Making it big in the mobile gaming scene can be difficult. But, arguably, the more challenging part is sustaining the same level of success after a game has reached incredible heights. Some have done it better than others, and that's why they continue to be talked about to this day. Others... well, others disappear from the limelight. That's what we'll be talking about today. This list will showcase 20 mobile games that became irrelevant not long after they became huge hits. They've slowly been forgotten about over the years, and haven't quite received the same player engagement since they got big.
20 Mobile Games That Became Irrelevant After Being Huge Hits
Some games didn't stay in the spotlight for long...
20. Infinity Blade
At one point, Infinity Blade was the gold standard for mobile graphics. It showcased what was possible with smartphones that didn't have the advanced processors and software we have today. Its RPG gameplay, swipe-based combat, and in-game progression stood out as big factors in its appeal. But, despite critical acclaim and strong sales, Epic Games decided to shut down the title in 2018, citing difficulties in supporting an aging game. The company would go on to expand its now massively popular battle royale title, Fortnite.
(Image Credit: Epic Games)
19. The Simpsons: Tapped Out
The Simpsons: Tapped Out was a city-building game that initially drew in many fans of the long-running TV show. As time passed, the game was repeatedly criticized for its repetitive gameplay and unfair freemium model. This led many players to leave the game in its entirety. It was eventually shut down in early 2025 after declining profitability.
(Image Credit: Electronic Arts)
18. Words With Friends
Words With Friends was a social word game phenomenon that once dominated the casual multiplayer gaming space. But, as newer social and competitive games emerged, the game's player base gradually thinned out. The game is still decent — it's just that its relevance has faded away.
(Image Credit: Zynga)
17. Brave Frontier
Brave Frontier was a turn-based RPG that was once a titan in the gacha space on mobile, especially in Japan and among early adopters of the genre globally. Its pixel art and massive roster of units kept players hooked when it was launched in 2013, but as more sophisticated gacha games emerged, it struggled to keep up. Brave Frontier was eventually shut down in 2022.
(Image Credit: A-Lim)
16. Critical Ops
Critical Ops has held the status of being a fan-favorite FPS for some time now, thanks to its CS:GO-style experience on mobile. However, it couldn’t maintain momentum since its release in 2015 as bigger shooters entered the market. It's not the fault of the gameplay, but rather a reflection of the mobile gaming scene and how competitive it has become.
(Image Credit: Critical Force Ltd.)
15. Minion Rush
Leveraging the popularity of the hugely popular Despicable Me franchise, Minion Rush drew in millions of players. However, the game was released in 2013, a time when other endless runner games were being released. Over time, Minion Rush became just another runner in an oversaturated genre, but just with a recognizable IP in its corner.
(Image Credit: Gameloft)
14. Order & Chaos Online
Often called the mobile answer to World of Warcraft, Order & Chaos Online built an extremely loyal MMO community with raids, guilds, and open-world exploration. The gameplay was unique for a game that was released in 2011, and it received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic. However, technical issues, aging systems, and a lack of meaningful evolution caused its player base to steadily shrink over time. The game was permanently shut down on all platforms in early 2023.
(Image Credit: Gameloft)
13. FarmVille
Originally a gaming juggernaut with over 80 million active players at one time, FarmVille failed to sustain its audience as time went on. The novelty of tending to your virtual crops wore off, and newer simulation games took their place. The game was shut down in 2020, after Adobe abandoned support for Flash Player.
(Image Credit: Zynga)
12. Afterpulse
Afterpulse offered a visually impressive third-person shooter. It received praise from fans and critics alike after its release in 2016, as it featured action-packed multiplayer action and phenomenal design. It was even seen as one of the most console-like FPS experiences that players could find on mobile. Afterpulse was abruptly taken offline in early 2022, with the developers providing no clear reason as to why.
(Image Credit: Digital Legends Entertainment)
11. Terra Battle
Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator behind the Final Fantasy series, Terra Battle generated a lot of buzz at launch thanks to its unique tile-based RPG experience. Despite early success and a passionate fanbase, the game failed to maintain momentum and was eventually discontinued in 2020.
(Image Credit: Mistwalker)
10. Dungeon Hunter 5
Dungeon Hunter 5 is a sequel to a beloved dungeon crawler series. The game initially attracted players with its impressive hack-and-slash gameplay and easy-to-learn controls. However, its aggressive monetization and persistent app issues have alienated players over the years.
(Image Credit: Gameloft)
9. Mobius Final Fantasy
Square Enix set up Mobius Final Fantasy as a high-end mobile RPG that was equipped with console-like visuals and riveting storytelling when it was launched globally in 2016. The game built a dedicated following after it was released. Sadly, after "difficult discussions" and no clear reason provided to players, the developers decided to shut the game down in 2020.
(Image Credit: Square Enix)
8. Shadowgun: DeadZone
Before PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile dominated the shooter genre on mobile, Shadowgun: DeadZone offered one of the best multiplayer FPS experiences on the platform. Its popularity faded over the years, as it was surpassed by newer, more modern shooters. It also didn't help that the developers, Madfinger Games, decided to pursue the development of a sequel, Shadowgun Legends. This left Shadowgun: DeadZone without the same level of support as before. The game was eventually shut down in 2019.
(Image Credit: Madfinger Games)
7. Game of War: Fire Age
Game of War: Fire Age was famous after its launch for its over-the-top ads and big-name collaborations. The strategy MMO features gameplay where players will lead armies into battles and take on both environmental threats and attacks from other players. Unfortunately, like other big games, its pay-to-win pivot and dated mechanics led to a decline in player engagement. Game of War: Fire Age is still active today, but it doesn't spark as much conversation as it used to.
(Image Credit: Machine Zone)
6. Spaceteam
Spaceteam is a chaotic multiplayer party game that requires players to shout ridiculous commands at each other to prevent their spaceship from crashing. With these unique mechanics involved, it's not hard to see why the game became a cult favorite after its release in 2012. Spaceteam is still available today, and, while it's still fondly remembered, the game's novelty has run out.
(Image Credit: Sleeping Beast Games)
5. Temple Run
The endless runner genre on mobile owes a lot to Temple Run and its sequels. The franchise popularized swipe-based controls and high-score chasing. The original title was once the go-to game for many who wanted to kill some time, but as competitors, such as Subway Surfers, refined the formula, Temple Run quickly lost its relevance.
(Image Credit: Imangi Studios)
4. Vainglory
Vainglory is a visually stunning MOBA that once represented the future of mobile esports. Sadly, the game struggled to compete with larger titles that offered a similar gameplay experience. On top of that, the developers, Rogue Games, ended support for Vainglory in 2020. They cited "astronomical" server costs, the threat of COVID-19, and the development of a spin-off titled Vainglory All Stars as the reasons for doing so. Vainglory is still available for download on selected platforms, such as iOS.
(Image Credit: Rogue Games / Super Evil Megacorp)
3. Agar.io
Agar.io became a viral hit with its simple yet addictive cell-eating gameplay. All players had to do was become the biggest cell in the server by eating blobs and other players. While the hype carried the game for some time, the lack of evolution with its gameplay and waning virality meant the game was left behind and treated as nothing more than a trending game. An honorable mention would be Slither.io, a sequel that followed similar mechanics to Agar.io.
(Image Credit: Matheus Valadares / Miniclip)
2. Jetpack Joyride
Jetpack Joyride is a timeless endless runner that has a distinct personality to it. The game was, for a long period of time in the early 2010s, a staple in any mobile gamer's phone. Its popularity began to wane over the years, as many of the game's original fans moved on to other titles.
(Image Credit: Halfbrick Studios)
1. Hay Day
Hay Day was one of Supercell's early massive hits, as it hit the ground running after its 2012 release. The game features a farming simulator gameplay experience where players can engage with the various farming and trading mechanics. While still active to this day, it no longer commands the same cultural relevance as it did during its peak. The game receives sparse updates, but it can still provide some entertainment if you're a fan of this genre.
(Image Credit: Supercell)
Making it big in the mobile gaming scene can be difficult. But, arguably, the more challenging part is sustaining the same level of success after a game has reached incredible heights. Some have done it better than others, and that's why they continue to be talked about to this day. Others... well, others disappear from the limelight. That's what we'll be talking about today. This list will showcase 20 mobile games that became irrelevant not long after they became huge hits. They've slowly been forgotten about over the years, and haven't quite received the same player engagement since they got big.
