Deep Dive into Mobile Gaming 4X Genre

Introduction to 4X Games 4X games, named for their core gameplay mechanics: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate, represent a significant segment in the strategy game genre.

These games challenge players with complex decision-making and long-term strategic planning. From building vast empires to engaging in intricate diplomacy and warfare, 4X games offer a depth of gameplay that attracts both casual and hardcore gamers. Unlike the casual slot games market, where a few dominant players control the majority share, the 4X games market is more evenly distributed, allowing a wider range of developers to secure significant market share. This diversified landscape not only fosters innovation but also provides opportunities for various players to thrive, making the 4X genre particularly dynamic and competitive. The majority of this market is ruled by Chinese developers and companies

Hyper Casual Mechanics in 4X Games

In the competitive landscape of the post-IDFA era, 4X game developers are innovating by integrating hyper-casual mechanics within the early stages of their games. This approach not only attracts users through simplified and engaging ads but also eases them into the more complex aspects of 4X gameplay. Here’s how this strategy works:

1. Simplified Onboarding: By incorporating hyper-casual elements like tap-to-advance mechanics, players can easily understand and engage with the game initially. This reduces the barrier to entry and makes the game appealing to a broader audience.
2. Progressive Complexity: As players progress, the game gradually introduces more complex 4X mechanics, ensuring a smooth transition from casual to more strategic gameplay. This keeps players engaged and reduces early drop-off rates.
3. Engaging Tutorials: Using interactive and straightforward tutorials, players are taught the basics through gameplay rather than lengthy instructions. This method keeps the learning curve gentle and enjoyable.

Download and IAP Trends Over the Past 30 Days

We can clearly observe that WhiteOut Survival by Century Games and Last War Survival by First Fun are leading the race having close to 40 percent of the market share in terms of IAP revenue

Last War Survival and Lords Mobile Godzilla Kong War are killing it in terms of downloads. Last War has the craziest ads out there in a bit of hypercasual gate multiplier style which is getting them low CPI and for Lords mobile maybe the Godzilla Kong IP is helping them along with their killer creatives

Top Performing 4X Games

1. Last War Survival by First Fun

Last War Survival uniquely blends hyper-casual gameplay elements, such as gate multipliers and shooter-runner features, within a rich 4X framework. Set against a zombie apocalypse backdrop, players are tasked with reclaiming territories and restoring civilization. The game’s dynamic A/B testing continuously refreshes the gameplay, keeping players engaged. With over 5 million downloads and $50 million in revenue in the last 30 days, and a lifetime achievement of 20 million downloads and $200 million in revenue, Last War Survival demonstrates the effective fusion of casual and strategy elements.

2. Whiteout Survival by Century Games

Whiteout Survival by Century Games led by Xiang Shen , Heaven Wu , Qi Chen , Kok Tung Chua , Jinling Sun , Yuanlei Niu , Guangling GAO , Kenneth Law , Brenda Zhu , David Sun , xiaohui liu , Edison Zhao , Ziwei Luo , Shenshen Lin and many more captivates players with its compelling narrative set in a frozen wilderness. Starting with simple idle mechanics, the game gradually evolves into a robust strategy involving resource management and territorial defense. Its high-impact storytelling in advertisements effectively draws players into the survival-focused world. With 2 million downloads and $50 million in revenue in the past 30 days, and a lifetime total of 20 million downloads and $200 million in revenue, Whiteout Survival showcases a successful transition from casual to complex gameplay.

3. Evony: The King’s Return by TG Inc

Evony by Top Games Inc led by David Guo , Lu Lu , Sven Yang , 叶志勇 , Lyn S. Benjamin G and many more combines accessible hyper casual gameplay with deep 4X strategy, engaging players initially through simple mechanics and gradually transitioning them into complex empire-building tasks. The game emphasizes construction, troop training, and strategic battles within an ancient kingdom setting. With 2 million downloads and $20 million in revenue over the last 30 days, and an impressive lifetime total of 200 million downloads and $1 billion in revenue, Evony exemplifies effective user engagement through progressive gameplay complexity.

4. Age of Origins by Hong Kong Ke Mo Software Co., Limited

Age of Origins by Camel Games 壳木游戏 led by 孙贝贝 , 李昊 , Wang Zhonghua , Elisa Yue , 李骞 , 杨佳航 , 史博文 , Xia Han , Binki zhao , 王建华 and many more masterfully merges intense zombie combat with strategic empire-building, attracting both action and strategy enthusiasts. Adapting to iOS privacy changes, the game enhanced its engagement mechanics, allowing players to manage resources, build defenses, and lead armies in a post-apocalyptic setting. With 1 million downloads and $20 million in revenue in the last 30 days, and a lifetime total of 50 million downloads and $500 million in revenue, Age of Origins demonstrates resilience and innovation in a changing digital landscape.

5. Puzzles and Survivors by 37Games

Puzzles and Survivors by 37Games offers a fresh twist to the 4X genre by integrating Match-3 puzzle gameplay with a zombie survival narrative. Players solve puzzles to build and fortify research centers, rescue survivors, and expand their base, blending strategy and casual gaming. The game achieved 1 million downloads and $20 million in revenue over the past 30 days, and has a lifetime total of 50 million downloads and $1 billion in revenue, highlighting its unique appeal and successful genre fusion.

6. Rise of Kingdoms by Lilith Games

Rise of Kingdoms by Lilith Games led by Kenny WANG , Xiao Yue Xu , Zhang Hao , Rui Hu (Sherry), and many more focuses on building a historical empire with an emphasis on strategic planning, diplomacy, and territorial expansion. Players engage in intricate alliances and conflicts, navigating a meticulously designed ancient world that rewards thoughtful strategy over brute force. With 1 million downloads and $10 million in revenue in the last 30 days, and a lifetime total of 100 million downloads and $2 billion in revenue, Rise of Kingdoms stands out for its deep strategic elements and rich historical setting.

7. Lords Mobile Godzilla Kong War by IGG.com

Leveraging popular film IPs, Lords Mobile by IGG led by Richard CHUA , Henry Wu , Kevin Xu , 王硕王硕 , Cihan Çelikörs , Malen Li , Stephanie Chan , Dongli Li , Harry Fang features large-scale battles between iconic monsters like Godzilla and Kong. Players choose champions and strategize to win battles in a post-apocalyptic setting, utilizing the unique abilities of their characters to dominate the battlefield. The game garnered 5 million downloads and $10 million in revenue over the past 30 days, and boasts a lifetime total of 200 million downloads and $2 billion in revenue, showcasing the appeal of integrating popular IPs with strategic gameplay.

8. Total Battle: War Strategy by ScoreWarrior

Total Battle by Scorewarrior immerses players in a medieval world where they must build and defend their kingdom using gate multiplier mechanics. This strategic depth challenges players to manage resources, expand territories, and engage in tactical warfare. With 1 million downloads and $10 million in revenue in the last 30 days, and a lifetime total of 20 million downloads and $100 million in revenue, Total Battle highlights the appeal of combining traditional war strategy with innovative mechanics.

9. State of Survival: Zombie War by FunPlus International

State of Survival by FunPlus led by Andy(英武) Zhong(钟) , Tao (Edge) Wu , Chris Petrovic , Zehong Y. , Chong Huang , Jacob Krüger , Mustapha MAHRACH , Lem Gan , 黃嘉琪 , Guillaume Richard 纪尧姆 , Zhixin (Stacy) Xu , Milo Farto blends story-driven gameplay with strategic troop building and zombie combat. Its survival-themed advertising effectively reduces CPI, maintaining a strong connection between ad content and actual gameplay, drawing players into its immersive world of zombie warfare. The game achieved 500,000 downloads and $10 million in revenue over the past 30 days, and has a lifetime total of 100 million downloads and $1 billion in revenue, demonstrating its strong engagement and narrative appeal.

10. Frost and Flame by FunPlus International

Frost and Flame is known for its compelling advertisements and strategic unit deployment in battle scenarios. The game focuses on thoughtful strategy rather than just action, providing a deeper and more engaging gaming experience despite crowded battle scenes. With 100,000 downloads and $5 million in revenue in the last 30 days, and a lifetime total of 50 million downloads and $1 billion in revenue, Frost and Flame exemplify the successful integration of strategic depth in a visually captivating package.

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