Mobile gaming has evolved tremendously from the early days of simple arcade titles like Snake. Now, mobile games can provide experiences on par with console and PC games, especially with controllers like the Backbone One and Razer Kishi turning smartphones into portable consoles.

Here are 14 of the best and most popular mobile games to play on iOS and Android devices this year, spanning various genres from first-person shooters to relaxing puzzle games.

Action and Adventure Mobile Games

Call of Duty: Mobile

This fast-paced FPS brings the full Call of Duty experience to mobile, allowing players to battle in multiplayer matches and complete single-player missions. It offers customizable controls and high-quality graphics.

Garena Free Fire MAX

As a battle royale mobile game, Free Fire MAX pits up to 50 players against each other on an island. Players must scavenge for weapons and survive as the play zone shrinks. Daily redeem codes offer free in-game rewards.

Hungry Shark World

In this action-packed game, players control a shark roaming the ocean for prey. There are many shark species to unlock, each with unique abilities. The goal is to eat everything in sight and avoid dangers.

Role-Playing Games

Raid: Shadow Legends

Collect champions, upgrade gear, and dominate in PvP arena battles in this immersive RPG. Raid offers stunning visuals, addictive gameplay, and regular new content updates.

Cat Quest II

This adorable action RPG supports co-op multiplayer. Players customize cat or dog adventurers and embark on a quest full of magic and battles. The charming art style makes it perfect for all ages.

Strategy and Puzzle Games

Slay the Spire

In this roguelike card game, players battle monsters and choose cards wisely to construct a powerful deck. With many characters and relics to unlock, Slay the Spire offers endless strategic fun.

Monument Valley

Players guide a silent princess through beautiful Escher-esque monuments in this indie puzzle game. It requires creative thinking to navigate the optical illusions and impossible architecture.

Candy Crush Saga

This wildly popular match-three puzzle game features colorful candy pieces to match and clear off the board. With thousands of levels, it’s perfect for killing time or challenging friends.

Augmented Reality Mobile Games

Pokémon GO

Catch Pokémon in the real world, build your collection, and use your Pokémon to battle in gyms. This AR game encourages exploring cities to find new creatures.

With engrossing gameplay, stunning graphics, and variety for all interests, these mobile game hits are sure to provide endless entertainment over the coming year and beyond.

An 18-year-old hacker was recently sentenced to remain indefinitely in a high-security British hospital prison after leaking footage of the upcoming video game Grand Theft Auto VI. The hacker, who has autism, was deemed a continued danger to the public due to his intent to keep carrying out cybercrimes if released.

Key factors considered during sentencing included the hacker’s violent behavior while in custody, with reports of injuries and property damage; a mental health evaluation that found he still strongly wished to engage in hacking activities immediately; and his previous cyberattacks on companies like GTA developer Rockstar Games, Uber, and Nvidia.

As a result, the hacker received an indefinite hospital order, meaning he must stay in the secure hospital facility unless doctors determine he no longer poses a threat. He had previously leaked 90 clips from Rockstar Games’ forthcoming Grand Theft Auto VI game.

Fans of the popular battle royale game Garena Free Fire have a daily opportunity to redeem special codes for exclusive in-game rewards. However, the codes expire quickly so players need to act fast.

Free Fire, with its immersive, fast-paced 10-minute matches and vibrant graphics, has won over gamers globally. Players compete to be the last one standing in a virtual arena, showing off their survival skills.

New redeem codes are available daily on the game’s official website, reward.ff.garena.com. By logging in with their social media accounts, players can claim active codes to receive free gifts including weapons, diamonds, and stylish skins.

The developers regularly issue fresh codes to give players chances to gain in-game treasures. The latest Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for December 23, 2023 include vouchers like HHNAT6VKQ9R7, TDK4JWN6RD6, FFDBGQWPNHJX, V44ZZ5YY7CBS, and XFW4Z6Q882WY.

It’s crucial that players redeem codes while logged into their Free Fire account, not through a Guest account. Also, codes expire quickly when new ones replace them, so players should check for updated active codes daily.

A glimpse into the future of Grand Theft Auto has arrived. Rockstar Games unveiled a trailer for the hotly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI this week after footage leaked online, confirming the next installment in the hit franchise that shaped open-world games as we know them.

While plot details remain tightly guarded, the trailer indicates GTA VI will launch in 2025 for current generation consoles. Rumblings in the gaming community suggest some special high-tier editions could carry a staggering $150 price tag — but the base game will likely stick to the standard $70 pricing that has become commonplace for new AAA releases.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick previously floated the idea of variable game pricing based on content volume and longevity. If applied to a title as expansive and enduring as GTA, this metric could justify a higher cost. For now, the 2025 release date is set; the price for most buyers remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: when GTA VI hits PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, it will be an event years in the making.