Some 218 billion apps were downloaded in 2020, representing a 7% growth over the previous year. That’s according to new data from AdColony.

Overall, users spent 4.2 hours per day using their mobile devices which was 20% higher than in 2019.

These changes were driven by COVID-related lockdowns.

Among the top mobile game downloads, 78% were casual games.

Some 45% of apps used during Q1 2021 were games and 36% of gamers said they played more games compared to before the pandemic.

Mobile games were cited as a top way to relieve stress and tension during unprecedented times.

The top ten casual games accounted for some 80 million installs during the first two weeks of 2021 alone.

But it’s not just gaming that saw app usage spike. A fifth of users also discovered new products using their smartphones.

Digging deeper into shifting consumer behaviour, AdColony found that people spent 8% more time in games than watching TV and 18% paid for apps while 14% of gamers made in-app purchases.

Meanwhile, reaching consumers through mobile games is still an effective way to engage with target audiences.

Consumers are expected to spend $120 billion on mobile games this year.

The reasons for game play vary from wanting to pass some time (48%) to relaxing (44%) and keeping the mind active (33%).