"Mobile is the most popular platform in the video game industry, with wide and increasing appeal across all age groups,” said analyst Mat Piscatella, executive director at the NPD Group. “Its strength comes not only from its accessibility and availability, but also from the incredible diversity in mobile titles available. From evergreen properties such as Candy Crush Saga, Pokemon Go and Clash of Clans, to newer hits like Call of Duty: Mobile, and Among Us, mobile gaming's growth is certain to continue well into the future."

All age groups saw a bump in usage with those aged 45 and over seeing a 17 percent increase over 2019. Those in the 25 to 44 age range saw a 13 percent increase while ages 13 to 24 rose by 3 percent and 2 to 12 by 9 percent. As we reported last week, specific genres saw a rise in usage with 55 percent of revenue generated by the puzzle, skill & chance and strategy genres.

Here's what else is happening in the world of mobile games:

Genshin Impact Gets Controller Support

Developer miHoYo took to a recent question and answer blog to reveal the addition of controller support for Genshin Impact on mobile devices. Starting with the upcoming Version 1.3 update, players who run the game on iOS 14 or higher will be able to connect their Xbox Wireless Controller (Bluetooth version), Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, or specific specialized Bluetooth controller for iOS. No word if that includes Android devices or when support for Android phones will begin.

PUBG Mobile Kicks Off 17th Season

Version 1.2 of PUBG Mobile launched earlier this week and brought with it Season 17 and a brand new Royale Pass. Like all previous battle passes before it, the Season 17 Royale Pass contains 100 tiers of rewards to unlock as you play challenges and earn points. This includes the chance to earn the Resplendent Dawn or Deadly Sickle by spinning the Wheel of Fate at rank 50. A new Classic game mode throws players onto the Erangel map where one of three special powers can be selected before the fighting begins. The new season also continues the collaboration with Metro Exodus with new vehicles and valuable treasures.

Black Desert Mobile Intros New Mode

The popular mobile MMORPG Black Desert Mobile is set to receive a new Boss Rush mode. Hadum Boss Rush takes the existing Boss Rushes in Elion's Realm and not only makes them more challenging but offers special rewards like Primal Gear and Inscribed Glyphs. There's also a three minute time limit. To be able to participate in the new mode, players will have to complete Red Nose's Boss Rush at difficulty 99 along with a story quest. 100 Boss Stamps and a single Shadow Knot are required to enter.

Crunchyroll Games Goes Royal

This week saw the worldwide launch of Princess Connect! Re: Dive, a mobile RPG originally released in Japan in Feb. 2018. The game features more than 50 princesses and includes animations from the Wit Studio, the studio behind shows like Attack on Titan. Players who boot up the game at launch will receive over 3,000 jewels. Pre-registration began in December and saw over 800,000 users express interest globally.

Photo courtesy of miHoYo