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May 13, 2025

We are delighted to announce the finalists of the 2025 Mobile AppDev Awards. These awards celebrate creativity and excellence in mobile game design, spotlighting last year's most impactful innovations.

 

Now in its fourth year, the awards have expanded to include non-gaming apps, honoring their inventive use of engagement, social, and AI-powered features.

 

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2025 Mobile AppDev Awards

Liftoff is proud to honor the exceptional work of the mobile game studios shaping the future of gaming through user-centric innovation and monetization success.

Now in its fourth year, the awards are also recognizing standout achievements in non-gaming apps, celebrating their innovative approaches to user engagement, social interaction, and AI integration. This expansion marks the debut of AppRefinery, Liftoff's new insights platform built to empower smarter app development and growth.

From captivating collaboration events to immersive narrative experiences, the nominees represent the forefront of innovation in mobile app development.

The winners will be announced on May 13th, 2025.

The five midcore & casual award categories are:

  • Best Collaboration Event
  • Best Social Event
  • Best Minigame
  • Best Newcomer
  • Biggest Evolver

The four non-gaming app award categories are:

  • Best Feature Innovation
  • Best Use of Engagement Features
  • Excellence in Social Features
  • Excellence in AI-Powered Features

Best Collaboration Event

 

 

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Bringing together beloved IPs in a mobile gaming event, these collaborations showcase the power of synergy and creativity, offering players a unique and memorable experience.

For deeper insights into the live event update, log in to your GameRefinery account.

MIDCORE FINALISTS:

  • Summoners War x Jujutsu Kaisen, Publisher: Com2uS
    • Summoners War's collaboration with the globally popular manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen resulted in the game's highest daily revenues in years. The event introduced a wide array of collaboration content, including exclusive missions, original PvE challenges, and special rewards such as limited-time Jujutsu Kaisen Scrolls, enabling players to summon collaboration characters. A highlight was the dedicated Event Dungeon, where players battled familiar villains from the series in multi-stage, weekly refreshed encounters—delivering both challenge and fan service in equal measure.
  • PUBG Mobile x Venom: The Last Dance, Publisher: Tencent
    • The Venom: The Last Dance event in PUBG Mobile delivered a standout crossover, seamlessly integrating symbiote-themed gameplay into the battle royale experience. Beyond the standard task-based events and minigames, the collaboration introduced exclusive, limited-time features inspired by the film. Players could wield Venom's powers—such as the Black Symbiote Arm, which enabled object manipulation and rapid movement—and even ride warhorses, just like in the movie. These immersive additions brought a cinematic, action-packed twist to the core gameplay.
  • Brawl Stars x Spongebob Squarepants, Publisher: Supercell
    • The Brawl Stars collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants extended the game's strong performance while experimenting with novel mechanics, such as temporary power boosts applied to specific character classes like tanks and healers. A standout addition was the Jellyfishing game mode, which creatively merged elements from both universes. The IPs share similar audiences and a playful tone, so the collaboration resonated deeply with fans, making it one of the event highlights of the year.
  • Goddess of Victory: NIKKE x Dave the Diver: Aegis the Diver, Publisher: Level Infinite
    • In a unique crossover, Goddess of Victory: NIKKE brought the charm of Dave the Diver to mobile through the Aegis the Diver event. Featuring a full recreation of the original's pixel art aesthetic and gameplay mechanics, the event allowed players to dive, fish, and manage a restaurant using NIKKE characters. Complete with missions, a purchasable battle pass, and unlockable rewards, the event served as the first mobile-playable experience of Dave the Diver, which remains a PC/console exclusive. A bonus cosmetic—a themed boat skin—was also available via a special code redemption.
  • Diablo Immortal x World of Warcraft: Eternal War, Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
    • To commemorate World of Warcraft's 20th anniversary, Diablo Immortal launched the Eternal War event—a faithful and ambitious crossover of two of Blizzard's most iconic franchises. The event featured classic Warcraft content, including the Fallen Citadel PvE mode, a multi-phase boss battle against the Lich King that authentically captured the essence of Wrath of the Lich King, and Cutthroat Basin PvP mode, a Diablo Immortal adaptation of Arathi Basin, complete with faction-based objectives. Players could also earn iconic Warcraft cosmetics like Frostmourne, Thunderfury, and items inspired by Illidan Stormrage and Murlocs, enriching the experience for long-time fans.

CASUAL FINALISTS:

  • Stumble Guys x My Hero Academia, Publisher: Scopely
    • The Stumble Guys' collaboration with My Hero Academia stood out for its thoughtful integration of the anime's core themes and mechanics. Central to the event was the introduction of Quirks, signature superpowers from the series cleverly adapted as special abilities within various gameplay modes. The update also debuted the Hero Exam race map, an MHA-themed obstacle course that captured the high-stakes energy of the anime's Hero Exams. Alongside this, a wide range of exclusive skins and cosmetics—available via the collaboration Battle Pass and other in-game events—brought beloved characters to life in the Stumble Guys universe. The collaboration struck a strong balance between fan service and gameplay innovation, making it feel both authentic and highly engaging.
  • Mob Control x Transformers, Publisher: Voodoo
    • Mob Control broke new ground for hybrid casual games by becoming one of the first titles in the genre to incorporate IP collaborations as a central part of its live event strategy. Its multi-season partnership with Transformers introduced themed Battle Passes, unique in-game content, and special events that blended the game's hyper-casual mechanics with the iconic characters and lore of the Transformers franchise. This approach not only deepened player engagement but also set a new precedent for how hybrid casual titles can scale their live ops through well-executed brand partnerships.
  • Sky: Children of the Light x Moomin, Publisher: Thatgamecompany
    • The Sky: Children of the Light collaboration with Moomin was a visually and emotionally resonant event, especially impactful in Japan, where it delivered the game's highest performance spikes of 2024. Rooted in a shared emphasis on emotional storytelling and whimsical world-building, the collaboration created a serene and immersive experience that felt entirely natural within Sky's universe. While its commercial impact varied across regions, the event was widely praised for its artistic integrity and sensitive integration of the beloved Moomin characters.
  • Grand Harvest x Snoopy: Snoopy's Camp, Publisher: Supertreat - A Playtika Studio
    • While IP collaborations in the puzzle space remain relatively uncommon, Solitaire Grand Harvest has become a standout through its recurring partnership with the Snoopy brand. Across multiple seasonal events—including major activations in August and December—the game embraced a full thematic transformation, with standard event formats reskinned using Snoopy assets and levels redesigned to reflect familiar Peanuts-style environments. These collaborations reinforced the game's creative adaptability and delivered nostalgic charm that resonated with players of all ages.
  • Monopoly GO! x Marvel, Publisher: Scopely
    • Monopoly GO! partnered with Marvel for an extended collaboration lasting over two months, during which many of the game's staple events were reskinned with Marvel-themed UI, characters, and cosmetic rewards. The collaboration wasn't limited to in-game content—it also served as a user acquisition tool, with Marvel branding prominently featured in ad creatives across various channels. By aligning one of the world's most recognizable franchises with the mechanics of Monopoly GO!, the event boosted both player engagement and campaign visibility.

Best Social Event

 

 

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Reimagining social and competitive dynamics in gaming, these innovative titles introduce groundbreaking features that foster community engagement and exhilarating competition.

MIDCORE FINALISTS:

  • Legend of Mushroom - Age of Discovery, seasonal 4x mode/event, Publisher: Joy Net Games
    • The Age of Discovery event introduced a seasonal 4X strategy mode to Legend of Mushroom, significantly expanding the scope of an idle RPG already rich in social and gameplay features. This ambitious addition demonstrated the developer's intent to diversify the game's strategic, social, and competitive layers, offering players a deeper and more varied experience.
  • Squad Busters - Piñata Festival, Publisher: Supercell
    • The Piñata Festival is a recurring social event in Squad Busters, encouraging players to team up with friends to collect piñata sticks during matches and unlock rewards. While cooperative partner events are common in casual games, they are still relatively rare in midcore titles. This event stands out for its consistency and appeal, having become a regular weekend activation designed to boost player activity and social interaction.
  • League of Legends: Wild Rift - Arcane: Battle of Twin Cities, Publisher: Riot Games
    • Created to support the launch of Arcane Season 2 on Netflix, Battle of Twin Cities was a dynamic social competition within Wild Rift. Players aligned with either the Piltover or Zaun faction, competing for territorial dominance on an interactive battle map. Progress was driven by completing missions—ranging from Arcane-themed trivia challenges to traditional MOBA matches—with each contribution pushing their faction closer to victory. The event was part of the broader Cheers to Arcane campaign, offering a seamless integration of entertainment IP and live game content.
  • Diablo Immortal - Howler Hunt, Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
    • Howler Hunt brought social deduction gameplay—popularised by titles like Among Us—to the Diablo Immortal universe. Set within the game's dark and atmospheric world, this limited-time mode featured Adventurer players completing tasks while trying to uncover and eliminate disguised Howler players before being taken down themselves. The event was a novel addition to the MMORPG genre, blending deception mechanics with the franchise's signature aesthetic and gameplay depth.
  • Free Fire - Outlaw, Publisher: Garena
    • Outlaw introduced a highly original social mode to Free Fire, diverging from traditional shooter formats with persistent role-play elements. Players entered a continuous session where they chose to play as either agents or gangsters—each with distinct objectives and progressions that carried over across play sessions. The mode offered an experience reminiscent of Roblox's Jailbreak, combining open-ended gameplay and social dynamics in a way rarely seen in competitive shooters.

CASUAL FINALISTS:

  • Roblox - The Games, Publisher: Roblox Corporation
    • The Games was a large-scale, platform-wide event that brought together Roblox creators, social team-based competition, and content from 50 participating games. Players joined one of five creator-led teams and contributed by completing tasks both in a dedicated event hub and within the 50 featured games. The hub also featured a cooperative boss battle as part of the event tasks, further enhancing the collaborative, community-driven experience. The event showcased the full potential of Roblox's creator ecosystem, social features, and cross-game event integration.
  • Phase 10 - Pirate Duel, Publisher: Mattel163
    • The Pirate Duel event introduced a fresh take on casual 1v1 competitive gameplay by merging traditional card game mechanics with the strategic flair of the classic Battleship board game. Players faced off by earning Cannonballs through core level progression and using them to target and sink their opponent's ships before their own were destroyed. This inventive twist on head-to-head play has since become a recurring feature in Phase 10's competitive event rotation, adding both novelty and replay value.
  • Monopoly GO! - Tycoon Racers, Publisher: Scopely
    • Tycoon Racers is a competitive evolution of Monopoly GO's popular cooperative "Partners" event format, which helped set a trend across the casual games market. In this version, players form teams of four and compete against other teams by accumulating points individually through core gameplay. The team with the highest collective score emerges victorious. Scopely has regularly reused this format with fresh themes—such as a Marvel-inspired edition—making it a cornerstone of Monopoly GO's live events strategy.
  • Triple Match 3D - Global Animal Challenge, Publisher: Boombox Games
    • The Global Animal Challenge introduced a unique, purpose-driven event that engaged players in a collective goal with real-world impact. Players contributed event points by completing puzzles, with all points combined globally across the player base. Upon reaching certain milestones, the game funded the preservation of actual animal habitats. This event stood out not only for its collaborative gameplay mechanics but also for its meaningful connection to environmental conservation.
  • Candy Crush Saga - Golden Crowns, Publisher: King
    • Golden Crowns marked the first-ever cooperative event in Candy Crush Saga, transforming the traditionally solo gameplay into a team-based challenge. Players joined forces to complete levels on their first try, earning golden crowns together. By encouraging teamwork and shared goals, this event brought a fresh layer of social interaction to one of the world's most iconic puzzle games, significantly enhancing community engagement.

Best Minigame

 

 

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Recognizing games that creatively integrate minigame mechanics, these events offer a delightful array of bite-sized challenges and entertainment, demonstrating innovative gameplay for players to enjoy.

MIDCORE FINALISTS:

  • State of Survival - Paw-some Puzzle Party, Publisher: FunPlus
    • In August, State of Survival introduced an unexpected yet delightful twist—a cat-themed Match-3 minigame event that contrasted strikingly with the game's usual gritty, post-apocalyptic setting. The event’s lighthearted visuals and engaging gameplay offered strong replayability, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Due to its success, Paw-some Puzzle Party has been reintroduced roughly every 1–2 months, establishing itself as a recurring and much-anticipated feature in the game’s event rotation.
  • League of Legends: Wild Rift - RUINATION: Kalista's Odyssey, Publisher: Riot Games
    • RUINATION: Kalista’s Odyssey offered a unique introduction to a new Champion via a roguelike-inspired minigame reminiscent of titles such as Vampire Survivors and Survivor!.io. Framed as a PvE story experience, the event followed Kalista through progressively challenging gameplay stages and featured a dedicated Challenge Mode for players seeking additional difficulty and replayability. The event was a standout example of how narrative and minigame mechanics can be successfully combined to drive both engagement and excitement around new content.
  • Whiteout Survival - Tundra Games: Kitty Rescue, Publisher: Century Games
    • As part of the broader Tundra Games event series, Whiteout Survival introduced Kitty Rescue—a skill-based minigame inspired by the hyper-casual classic Knife Hit. In this mode, players throw kunai at a rotating ice block, aiming to land them without overlap under a time constraint. Precision and timing are key, with failed attempts resetting the level and successful throws resulting in the rescue of a stranded cat. This playful minigame not only boosted engagement but also aligned with user acquisition creatives, demonstrating effective integration of gameplay and marketing.
  • Goddess of Victory: NIKKE x Dave the Diver: Aegis the Diver, Publisher: Level Infinite
    • The Aegis the Diver event was a standout collaboration in Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, faithfully recreating the acclaimed PC/console title Dave the Diver using NIKKE characters. Players explored underwater environments, gathered ingredients, and managed a pixel-art-style restaurant—mirroring the gameplay and aesthetic of the original. With missions and a purchasable battle pass, the event offered deep engagement while also serving as the first playable mobile version of Dave the Diver. A special crossover boat skin was also made available via a redeemable code, enhancing the cross-IP integration.
  • Honkai: Star Rail - Conventional Memoir: Origami Bird Clash, Publisher: MiHoYo
    • Origami Bird Clash was a standout entry in Honkai: Star Rail’s Conventional Memoirs—a live ops framework designed to continuously refresh the player experience through high-quality minigames. Far more than a basic side activity, this Match-3 minigame featured both PvE and PvP modes, complete with its own progression system and permanent in-game rewards. With polished gameplay and strategic depth, it exemplified how Honkai: Star Rail blends short-term events with long-term value for players.

CASUAL FINALISTS:

  • Match Masters - Matchinko, Publisher: Candivore
    • Match Masters elevated the trending Plinko-style minigame with Matchinko, a fresh take that seamlessly integrates into the game's long-term progression system. Rather than a standalone activity, Matchinko is directly linked to the Seasonal Stories renovation event, where players use the minigame to unlock narrative content and progress through story-driven gameplay. This integration demonstrates a clever blending of short-term gameplay mechanics with ongoing, personalized progression.
  • Love and Deepspace - Bounce, Bounce Planet, Publisher: InFold
    • Bounce, Bounce Planet was a standout addition to Love and Deepspace's summer event, offering an elaborate dice-board-style minigame with a surprising level of personalization and strategy. Players began by designing and naming a unique event avatar, then competed in four-player matches on a comic-introduced game board. Unlike traditional dice games, players could influence outcomes using items and by choosing paths at intersections—adding a strategic layer to the whimsical, social experience.
  • Homescapes - Restoration events, Publisher: Playrix
    • Building on the success of energy-based exploration events across their portfolio, Playrix introduced Restoration Events in Homescapes as a new take on limited-time side gameplay. These events shift the focus from exploration to resource collection, construction, and time management, resulting in a minigame experience reminiscent of light tycoon mechanics. The format encourages strategic planning and adds a fresh layer of variety to the traditional match-3 gameplay loop.
  • Phase 10 - Jewel Craze, Publisher: Mattel163
    • Jewel Craze takes the popular excavation minigame trend a step further by introducing treasure-themed crafting and auction elements. Players excavate gemstones, then craft them into jewelry to fulfill NPC orders or sell them via a simple auction minigame. These crafted items unlock further event progression and rewards, transforming what could be a passive mechanic into a more interactive, layered gameplay experience.
  • Merge Mansion - Secret Supply, Publisher: Metacore
    • Secret Supply marked Merge Mansion's debut into minigame events, introducing a compelling twist with a casino-style arcade machine. Players pull a lever to generate mergeable items, carefully managing limited energy to maximize the score before the machine overheats. This innovative format brought a new tempo and gameplay dimension to the title, and its launch coincided with significant performance spikes—highlighting its success both as an event and a player engagement driver.

Best Newcomer

 

 

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Honouring the standout debut titles of the year, this category celebrates fresh entries that have made a big impact through originality, quality, and early traction with players.

MIDCORE FINALISTS:

CASUAL FINALISTS:

Biggest Evolver

 

 

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Spotlighting games that have transformed significantly over time, this award recognizes titles that continue to grow through bold updates, fresh content, and evolving player experiences.

MIDCORE FINALISTS:

  • Brawl Stars, Publisher: Supercell
    • In 2024, Brawl Stars continued to evolve by experimenting with new game modes, embracing high-profile collaboration events, and introducing limited-time power-ups as a recurring feature in its major activations. Beyond events, the game also implemented meaningful changes to its core systems, including a revamp of ranked gameplay and trophy progression. These updates resonated strongly with players, and the game sustained global launch-level performance for more than half the year—underscoring its continued relevance and momentum.
  • League of Legends: Wild Rift, Publisher: Riot Games
    • Wild Rift entered a new phase in 2024, introducing a wave of new features, Champions, and interconnected live events that significantly enhanced the game's overall content cadence. Many events were designed to support Champion launches or extend across multiple activations, often including new progression layers. These strategic updates led to the game's largest revenue spikes to date and reinforced a sustained growth trend in Western markets—a positive trajectory that has been building since 2022.
  • Last War: Survival, Publisher: First Fun
    • Last War: Survival made a major leap forward in 2024 with the launch of server-based Seasons, introducing substantial new content, gameplay innovations, and time-limited events. These additions reshaped the game's core dynamics and helped distinguish it from major competitors like Whiteout Survival. Since implementing Seasons, the game has experienced notable increases in both revenue and downloads, marking a successful pivot in its LiveOps strategy.
  • Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus™, Publisher: Snowprint Studios
    • Over the course of 2024, Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus™ steadily climbed the top-grossing ranks, moving from the 200s into the 70s. The game effectively leveraged the enduring appeal of the Warhammer IP, consistently delivering content and features that engaged its passionate fanbase. Its success reflects a well-executed strategy of serving core players while broadening its reach.
  • Tokyo Debunker (JP), Publisher: ZigZaGame
    • Launched in April 2024, Tokyo Debunker quickly gained traction in the Japanese market, steadily climbing the top-grossing charts from the 140s into the 80s. The game has captivated its audience with a compelling blend of horror-romance visual novel storytelling and light RPG mechanics, offering a distinctive experience that stands out in the local mobile landscape.

CASUAL FINALISTS:

  • Hexa Sort, Publisher: Lion Studios
    • Hybrid casual puzzle games have become one of the fastest-growing subgenres in mobile gaming, and Hexa Sort stands out as a leading example. Launched in late 2023, the title quickly rose to prominence thanks to a well-executed user acquisition strategy, a tightly designed and addictive core gameplay loop, and the steady development of its live event framework. These strengths have positioned Hexa Sort as one of the defining titles in the hybrid casual puzzle space.
  • Match Factory!, Publisher: Peak Games
    • The 3D Match subgenre has gained significant traction in recent years, and in 2024, Peak Games successfully scaled Match Factory! to become a top-performing title within the category. Building on a popular core gameplay style, the game's growth was primarily driven by its expanded live ops framework, which delivered frequent, engaging events to retain and monetize its growing player base.
  • Matching Story, Publisher: Vertex Games
    • Released at the end of 2023, Matching Story distinguishes itself by blending merge-3 and match-3 mechanics to create a fresh hybrid gameplay experience. Supported by a strong live ops strategy and best-practice event design, the game successfully scaled in a highly competitive market—proving the effectiveness of its unique gameplay mix and content cadence.
  • Dice Dreams™, Publisher: SuperPlay
    • Dice Dreams™ experienced exceptional growth throughout 2024, driven by a robust and well-executed live ops strategy that consistently kept players engaged. The title's performance and sustained momentum culminated in Playtika's acquisition of SuperPlay, further underscoring the game's commercial success.
  • Seaside Escape®: Merge & Story, Publisher: Microfun
    • Seaside Escape continued to rise in the charts by staying highly responsive to event trends and consistently delivering new, engaging content. With event formats like excavation and social win streaks at its core, the game maintained strong revenue growth and broke into the top 40 grossing titles—proving its staying power in the competitive merge-2 category.

Non-Gaming AppBest Feature Innovation

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Celebrating standout app features that push the boundaries of app functionality and user experience—this category highlights forward-thinking innovation in action.

FINALISTS:

  • Chime, Publisher: Chime
    • Chime introduced an innovative feature that allows users to access their paychecks early, redefining how direct deposits and personal finance are managed. By offering faster access to funds, Chime empowers users to take greater control of their finances, setting a new standard for digital banking convenience.
  • The Weather Channel, Publisher: The Weather Channel
    • The Weather Channel's AR mode enhances traditional weather forecasting with immersive, real-time visualizations of weather conditions. Through interactive 3D augmented reality experiences, users can better understand and prepare for severe weather events in a more engaging and informative way.
  • Duolingo, Publisher: Duolingo
    • Duolingo expanded its learning experience with the launch of AI-powered video calls, enabling users to practice real-time conversations with animated, fluent-speaking characters. By simulating realistic dialogue, this feature offers a dynamic and interactive way to build language skills beyond conventional exercises.
  • DraftKings, Publisher: DraftKings
    • DraftKings' Stats Hub introduced a suite of analytical tools—including Line Moves, Consistency Sheets, and Systems & Streaks—that give users deeper insights into betting trends and player performance. By integrating this data directly into the app in a clear, actionable format, Stats Hub elevates the in-app experience and helps users make more informed decisions without needing third-party tools.
  • Google Maps, Publisher: Google
    • Improved in 2024, Google Maps' Immersive View offers a highly detailed, 3D-rendered navigation and exploration experience. From route planning to landmark discovery, this feature makes spatial orientation more intuitive and visually compelling, helping users better understand their surroundings before they begin their journey.

Non-Gaming AppBest Use of Engagement Features

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Recognizing apps that keep users coming back with compelling retention mechanics, personalized journeys, and inventive engagement strategies.

FINALISTS:

  • Instagram, Publisher: Instagram
    • Instagram's Achievements system rewards creators for engaging with a variety of platform features, such as Reels, Stories, and interactive tools. By encouraging experimentation and content diversity, the system promotes deeper engagement and strengthens the relationship between creators and the platform.
  • Spotify, Publisher: Spotify
    • Spotify's Clips feature enables artists to share short-form video content directly within the app, offering listeners behind-the-scenes access, storytelling moments, and music previews. This visual and interactive layer enhances music discovery and deepens the artist-fan connection within the streaming experience.
  • Trip.com, Publisher: Trip.com
    • TripGenie, Trip.com's AI-powered travel assistant, significantly boosted user engagement in 2024 by delivering personalized travel recommendations and streamlining the booking process. The assistant offers a seamless, conversational experience that makes trip planning more intuitive and tailored to individual preferences.
  • Calm, Publisher: Calm
    • Calm's Taptivities are short, interactive mindfulness exercises that guide users through activities like sensory activation, mental grounding, and focused breathing. Designed to fit easily into daily routines, this feature makes mindfulness more accessible and engaging—offering bite-sized well-being sessions that support everyday mental health.
  • Audible, Publisher: Audible
    • Audible enhanced its user experience with AI-powered personal recommendations that deliver tailored audiobook suggestions based on individual listening habits. This intelligent system improves content discovery, deepens user engagement, and ensures a more personalized and rewarding listening journey.

Non-Gaming AppExcellence in Social Features

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Showcasing non-gaming apps that cultivate meaningful community connections through thoughtful social design, collaboration tools, and in-app interaction.

FINALISTS:

  • Binance, Publisher: Binance
    • Binance launched the World Championships, a pioneering competitive event that significantly boosted user interaction and platform engagement. By introducing gamified competition to the crypto space, the event created new incentives for participation and community involvement at a global scale.
  • Tinder, Publisher: Tinder Inc.
    • Tinder's Profile Quiz feature invites users to create personalized quizzes that potential matches can answer, making profile exploration more interactive and fun. By encouraging deeper insights into interests and preferences, this feature helps foster more meaningful connections and authentic interactions.
  • Snapchat, Publisher: Snap
    • Snapchat introduced a new feature that allows users to design personalized homes within Snap Map, transforming the map into a more immersive and expressive social space. This update adds a unique layer of customization and enhances digital connection through playful self-expression.
  • TikTok, Publisher: TikTok Pte Ltd
    • TikTok's Flip Stories introduces a dynamic twist to storytelling by allowing creators to add a second, hidden layer to their content—unlocked by viewers through a "Hold to Flip" action. This interactive feature enhances engagement through surprise reveals, exclusive content, and multi-layered narratives.
  • BIGO LIVE, Publisher: BIGO
    • BIGO LIVE integrated AI-powered chatbots into its live streaming experience, enabling real-time, interactive conversations powered by advanced machine learning. These chatbots enhance viewer engagement, support content moderation, and deliver a more personalized and responsive user experience.

Non-Gaming App
Excellence in AI-Powered Features

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Honoring the most effective and imaginative use of AI, from personalization engines to intelligent automation that enhances the app experience in truly transformative ways.

FINALISTS:

  • Pinterest, Publisher: Pinterest
    • Pinterest enhanced its platform in 2024 through a suite of AI-powered tools that significantly improved user engagement and advertiser performance. Personalized content recommendations and creative tools—such as AI-assisted collages, which have tripled engagement compared to standard Pins—elevated the user experience. On the business side, the Performance+ suite streamlined campaign creation and optimized ad targeting, leading to increased advertiser satisfaction and revenue growth.
  • Spotify, Publisher: Spotify
    • Spotify continues to lead in AI-driven personalization with features like AI DJ, which curates music selections tailored to users' individual listening habits, and AI Playlist, which enables users to generate custom playlists from simple text prompts. These innovations have deepened user engagement and made music discovery more intuitive and enjoyable.
  • Snapchat, Publisher: Snap
    • In 2024, Snapchat furthered its commitment to creativity and personalization by integrating generative AI across the platform. Users can now create custom AR lenses, stickers, and avatar enhancements powered by advanced AI models. Additionally, the My AI chatbot received significant upgrades, delivering more interactive and dynamic conversations.
  • Instagram, Publisher: Instagram
    • Instagram continued its focus on AI-powered creativity in 2024 with tools like AI Stickers, which generate unique visuals from text prompts, and intelligent image-editing features such as Expand Your Image. These enhancements empower users to produce more customized, engaging content with ease.
  • Duolingo, Publisher: Duolingo
    • Duolingo expanded its AI capabilities with AI Conversation Partners, enabling users to engage in realistic, simulated video calls with animated characters to practice speaking. Additionally, new AI-driven mini-games like DuoRadio and Adventures brought storytelling and interactive learning into the app, offering users a more immersive and practical approach to language acquisition.