The Growing Trend of Mobile Games Transitioning to Steam: An In-Depth Analysis

Understanding the Mobile Games’ Transition to Steam

In recent years, the trend of mobile games transitioning to Steam has escalated significantly, with numerous titles gaining traction after their initial mobile platform releases. In August 2025, a detailed report published by Spice Smart analyzed 37 such titles that began their journey on Japan's App Store and Google Play before launching on Steam. This article delves into their findings, highlighting key examples of success and the implications for both gamers and developers.

Research Overview

The report focused on mobile games offered as free-to-play on Japanese platforms, which subsequently launched on Steam. The criteria for selection included variance in release dates, user ratings, and revenue rankings in both local and international markets. Although certain spin-off titles from mobile versions were included, the report specifically sought titles that exhibited significant changes in performance post-launch on Steam.

Key findings show a distinct correlation between mobile games previously unnoticed in the market and their remarkable success on Steam. This can be partially attributed to the rapid growth of the Steam platform itself. According to Valve, the number of Steam users in Japan surged over the past five years, surpassing 40 million concurrent users by March 2025, demonstrating the appeal of the platform.

Case Studies of Success

One prime example highlighted in the report is 'Uma Musume: Pretty Derby,' which recorded concurrent user counts of 87,453 on its English version. This title achieved top sales in regions like the US, Canada, and Singapore, illustrating its explosive popularity in English-speaking markets. Another standout is 'Snowbreak: Containment Zone,' which, despite starting off out of the rankings on mobile, managed to secure the second spot on Steam, tripling its initial concurrent user count.

Moreover, 'Atelier Resleriana' generated much buzz by outperforming its App Store sales rank once it launched on Steam. These instances underline that higher graphics fidelity and improved performance can attract a fresh user base eager for quality experiences, transforming the perception of mobile titles.

Long-term Titles and New Arrivals

Additionally, the research examined the release of long-standing mobile titles now venturing into the Steam market. For instance, 'Summoners War: Sky Arena,' released initially in 2014, made its way to Steam nearly ten years later and gained attention after collaborations with popular franchises like 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'Demon Slayer,' pushing its Steam sales ranks into the top ten. The report also mentions the release of 'Wizardry Variants Daphne' as a new addition to an existing PC series and 'Among Us 3D,' demonstrating the versatility of mobile games in reinventing themselves for a new audience.

The 37 titles evaluated in this report showcase a transformative moment for the gaming industry. While it's common for developers to seek expansion into new markets, the leap to Steam offers a significant opportunity for mobile games to become competitive in a landscape dominated by long-standing PC titles.

Conclusion

The transition of mobile games to Steam has opened new avenues for both developers and players, representing a broader trend in the gaming market. With major titles successfully crossing over to Steam, the potential for mobile games is indeed substantial. This move not only allows companies to reach different demographics but also encourages a deeper exploration of the narrative and graphics capabilities of mobile games. One can only foresee what the future holds for this evolving relationship.

For those interested in further details and insights, Spice Smart's 'LIVEOPSIS' offers comprehensive data and analysis as part of its ongoing research endeavors.

About Spice Smart

Founded in July 2015, Spice Smart is dedicated to specializing in mobile gaming research and analytics, with operations centered primarily around the Japanese and East Asian mobile gaming markets. By leveraging global market insights, Spice Smart aids businesses in enhancing game operations through strategic collaborations and data-driven solutions.

Companies seeking tailored research reports can reach out to Spice Smart's press department for more information.