by 13% in H1 2025?
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Synopsis
Mobile game sales in South Korea have experienced a significant decline in the first half of 2025. With a drop of 13%, the industry faces challenges in adapting to market demands. Discover the factors contributing to this downturn and the implications for the gaming sector moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- 13% decline in mobile game sales in H1 2025.
- Sales totaled 3.3 trillion won ($2.4 billion).
- Number of downloads decreased to 222 million.
- iOS sales increased to 26.4%.
- Three new Korean titles entered the top 10.
Seoul, July 9 (NationPress) The revenue generated by mobile games from South Korean developers saw a 13% drop compared to the previous year during the first half of 2025, according to industry statistics released on Wednesday.
From January through June, the cumulative sales of local gaming firms reached 3.3 trillion won (approximately $2.4 billion), a decrease from 3.8 trillion won recorded in the same period last year, as reported by market analysis firm Sensor Tower, per Yonhap news agency.
During this six-month timeframe, the total number of downloads fell to 222 million, down from 245 million a year ago.
In terms of platform sales, purchases made through Apple's iOS comprised 26.4% of the overall revenue for South Korean mobile games, which is a slight increase from 24.1% in the first half of 2024, while Android sales dipped to 73.6%.
Regarding individual game titles, NCSOFT Corp.'s Lineage M achieved the highest global sales, followed closely by China’s Whiteout Survival.
Additionally, three newly launched Korean games entered the top 10 best-sellers list, marking a historic moment as it is the first time multiple Korean titles have been recognized as top sellers since the data compilation began in 2014.
In related news, Tim Sweeney, CEO and founder of Epic Games, announced the company's decision to withdraw an antitrust lawsuit against Samsung Electronics Co., which concerned the blocking of software from external sources on Samsung mobile devices.
“We are dismissing our court case against Samsung following discussions. We appreciate Samsung’s willingness to address our concerns,” Sweeney stated on X, previously known as Twitter.
Epic Games, renowned for the hit online shooter Fortnite, had initiated the lawsuit in the U.S. last year regarding a Samsung feature that prevented the installation of applications from outside the Google Play Store and Samsung's Galaxy Store, as noted in the report.
Point of View
My perspective remains aligned with the nation’s interests. This decline in mobile game sales highlights the evolving landscape of the gaming industry in South Korea. It's crucial for stakeholders to adapt and innovate in order to maintain their competitive edge in this dynamic market.
NationPress
15/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the decline in mobile game sales in South Korea?
The decline can be attributed to various factors, including increased competition, changes in consumer preferences, and platform performance issues.
How much did South Korean mobile game sales drop?
Mobile game sales fell by 13% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Which games were the top sellers in South Korea?
NCSOFT Corp.'s Lineage M topped the global sales, followed by China's Whiteout Survival and three new Korean titles.
What is the impact of the Epic Games lawsuit withdrawal?
The withdrawal of the lawsuit signals a potential shift in relations between Epic Games and Samsung, allowing for better collaboration moving forward.
What trends are emerging in the mobile gaming industry?
Emerging trends include the increasing importance of platform diversification and adapting to changing user preferences.
