Game company Scopely recently announced that its mobile game, Monopoly Go, has surpassed $1 billion in revenue, making it the most successful mobile game launch of 2023. With monthly earnings exceeding $200 million, Monopoly Go's achievement is unprecedented in the history of casual mobile games, according to data.ai. The game follows the popular microtransaction model, where players can make in-game purchases to enhance their experience.
The mobile gaming market is larger and more profitable than consoles and PCs. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was partly to establish a presence in the mobile market, specifically with games like Candy Crush and Diablo Immortal. EA also invested billions to acquire Glu Mobile, the developer behind Kim Kardashian's popular mobile game.
According to Scopely, Monopoly Go has already been downloaded over 100 million times. Players have collectively "passed go" more than 40 billion times and been sent to jail over 6 billion times. Additionally, Scopely reports that players have sent over 150 million friend invites.
According to Scopely, Monopoly Go is enjoyed by millions of players worldwide on a daily basis. Serving as a mobile adaptation of the well-known board game, it is the third project by Scopely that involves the popular Hasbro properties, joining the ranks of Scrabble Go and Yahtzee With Buddies.
Scopely may not be a household name, but it is a prominent player in the gaming industry. Their previous works include Star Trek, The Walking Dead, and Marvel games, showcasing their expertise and experience. In addition to licensed games, Scopely is the developer behind the widely popular battle royale game called Stumble Guys, which shares similarities with the hit game Fall Guys.
It was acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund earlier this year for $4.9 billion, which made it one of the top 10 most expensive acquisitions in the history of video games.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am incredibly excited about the launch of Monopoly Go. I have been a fan of the board game for years, and I am eager to see how it translates to a mobile platform. I think the game has the potential to be a huge hit, as it combines the classic gameplay of Monopoly with the convenience of mobile gaming.
I am also impressed by the success of Scopely, the game's developer. The company has a strong track record of developing successful mobile games, and I believe that Monopoly Go will be another feather in their cap. I am excited to see what Scopely does next, and I believe that they have the potential to be a major player in the mobile gaming industry for years to come.