Author of this article is Siarhei Kutuzau
The myth that “nobody plays mobile games with sound” has been floating around the industry for years. It travels from call to call, from producer to designer, influencing how audio is handled in production. Sound is often ordered at the last minute, there’s no real integration, and dynamic or adaptive systems aren’t even considered. Not because it’s the right way — but because “that’s how it’s done.”
This mindset rarely relies on actual data. More often, it’s based on the gut feeling that “everyone mutes anyway.” But is that really the case? As someone who’s been working in mobile game audio for years, I got tired of having “I feel like…” arguments. So I decided to check. No emotions, no preconception — just data. And the results surprise more than a few people — including me.
Who Took the Survey?
- A total of 541 respondents from around the world took part.According to the Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2024, there are about 2.85 billion mobile gamers globally.
- I ran the numbers: to get a statistically valid sample at a ±4% margin of error and 94% confidence level, you only need 538 respondents. We’re well within the valid range.
- The survey included 10 questions, covering everything from “Do you even play mobile games?” to “Why do you mute the sound?”.
- Frequency, devices, genres, importance, habits — everything needed to understand not just how, but why players interact with sound in mobile games.
A Few Numbers and Some Thoughts:
Do People Play Mobile Games?
● 73.3% — play often
● 22.4% — play occasionally
● 0.6% — never play
Conclusion: The vast majority of respondents are active mobile gamers. That’s good news
Do They Play With Sound?
● 34.9% — always
● 23.6% — often
● 19% — sometimes
● 13.2% — rarely
● 9.3% — never
Nearly 60% play with sound regularly. Only 9% play completely silent
How Do They Listen to Sound? (multiple answers allowed)
● 60.1% — phone speakers
● 47.1% — headphones
● 11.5% — external speakers
● 18.3% — don’t use sound at all
Mobile sound isn’t all about headphones. Most people rely on built-in speakers. Interestingly, the number of respondents who chose “I don’t use sound” rose here — likely due to the ability to select multiple answers.
Where Do They Play With Sound? (multiple answers allowed)
● 92.9% — at home
● 21.5% — in transit
● 18.1% — in public spaces
● 8.4% — at work
Home is the primary space for audio-based gaming experiences — where external limitations disappear. This confirms that muting sound is usually not about lack of interest, but about social context — like nearby people, background noise, or a need for silence.
How Important Is Sound?
● 23.7% — very important, won’t play without it
● 47% — important, but not essential
● 20% — not important, often muted
● 9.3% — never play with sound
Around 70% of players consider sound an important part of the game experience.
Why Do People Play Without Sound? (multiple answers allowed)
● 56% — it bothers people nearby
● 31.9% — it’s too loud/noisy
● 17.4% — to save battery
● 15.9% — they play in the background
● 10.6% — out of habit
Most players mute for external reasons — not because they don’t care.Some respondents also mentioned poor sound quality or excessive battery drain, suggesting that technical implementation affects audio usage too.
What Genres Do They Play? (multiple answers allowed)
● Puzzle — 76.6%
● Strategy — 62.2%
● Shooter — 45.3%
● Simulation — 31%
● Hyper-casual — 29.9%
● RPG — 21.5%
Beyond puzzles and idle games, a significant portion of players also choose strategies, shooters, simulators, and even RPGs. These are genres where sound plays not just a decorative role, but a functional and immersive one — aiding orientation, building tension, and deepening engagement.
Demographics Age
● 25–34–39,4%
● 18–24–18,1%
● 35–44–20,1%
● Other age groups were moderately represent
Gender
● Male — 49%
● Female — 49,7%
● Other / Prefer not to say — <1%
Final Takeaways
This data makes it clear: The idea that “everyone plays mobile games without sound” is a myth — and not one backed by data. Instead:
● Most players are actively engaging with audio, especially at home.
● Social or technical constraints (noise, shared spaces, battery) are the main reasons for muting — not because sound isn’t valued.
● Over 70% of respondents see sound as a meaningful part of the experience.
References:
Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2024–2.85 billion mobile gamers
Raosoft Sample Size Calculator — for statistical validity
