As mobile gaming continues to evolve, it has moved from its early exploratory phase through rapid growth and is now entering a period of maturity. On platforms like the Crickex App, the shift is increasingly visible: hardcore mobile games have secured their place as industry mainstays. These games aren’t just competing on graphics or storyline—they aim to uncover user needs, boost player retention, and maximize time spent in-app. This refined operational focus is now the key battleground for mobile game developers.
According to Tencent’s App Treasure “Star APP” monthly ranking, which draws data from a user base exceeding 100 million, hardcore games remain a dominant force. The September list featured three such titles—“Heroes of the Three Kingdoms,” “Three Kingdoms: 2017,” and “Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 3D.” These were ranked alongside popular apps like Xunmo, Youxiang Video, Time Note, Ele.me, Youku, Kuaishou, Sina Weibo, and more. Crickex App users following these rankings will notice that hardcore mobile games consistently hold three to four slots every month, making them the top contributors to user screen time.
Industry reports show that by June this year, average daily time spent on hardcore games had reached 77 minutes per user—accounting for nearly half of all gaming time. This reinforces the rise of hardcore mobile games as a leading category in mobile entertainment. On the latest rankings, “Heroes of the Three Kingdoms” earned its place thanks to its strong IP foundation and real-time strategic gameplay. With detailed artwork and exciting features like hero collection, city building, army recruiting, and castle sieges, it has attracted a surge of interest—surpassing 300,000 downloads in a single month.
Likewise, “Three Kingdoms: 2017” draws from the legendary Chinese historical saga. Staying true to the classic SLG structure of the original series, it blends in RPG combat modes and a deep card-based system. Its nostalgic theme combined with engaging strategy has kept both veteran and new players hooked. Meanwhile, “Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 3D,” adapted from a hit TV drama, leverages its well-known storyline while introducing aerial combat mechanics that include jumping, spinning, dodging, and combo attacks. Its fully customizable character system and dazzling visuals have made it a fan favorite, earning a 90 percent approval rating and securing a strong position on the September Star APP chart.
With the Crickex App continuing to feature these hit titles, it’s clear that hardcore mobile games are here to stay. Their immersive gameplay, emotional depth, and competitive mechanics offer players far more than casual entertainment—making them the backbone of today’s mobile gaming experience.