Episode 23: 2021 Retrospective with the GameRefinery Analysts

Mobile GameDev Playbook podcast by GameRefinery

As we wrap up the end of the year, this episode of The Mobile Gamedev Playbook looks back at what 2021 brought to the mobile gaming industry in the US, China and Japan. We delve into the key trends to come out of this year, including the rise of renovation mechanics, collaboration events and popular IPs.

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Host Jon Jordan is joined by GameRefinery by Vungle’s analysts, Teemu Palomäki and Wilhelm Voutilainen, who together take us through this year’s most successful games and even a few unfortunate failures.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube:


Topics we will cover in this episode:

  1. Renovation and special game modes are leading hybrid gameplay elements
  2. Last year’s most interesting top performers in the US market
  3. 2021 saw the release of several major IP-based games, but some of them are still seeking their audience
  4. Mobile games are adopting even deeper social elements
  5. How Japanese IP-based games differ from Western ones
  6. Ads are rare in top Japanese games, but now they are starting to show more and more
  7. China’s top-grossing list’s biggest surprises in 2021
  8. Will the Chinese gaming regulations impact what kind of games will succeed in the market?

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