The 4X strategy sub-genre is a complex blend of real-time strategy, world-building, RPG mechanics, and PVP elements, providing players with a rich and engaging gaming experience. This genre has seen a surge in popularity with games like Rivergame’s Last War and Century Games’ Whiteout Survival achieving significant success.
In this insightful guest article, mobile games analyst Andriy Zmeul delves deep into the 4X strategy genre to assess its position in the US games market. Zmeul explores some of the standout games in this sub-genre and uncovers the key factors driving their success.
Recently, I’ve noticed a growing presence of 4X strategy games on my radar compared to other mid-core genres like RPGs or action shooters. This sub-genre’s emergence within the broader strategy genre has sparked my curiosity.
The aim of this article is:
- To analyze the placement of 4X strategy games in the US mobile games ecosystem
- To consolidate data and draw conclusions
- To reflect on the implications of these conclusions
To achieve this, I’ve utilized data from data.ai, focusing on in-app revenue from US users playing the top 1000 games on Android in the 24 weeks leading up to January 2024.
Key Insights:
- Total revenue from 4X strategy games amounts to $360 million across 107 titles
- Six of the top 50 games are 4X strategies, generating $135 million over 24 weeks in the US on Android, constituting 9% of all top 1000 games revenue and 20-25% of the top 50 revenue, contributing to 40% of the total 4X strategy games’ revenue
- Within the top 200 grossing games across all genres, 28 4X strategy games have earned $160 million, comparable to the top 50 games, with revenue ranging from $2 million to $10 million per game
- 4X strategy games outperform other strategy genres, generating more than three times the revenue
- Compared to other genres like MMORPGs, shooters, MOBAs, and battle royale, 4X strategy emerges as the most lucrative sub-genre, amassing significant revenue
What sets 4X strategy games apart? Is it the size of the audience or the willingness of players to spend?
Case Studies:
Exploring specific games within the genre:
- Last Shelter
- Developer/Publisher: Long Tech Network
- Global Release: October 2017
- Top Grossing Rank: 55
- Cumulative Revenue per Download: $58.48
- Setting: Realistic
- Lords Mobile
- Developer/Publisher: IGG
- Global Release: March 2016
- Top Grossing Rank: 65
- Cumulative Revenue per Download: $22.03
- Setting: Cartoon/Fantasy
- Additional Genre: Summon troops, line strategy
These examples highlight the diversity and appeal of 4X strategy games, each catering to different preferences and playstyles.
Analysis of Market Trends:
Examining revenue trends and player preferences:
The data reveals fluctuations post-Covid, with new releases compensating for lost revenue. However, the overall revenue levels remain stable, indicating a resilient market.
Future Prospects:
Despite the maturity of existing games, new releases like Whiteout Survival and Sea of Conquest show promise in revitalizing the genre. While challenges exist, the potential for success in this space remains high.
Industry Insights:
Industry feedback suggests that a combination of factors, including team expertise, market timing, and player engagement, contribute to the success of 4X strategy games. Asian developers, in particular, have excelled in managing risks and achieving success in this genre.
Overall, the 4X strategy sub-genre presents a lucrative opportunity for developers willing to innovate and cater to the diverse preferences of players.
