As we start to wrap up for the year, we asked a load of mobile game industry leaders to pick their mobile game of the year. Here’s the first batch of selections – stay tuned for more…
Vladimir Markov, Top App Games
For me, the personal game of the year is Match Factory, a standout in the Match 3D genre. It’s not exactly new, but it nails what we call a ‘dopamine chain’: you hardly ever lose, keep getting little bonuses, and it just feels really satisfying.
I love how it brings together a clean, polished look, genuinely fun and addictive mechanics, a strong dopamine loop, and monetisation that doesn’t feel pushy. It’s the kind of game that gives you those little emotional hits.
Jane Campbell, Ustwo Games
My mobile game of the year is A Little to the Left. I never got round to playing it on PC or console, and was genuinely delighted by the try-before-you-buy version on the App Store.
It’s a seamless, beautiful mobile adaptation that feels completely natural on the platform, and I’ve loved dipping into its cosy daily puzzles.
Anton Gorodetsky, Invest Game & My Games
Heroll is a dice-roguelike hit the sweet spot for my “just one more run” craving this year. Its clever mix of pixelated dark fantasy, board-game-style progression, loot upgrades, and quick, bite-sized sessions makes it perfect for mobile gaming during short breaks.
The balance between randomness and strategy keeps it engaging and surprisingly addictive.
Berkley Egenes, Xsolla
Call of Duty: Mobile absolutely deserves the title of game of the year for 2025. The game has redefined the mobile shooter experience, offering console-quality graphics, smooth controls and a variety of game modes that appeal to both casual and competitive gamers.
What makes it stand out is its ability to balance fast-paced action with strategic depth, whether you’re diving into a 100-player Battle Royale or going head-to-head in a traditional 5v5 multiplayer match, the gameplay remains fluid and engaging.
James Dodd, Out Making Games
We were lucky enough to discover Is This Seat Taken? as it was on the BAFTA Games nominees list this year. It’s a cozy puzzle game that challenges players to seat an eclectic cast of characters – each with their own quirks and preferences, such as wanting window seats or quiet areas – across different public transportation and venue scenarios. The goal is to keep everyone content.
Beyond its core seating puzzles, the game follows Nat, a protagonist grappling with feelings of being an outsider and searching for someone “normal” to emulate. Though the game doesn’t explicitly identify as LGBTQ-focused, this narrative thread explores self-acceptance in ways that echo LGBTQ+ experiences, as well as those of other minorities, making it suitable for all, but connecting deeply with many.
Kian Hozouri, ByteBrew
2025 has delivered an amazing lineup of games, but the one that really stood out to me this year was Jigsolitaire from the talented Gamincat team.
Their data-driven approach to continuously iterating on core mechanics like game pacing, user flow, and level design paid off in a big way, propelling the game to the number one spot on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. It’s an incredibly engaging experience that had me playing nonstop.
