Mobile games revenue will double by 2017 as growth spreads worldwide (exclusive)

Mobile games revenue is expected to double from $17.5 billion in 2013 to $35.4 billion by 2017, according to a report from mobile game marketing firm AppLift and market researcher Newzoo. The numbers show that mobile games are spreading worldwide, but the opportunities in each market vary significantly.

The report shows that the Latin American mobile games market is now the fastest growing in the world, with 60 percent growth from last year. The Western European mobile game market, was previously the fastest-growing market in years past, is now one of the slowest at 25 percent growth year-over-year.

Marketing costs are rising. Total revenue for the Asia Pacific market will be $12.2 billion in 2014. North America, by comparison, will be only $4.9 billion. Western Europe will be $3.2 billion. Eastern Europe will be $630 million. Latin America will be $510 million, and the Middle East and Africa will be $380 million.

Average spend per month per paying mobile user in Asia Pacific has grown from $2.86 to $4.17. And the average spend per month per paying mobile user in North America has grown from $3.87 to $6.21.

Above: Newzoo Applift data

Image Credit: Applift/Newzoo