Data digest: Q3’s top earners, 2026’s biggest new launches, Apple and Google fined, more
Q3 saw the world’s top-performing mobile games generate significant combined revenue, with the top 10 titles earning $3.8 billion in in-app purchase (IAP) revenue. However, this marked a 3% decline from Q2, indicating a slight contraction in the market segment of highest-earning games.
Honor of Kings maintained the top position with $556 million in Q3 IAP revenue. Microfun’s Gossip Harbor achieved notable growth, rising to second place with $444 million after placing fourth in the previous period. Whiteout Survival and Royal Match rounded out the top four, generating $392 million and $386 million respectively, though both experienced ranking declines.
Most notably, Pokémon Go demonstrated substantial momentum by climbing from 21st to ninth place—the most significant upward movement among top earners. This surge represents a dramatic shift from outside the top 20 to the top 10, highlighting significant renewed player interest in the augmented reality title during Q3.