Over the past few years, we've witnessed the growing influence of mobile apps across various facets of our daily lives. Whether in shopping, travel, entertainment, games, dating, payment, business, or education, mobile apps have become an indispensable part of modern life, reshaping consumer behavior. According to Sensor Tower estimated data, global mobile users spent $130 billion on the App Store and Google Play in 2023, demonstrating an 84% increase from five years ago. 

Zooming into specific geographical markets, APAC emerges as not only the region with the fastest growth in mobile users and spending but also as the home of many remarkable mobile publishers. In 2023, more than half of the top 100 grossing mobile publishers have their headquarters in APAC.

Based on our estimated data and insights, Sensor Tower APAC Awards 2023 aim to spotlight outstanding mobile games and apps from APAC publishers. Below, you'll find the list of 24 winners, representing every sector of the mobile market. Some focus on the local market, while others are expanding globally—all earning favor from their users. By delving into the transformative influence of these mobile-savvy products, we are delighted to share insights into the trends that might guide us into the new era.

Note: Winners are sorted in alphabetical order.

Best for Gaming

Amanotes

Best Music Game Publisher

Amanotes, a company dedicated to providing best interactive music experiences, ascended to become the top music game publisher by worldwide downloads in 2017 and has remained the reigning champion ever since.

By the end of 2023, Amanotes had built a portfolio of more than 20 music games with users in every corner of the world. Its games, Magic Tiles 3 and Tiles Hop, have dominated the chart of mobile music games by worldwide MAU(Monthly Active Users) since 2019. Its newest game, Duet Cats, also landed within the top 10 since debut, showcasing its strong publishing capabilities. Amanotes has shaped the genre with iconic gameplay mechanics and neon aesthetics, evident in the prevalence of similar features in top-ranked games.

Blue Archive

Best Storytelling Game

Developed by Nexon Games, Blue Archive has captivated gamers with its compelling narratives and charming characters set in the vibrant academy city of Kivotos.

Initially launched in Japan in early 2021, it later became available globally in the same year. In Japan, Blue Archive's primary market, the game regularly returned to the top of the grossing chart in 2023, doubling its annual global revenue from 2022 to $240 million.

Fueled by the game’s original stories, a thriving community has blossomed, creating a significant amount of user-generated content. In a historical feat, Blue Archive secured a new genre at Japan's Comic Market 103, marking the first Korean game to achieve such recognition. With an anime television series set to debut in 2024, the world of Blue Archive is poised to expand even further.

Blue Lock Project: World Champion

Best Sports Manager Game

Blue Lock Project: World Champion is a mobile game based on the popular Blue Lock TV anime. Released at the end of 2022, it grossed $10 million in Japan in just three weeks and continued to maintain strong performance throughout 2023. By the end of December, it had generated over $90 million in cumulative revenue, solidifying its position as a top contender in the mobile sports gaming world.

In the game, players take on the role of a coach and strategize to lead the iconic characters from the TV anime to victory. In addition, a character of Kaoru Mitoma was added to the game, further excited fans and heightened anticipation for the game's release. This momentum carried over into 2023 with engaging events and challenges keeping players captivated. As a result, Blue Lock Project: World Champion topped the global revenue growth chart in the sports manager genre for the year by a significant margin.

Burger Please! 

Best Mobile Tycoon Game

Burger Please!, a game that offers the enjoyment of running a restaurant from every aspect, successfully garnered global attention in 2023.

Since last July, it has consistently led the global mobile tycoon game chart by monthly active users. By the end of 2023, its MAU exceeded 5 million, surpassing the game in the 2nd spot in its genre by 160%. Its unique stacking mechanic adds fast-paced excitement. The choice of burger chain management as a theme ensures its global popularity, providing an immersive experience from hiring staff to managing counters and drive-thru windows, and even branch expansion.

Eggy Party

Best Party Game

Party games are emerging as a pivotal engagement strategy with younger generations globally, offering social interaction and lightweight competition.

First launched in China in May 2022, followed by a robust expansion in Southeast Asia in September 2023, NetEase's Eggy Party boasts a winning formula. With its diverse gameplay, innovative social elements, adorable eggy characters, and powerful workshop, Eggy Party empowers users to design custom maps, nurturing a thriving UGC community that keeps players coming back for more. It has set a new record for user spending in its genre and surpassed competitors, claiming the highest daily active user base on mobile devices by the end of 2023.

Fate/Grand Order

Best Ongoing Game

Released in 2015, Fate/Grand Order has remained a fan favorite among mobile game users, surpassing $7 billion in cumulative revenue by the end of 2023. Despite being on the market for over 8 years, it continues to hold its position as the second most profitable mobile game in the highly competitive global turn-based RPG market in 2023, outperforming many newly released games in its genre.

The Fate series has spawned several games, with the first installment, "Fate/stay night," released as a PC game in 2004. Yet, Fate/Grand Order captivates players with its diverse range of characters created by renowned illustrators, compelling scenarios, and frequent in-game updates. Serving as a representative of the Fate series, which has been running for more than 20 years, Fate/Grand Order has long been a favorite among dedicated fans.

Garena Free Fire

Best Shooter Game

Free Fire (including Free Fire MAX), a mobile battle royale game that enthralls players worldwide, has generated 1.5 billion lifetime downloads since its launch.

With over 200 million monthly active users on mobile devices, Free Fire boasts triple the playtime compared to its closest competitor, demonstrating its loyal and engaged player base. Entering its 7th year after debut, this domination continues to fuel its rise, propelling it to the top of most downloaded mobile games worldwide in 2023.

Honkai: Star Rail

Best Global Popularity

Launched on April 26, 2023, Honkai: Star Rail quickly captured the hearts of diverse players with its stunning characters and engaging storyline, along with its thrilling turn-based combat. The game climbed to the top of mobile game download charts in numerous countries right from its debut.

With each update, it steadily grew its user base and has dominated the chart of RPG games by worldwide monthly active users since July of the same year. By the end of 2023, it secured a spot among the top ten highest-grossing mobile games in China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, and within the top twenty in North America, France, and Australia. With its fabulous gaming experience, the game has transcended cultural boundaries, garnering immense popularity among players worldwide.

Honor of Kings 

Best Evergreen Game

Having been available in the market for 8 years, Honor of Kings, a MOBA game sweeping across China, has dominated the global mobile game grossing ranking for two consecutive years with no competitors in sight.

Despite challenges faced by the mobile game industry over the past two years, TiMi Studio, a subsidiary of Tencent Games and the developer of Honor of Kings, has demonstrated their commitment to keeping players engaged with appealing new content. They sustained impressive revenue growth and maintained user engagement, surpassing the boom seen in early 2020.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade

Best IP-based Game

Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade developed by Sumzap, the first mobile game spin-off of the hit Jujutsu Kaisen TV anime, exploded in popularity among Japanese mobile gamers upon its release in November 2023.

The game offers immersive battles and the worldview of the TV anime, presenting captivating storylines from each character's perspective. Its appeal extends not only to fans of the original work but also to mobile users who have not watched the anime before playing the game. The success of the game further enhances the popularity of the original TV anime and expands its fan base. With frequent in-game events, it consistently secures a top spot on the most-grossing chart in Japan.

Legend of Slime

Best Hybridcasual Game

While global user spending in mobile games has slowed down after the boom in 2020, hybridcasual games, however, have witnessed a 60% and 30% year-over-year growth for 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Among these games, Legend of Slime stood out in 2023 with an exceptional surge, securing the 5th place on the global mobile hybrid casual game chart by user spending and claiming the top spot on the growth chart in Asia. The game sets itself apart by seamlessly blending RPG elements with auto-battle systems, allowing players to enjoy the thrills of strategic combat and the satisfaction of progressing through the adventure without demanding constant manual input.

LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum

Best Puzzle Game

Mobile puzzle games are one of the most competitive genres, yet LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum has retained outstanding user engagement. With its simple mechanics, fast-paced gameplay, timeless and beloved Disney Characters, the game has attracted a vast fan base. It enhances social interaction with features like sending hearts to LINE friends for gameplay and competing for rankings, thus boasting the highest MAU among all mobile games in Japan.

Since its 2014 release, LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum has consistently topped the global grossing chart for chain puzzle mobile games, generating over $2.5 billion in revenue by the end of 2023. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in January 2024, the game stands as a testament not only to the long-term success of a puzzle game but also to the friendships forged through shared play.

Pixel Hero

Best Idle RPG Game

Pixel Hero is an idle RPG game that features a charming pixel art style and offers a relaxing idle gameplay experience. In a genre where many RPG games emphasize immersive experiences, Pixel Hero caters to the demand for casual gameplay. Its auto-battle mechanics and overflowing loot allow players to enjoy a laid-back adventure and focus on strategic decision-making without the need for tedious grinding.

Following initial launches in Hong Kong and Taiwan in early 2023, Pixel Hero expanded to Korea in June and Japan in September. Within months, it soared to the top of the global Idle RPG revenue charts, amassing $130 million in user spending and earning a remarkable 90% positive reviews (four and five-stars).

Pokémon Sleep

Best Gameplay Innovation

Pokémon Sleep is a game that measures and records users' sleep simply by placing a smartphone beside them. As the user sleeps, Pokémon with adorable sleeping styles gather around.

With its innovative gameplay, Pokémon Sleep has gained widespread popularity in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and other Asian countries. It dominated the free game downloads charts in Japan, reigning supreme for 27 consecutive days after its release. This innovative sleep experience has been embraced by over 10 million players worldwide, with downloads exceeding that number within the first month.

Whiteout Survival

Best Strategy Game

In the fiercely competitive world of 4X Strategy mobile games, Whiteout Survival has blazed a trail to the top, consistently claiming the global revenue crown in its genre since August 2023, a mere six months after its worldwide launch.

The game stands out with its unique glacial apocalypse theme, masterfully blending simulation and survival elements into the traditional strategy gameplay. Whiteout Survival boasts exceptional player retention, outperforming many rivals in the genre. This loyalty has propelled it into the top 5 of global Monthly Active Users (MAU) for 4X Strategy games.

Best for Everyday Life

BAEMIN

Best Delivery App

Dominating the food and drink app genre in Korea for years, BAEMIN demonstrates consistent growth in MAU in the post-pandemic era, outpacing its competitors with an overwhelming margin by the end of 2023.

In addition to the support from existing users, BAEMIN continues to gain new users and secured the top spot as the most downloaded food delivery app in Korea in 2023. Its robust review system and hygiene initiatives contribute to its sustained popularity. BAEMIN Store, available since 2021, offers same-day delivery for various products, further cementing its leadership in the industry.

Canva

Best Photo & Video Editor

Being in the market for a decade, Canva has been constantly innovating and evolving. 2023 marked a phenomenal year for Canva, with all metrics on mobile devices skyrocketing: revenue soared 38%, downloads surged 27%, and mobile monthly active users exploded by a staggering 27%.

Empowered by a vast library of templates and innovative features, Canva remains the undisputed champion as the top-grossing photo and video editing app worldwide since 2021. Its intuitive interface and multi-faceted features resonate with more than 100 million active users, propelling it to become the most well-loved and recognized photo and video editor in the market, boasting an unmatched 90% five-star rating from its users.

Coupang Play

Best Emerging Entertainment App

Dominating the download chart across all categories in the Korean mobile market for two straight years, Coupang Play continued its surge in popularity in 2023.

Boasting exclusive live broadcasts of major sporting events like LaLiga EA Sports, Super Bowl, and F1, alongside a captivating lineup of original series like SNL Korea and Boyhood, Coupang Play carved its niche amidst fierce competition with local and international rivals.

Fueling its growth, the strategic acquisition of WOW members further expanded its user base, marking Coupang's successful foray into the entertainment sector as a Korean e-commerce giant.

MakeMyTrip

Most Popular Travel App

Fueled by the travel industry's post-pandemic rebound, downloads and user spending for travel apps surged. Capitalizing on this wave, MakeMyTrip's seamless booking experience and comprehensive travel options propelled it to a remarkable 49% growth in 2023.

Among the apps that span flights, hotels, and local transport bookings, MakeMyTrip reigns supreme with the most active users in APAC. By providing convenient solutions for travelers and offering exclusive discounts, MakeMyTrip has consistently outpaced its rivals since 2020, rising above the competition within the travel app market.

PhonePe 

Best Online Payment App

PhonePe, a fintech platform offering comprehensive payment solutions like money transfer, bill payment, investment, and insurance, empowers millions with its user-friendly interface and unmatched transaction success rates, simplifying financial experiences.

In 2023, it dominated the fintech app genre with its outstanding popularity in India, claiming the top spot for downloads and active users.

In just 7 years, PhonePe has accumulated over 500 million registered users, boasting 6.6 billion monthly transactions on its platform. It is a celebrated fintech platform that has become an integral part of its users' daily lives.

ReelShort

Best App for Short Films

The bite-sized film trend, perfect for on-the-go viewing, is exploding worldwide. In this rapidly growing market, ReelShort stands out as a leader, captivating audiences with its well-crafted 1-minute episodes.

The app offers a diverse range of themes, from alpha wolf and zombies to redemption and love stories, featuring captivating storylines, gripping performances, and HD streaming.

Launched in early 2023, the app rocketed to the top 10 entertainment apps in the U.S., U.K., and the Philippines by mid-year. By the end of 2023, it had amassed over 20 million installs and 10 million active users on mobile devices, setting a new high that none of its competitors has achieved.

Temu

Best Shopping App

As consumers worldwide face inflation and high-interest rates, Temu provides a marketplace to help reduce the cost of living.

The platform delivers affordable necessities for everyday life, from fashion and homeware to pet supplies. Launching in the U.S. in late 2022, it went global in 2023 and dominated the shopping app landscape, becoming the most downloaded app in its genre with 340 million installs. North America and Europe are its biggest markets, accounting for 43% and 30% of its total downloads, respectively.

TVer

Best Entertainment App

TVer, the official TV streaming app established by ten commercial broadcasters and four advertising agencies in Japan, has emerged as a go-to platform for audiences who miss the initial broadcast.

By providing free access to watch more than 750 TV shows from commercial broadcasters, TVer has become a trusted platform for households and exploded in popularity since its release in October 2015. After closely trailing TikTok in the most downloaded entertainment app chart in Japan in 2022, TVer claimed the top spot in 2023.

In addition to nationwide TV programs, TVer also features original content and local programs, catering to viewers with busy schedules while helping stations maximize reach and create even more engaging programs.

WIPPY

Best Dating App

In the crowded dating app market, WIPPY carves a unique path, prioritizing quality connections over quick swipes. Unlike traditional dating apps, WIPPY fosters deeper interactions, fueled by shared interests and a commitment to genuine relationships.

With rigorous phone number verification and around-the-clock human moderation, WIPPY ensures a secure community for people to connect with nearby users. Its unique positioning and supportive features propel the app to the top position in the domestic dating app category, achieving the highest revenue in Korea for four consecutive years. With its expansion into the Japanese market in 2024, its reliable connection-building experience may bring meaningful impact to an even wider audience.