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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.

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From BetBrothers to BC Brothers: Scaling in Regulated Markets
A few months ago, we had the pleasure of speaking with Borja Imbergamo, BetBrothers’ Head of Growth & Strategy, about their ambitious mission to become a leading affiliate company in regulated sports betting markets.
Since then, the company has rebranded as BC Brothers to reflect its multi-vertical vision, now overseeing both BetBrothers (sports betting) and CasinoBros (online casinos). We sat down with Borja again to discuss the strategy behind this move, the company’s growth, and its commitment to shaping a more transparent iGaming landscape.
BetBrothers has recently rebranded as BC Brothers. What was the thinking behind this move, and what does it mean for your strategy going forward?
The rebrand was a natural step in our evolution. BetBrothers had strong traction in sports betting, but as we expanded into online casinos with CasinoBros, we wanted an identity that could unite both brands under one mission. BC Brothers allows each brand to maintain its own voice and focus, while benefiting from a shared growth strategy. It’s about clarity, transparency, and staying true to our mission of connecting players with safer bets across multiple verticals.
Every company faces the pressure of quarterly results versus a long-term vision. How does BC Brothers strike that balance?
Our approach is built on organic growth. High-quality organic traffic takes time and consistent effort – it’s not an overnight success. But it’s also the most sustainable path forward.
For instance, in markets like Spain and Greece, where we’re seeing strong traction, we naturally focus on optimizing that performance. We celebrate quarterly results because they validate our initial strategies and provide the resources to invest further. Simultaneously, we dedicate significant resources for new markets and ventures. These are critical investments in our multi-year vision.
We invest today to secure growth for years ahead. It’s about consistent, quality growth rather than quick, unsustainable wins
Which markets are currently your strongest, and what new ones are on your radar?
Currently, our primary focus markets, and where we’re already seeing really good traction, are Spain and Greece. These markets were chosen strategically for their established regulatory frameworks and significant potential. Our team has a strong understanding of the local player base and operator needs there. That is certainly paying off in terms of performance.
Looking ahead, while Spain and Greece remain key, we’re very excited about the potential in a number of other regulated markets. Our approach is always to go where we can genuinely add value to both operators and players. This leads us to focus on regions like Mexico, Peru, and Denmark, among others. Our strategy, much like in Spain and Greece, is based on delivering high-quality, compliant traffic. This is precisely where our expertise shines. The focus is always on where we can add real value. We don’t just want to be present – we want to be effective.
Beyond geography, are there specific product verticals you’re most excited about?
Sports betting was our foundation, but entering the casino vertical was always part of our roadmap. That’s why we launched CasinoBros, a dedicated platform for online casinos. The strategy and vision here are exactly the same as with BetBrothers. We aim to give players the best and deepest information, guiding them to safe, regulated online operators.
What does “deep information” mean in the casino space, and why is it important?
It means helping players understand everything. From game mechanics, RTP percentages, and volatility to responsible gaming tools and bonus terms. Our goal is to empower players to make informed decisions and enjoy entertainment responsibly, instead of just chasing promotions.
From an operator perspective, what makes CasinoBros stand out?
From an operator’s perspective, our value lies in bringing highly informed players. These players understand game mechanics, responsible play, and promotions. For operators, this translates into stronger retention and healthier long-term relationships. Educated players are less likely to feel frustrated and more likely to stay with operators they trust. Everyone benefits from that.
You’ve mentioned your goal of becoming a globally recognized and trusted brand. How are you working toward that?
Trust is the ultimate currency in iGaming. The rebrand to BC Brothers was a big step. We are uniting BetBrothers and CasinoBros under one strategy while keeping each brand focused. Now we’re rolling it out across all touchpoints and building our community on social media. These channels are crucial for transparency and direct engagement. It’s a long process, but one we’re fully committed to. Our mission remains clear: connecting players with safer bets, across verticals, in regulated markets.
The post From BetBrothers to BC Brothers: Scaling in Regulated Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt
iGaming just got a new ride. Bet It Drives, GR8 Tech’s new podcast, takes the industry’s most interesting voices out of the studio and into the fast lane. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, CSO, each episode is filmed entirely in a moving car, with cameras rolling and London as the backdrop.
No predictable Q&As: Bet It Drives pairs high-energy visuals with relaxed, unscripted dialogue. Shot by the award-winning crew behind campaigns for global brands, the format blends high-energy visuals with the kind of candid moments you only get when people are truly relaxed.
“Bet It Drives was born from a simple idea—great conversations happen when people feel at ease,” said Yevhen Krazhan. “Driving through London strips away the formality, lets personalities shine, and captures the pace and unpredictability that define the iGaming industry.”
The premiere kicks off with Alex Pratt, Group Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, who oversees a portfolio of leading B2B events and media brands, including ICE, iGB Affiliate, and iGaming Business. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Pratt has been instrumental in shaping its evolution and is recognized for his insights into emerging markets, technological advancements, and fostering community within the gaming sector.
During the ride, Alex opened up about:
- ICE vs. iGB Live—which is his personal favorite, and why.
- Organizing world-class iGaming events and how major decisions like moving ICE to Barcelona come together behind the scenes.
- Partnering with big tech and how such collaborations shape the future of iGaming.
- Advice for startups attending conferences.
- Alex’s Spotify playlist and the tracks that keep him going.
- The most jaw-dropping booths he’s ever seen on the exhibition floor.
- Which panels or attendees would he ban for the greater good of the industry.
- Memorable after-parties—the kind you don’t forget, even if you wish you could.
“Alex really showed us what is happening on the front and the back of high-end igaming events,” said Krazhan. “From the strategic calls that shape entire conferences to the wild stories that never make the press, this episode is a perfect mix of insider knowledge, candid moments, and the kind of energy that makes you wish the ride was longer.”
With upcoming guests including Stephen Crystal, Rohini Sardana, and Helen Walton, Bet It Drives is set to deliver brilliant storytelling, unscripted moments, and a visual style unlike anything else in iGaming media.
Access Episode 1 with Alex Pratt on YouTube or Spotify—and buckle up.
The post GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience
With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.
The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.
The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.
“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”
The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:
All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.
Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:
- 1st place: R30,000
- 2nd place: R15,000
- 3rd place: R10,000
- 4th place: R5,000
Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.
“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”
With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.
Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:
SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:
Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep
Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep
The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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