Press Releases
28% of casual game installs from non-gaming publishers come from utility apps, Liftoff’s Casual Gaming Apps Report reveals
Liftoff, the leading provider of marketing, monetization, and creative solutions for the mobile industry, and Singular, the end-to-end marketing attribution and analytics platform, today released their 2025 Casual Gaming Apps Report. The report, based on combined Liftoff and Singular data from February 2024 to February 2025, which includes 1.4 trillion ad impressions, 63 billion clicks, 2.5 billion installs, and $11.9 billion in ad spend, reveals that utility and entertainment apps drive the majority of non-gaming app installs for casual games.
Ads in utility and productivity apps account for 28% of non-gaming app installs for casual games, while 25% come from entertainment apps. Photo and social media apps also play an important role in converting users to casual gaming, accounting for a combined 25%.
Liftoff and Singular’s Casual Gaming Apps Report covers three main topics: an annual breakdown of benchmarks for advertising costs and revenue, the mobile game genres and subgenres driving the most installs, and the latest trends shaking up the casual gaming market.
Key findings from the report include:
Utility apps drive the most installs as advertisers look outside of gaming audiences
As the consumer app market share grows, more downloads come from outside the mobile game ecosystem, with utility apps being the main driver. In the sample, over half of the casual game installs from non-gaming apps are from utility and productivity apps (28%) and entertainment apps (25%). Photo apps and social media apps are similarly impactful, driving a combined 25% of installs from non-gaming apps, while health and fitness apps contribute the least at just 4%.
Hypercasual and hybrid puzzles revenue grows 240%
Following the success of apps like Twisted Tangle, Hexa Sort, and Block Jam 3D, games with simple yet addictive puzzle mechanics have captured the attention of casual game audiences. GameRefinery data reveals a huge increase in the US market share of these games within the top 500 grossing iOS titles, with market share surging collectively from $4.12 million in Q4 2023 to $13.99 million by Q4 2024.
Mobile game CPIs are 907% higher on iOS
From February 2024 to February 2025, the average cost per install (CPI) for casual games was $1.41 on iOS and $0.14 on Android. In contrast, strategy, RPG, and tabletop games exhibited a higher CPI on both platforms, likely due to their niche audiences. While CPI is lower on Android, iOS still delivers more than 2x D30 ROAS on most game genres.
Minigame events are on the rise in top-grossing titles
Events are an essential element of strategy for casual gaming apps, and nearly all event types saw higher adoption rates in 2024. Minigame events, in particular, continued to grow between Q1 and Q4 2024, increasing by 31%. ‘Thinking’ minigames that feature varied mechanics saw the highest adoption rates. The minigames gaining the most popularity include digging, physics-based, and board game-inspired minigames. Other growing trends include co-op partner missions, seasonal albums, and win-streak events.
Match 3 games are making a comeback
After a long period of market saturation dominated by existing giants in the genre, Match 3 games are showing signs of a revival. New releases like Royal Kingdom and Truck Star have consistently ranked among the category’s highest-grossing games in 2024.
“As always, mobile games advertising is the most competitive marketing challenge on the planet. CTR for casual games is significantly higher than most genres, which is a big positive: you get a chance to make your case. What you do with that opportunity, of course, is up to you.” John Koetsier, VP of Insights, Singular
“Casual gaming is a competitive market, but there’s plenty of growth potential for games willing to experiment and innovate. We’ve seen top games, including new releases and seasoned winners, rapidly scale their revenue by investing more in their live event strategies and monetization models. Finding what works is a process of trial and error, but having a partner with the newest insights into revenue drivers can make a huge difference.” Brendan Fraher, General Manager, GameRefinery
The post 28% of casual game installs from non-gaming publishers come from utility apps, Liftoff’s Casual Gaming Apps Report reveals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
A New Era in Digital Performance Marketing: Introducing iKon. – Redefining Industry Standards
Founder of RR Group announces the launch of a new brand – iKon., a first-of-its-kind solution in performance marketing. Unlike anything currently on the market, iKon. is revolutionizing the industry by eliminating traditional media buying from the equation. Instead of buying traffic, we offer performance-driven creatives on a revenue-share basis – a radical departure from the conventional agency model.
Founded by Nikolai Belikov, a recognized industry expert, and backed by a team of experienced specialists, iKon. focuses on helping brands enhance their strategies, improve performance, and navigate the ever-changing digital industry with precision and confidence. iKon. does not compete with in-house teams – it strengthens them. Through strategic guidance, creative expertise, and comprehensive education, brands gain the ability to enhance their internal operations rather than relinquish control. The focus is not on short-term media buying but on establishing trusted partnerships and long-term success.
A Game-Changing Era: Media Buying Without Buyers
The industry is saturated with media-buying agencies, yet their fundamental approach remains unchanged: buy traffic, optimize, repeat. Recognizing the limitations of traditional models, iKon. has redefined the approach to performance marketing. Rather than hiring buyers or allocating massive budgets to ad spend, iKon. focuses on creativity, strategic execution, and performance optimization in ways unmatched by any other player in the industry.
By removing the reliance on media buyers, iKon. has developed a model that places brands firmly in control. With a focus on creative production, anti-fraud strategies, strategic consulting, and media optimization, iKon. provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable and scalable growth.
The Four Pillars of iKon.’s Success
What sets iKon. apart? A results-driven methodology built on four fundamental pillars:
- High-Impact Creative Solutions – Creativity determines success in a competitive digital landscape. iKon. develops performance-driven creatives that do more than capture attention – they engage, convert, and drive measurable revenue growth. With deep expertise in iGaming, iKon. crafts content designed for impact.
- Strategic Consulting – Leveraging deep industry knowledge, iKon. helps brands identify blind spots, optimize internal workflows, and implement anti-fraud measures to maximize ROI. With media buying and marketing expertise, the team ensures every advertising dollar works harder and smarter.
- Resale & Media Optimization – Strong partnerships with top-tier advertising sources allow iKon. to unlock new opportunities in media space utilization. Through a refined approach to resale strategies and ad account management, iKon. enables brands to maximize underutilized assets, enhance media efficiency, and generate additional revenue streams without direct involvement in traffic acquisition.
- Brand Performance Optimization – Success isn’t just about visibility – it’s about sustainability. iKon. builds high-performance marketing ecosystems that fuel long-term brand growth and profitability.
Industry Pioneers at the Helm
Behind iKon. is a team of seasoned digital specialists, each selected for their expertise and ability to drive measurable impact. Personally assembled by Nikolai Belikov, this group brings together deep industry knowledge, technical acumen, and a results-oriented mindset. With backgrounds spanning media buying, creative execution, anti-fraud strategies, and strategic consulting, the team is dedicated to confidently helping brands navigate complex digital landscapes.
The Future of Performance Marketing Starts Today
iKon. is not just another addition to the market – it’s a partner for brands looking to scale sustainably and intelligently. By integrating consulting, creative, and performance-driven strategies, iKon. empowers businesses to make informed decisions and build resilient marketing infrastructures. With a focus on collaboration, expertise, and long-term success, iKon. is redefining the standards of performance marketing.
Ready to take your brand to the next level?
iKon. – Because No One Else Can Do It Like This.
The post A New Era in Digital Performance Marketing: Introducing iKon. – Redefining Industry Standards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Jonathan Jossel
Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package is back for summer at the Plaza Hotel & Casino
With summer fast approaching, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is bringing back Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package starting June 1 at $125 per person per night.
The Plaza introduced its all-inclusive hotel room package last summer. It was so well received by guests that the iconic downtown Las Vegas property is bringing the all-inclusive offer back and extending it for all of June, July and August.
“At a time when tourists are concerned about increasing costs in Las Vegas, including resort fees and paying to park, we wanted to give our guests a more affordable summer vacation option by again offering our all-inclusive hotel room package,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
The Plaza’ all-inclusive hotel room package waives all resort fees. Guests will enjoy free access to the fitness center, rooftop pool, and self-parking. The package also includes bottomless drinks from the Omaha Bar and Sports Book Bar on the casino floor and breakfast and dinner from various dining outlets.
With free access to the rooftop pool, guests can also enjoy the pool’s new amenities including:
- Smart lockers have been installed in a climate-controlled area leading out to the pool allowing guests to conveniently store their belongings with just their phone for a nominal rental fee.
- New sun loungers that can accommodate two guests have been added poolside and are available for rental that includes towels, an umbrella and dedicated cocktail service.
- Conveniently located next to the pool’s full-service cocktail bar, the Plaza Pool’s Food Truck will also be open all summer long offering light bites like street tacos, hummus & pita, and fruit cups, as well as more hearty fare like pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, and wraps.
- Ice cream treats have been added to the retail concessions sold in the pool lobby.
To take advantage of the Plaza’s all-inclusive hotel room package, rooms must be booked online by Aug. 29 for a stay June 1 through Aug. 30.
The post Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package is back for summer at the Plaza Hotel & Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
On 27 and 28 May the Serbian capital will once again host Belgrade Future Gaming exhibition. EGT Digital will participate in it along with EGT for another year in a row. Both companies will expect their guests on stand E1.
EGT Digital will reveal its rich gaming world, including the jackpot bestsellers Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, and Single Progressive Jackpot, as well as over 140 casino games on different themes, which have presence in more than 50 markets worldwide. Visitors will also be able to learn more about the newest addition to the provider’s jackpot portfolio: the 4-level multi-denomination Gods & Kings Link. Currently including 2 games: Glorious Alexander and Ape of Luck, it will offer players an exciting experience full of great winnings, attractive bonuses, and a lot of fun.
The company’s iGaming platform X-Nave will also be on display. Featuring 4 main modules: Gaming Aggregator, Sport Product, CRM Engine, and Payment Gateway, it stands out with great flexibility, thanks to which each of the modules can function as part of the turnkey solution or operate independently, as they allow integration with third-party developments.
The Gaming Aggregator will present its vast range of over 13,000 titles from more than 130 popular providers together with numerous functionalities for content customization. The Sport Product will demonstrate its rich sports and esports content across a number of markets globally. The CRM Engine with its player management tools and bonus features, as well as the Payment Gateway, covering a rich diversity of payment methods, will further expand operators’ options to create more personalized and engaging offerings for their clients.
“Participating in Belgrade Future Gaming has always been very rewarding for us and I have every reason to believe that this year’s edition will once again bring us excellent results,” said Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital. She added: “We can’t wait to meet with our valued current partners and potential future customers from the region and show them our latest innovations, that can make their business even more successful.”
The post EGT Digital at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025: Get ready to be fascinated appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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