Quest’s Most Popular Game ‘Gorilla Tag’ is Going Mobile in ‘Monke Mayhem’ Next Year

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Gorilla Tag, Quest’s top game, will be released on iOS and Android as ‘Monke Mayhem’ next year. The mobile version will differ in gameplay but aims to attract its core audience and boost revenue.

Gorilla Tag, the most popular game on Quest, is set to launch on mobile platforms as a standalone title called Monke Mayhem next year, expanding its reach beyond VR headsets. The announcement was made by An anonymous Axiom, with the game expected to be free-to-play on iOS and Android, though other platforms are yet to be confirmed. This move signifies a major shift for the game, which has thrived in the VR space since its 2021 early access release.

At GorillaCon 2026, held during VidCon last week, Axiom showcased a work-in-progress version of Monke Mayhem. The mobile game will support up to 50 players per instance, with previous experiments supporting up to 75 players in other titles like Orion Drift. The game will retain the core fun of Gorilla Tag, though it will replace the original’s arm-swinging locomotion with on-screen controls, adapting gameplay for touchscreen devices.

While Axiom has not released recent revenue figures, it previously announced that Gorilla Tag surpassed $100 million in revenue in mid-2024, with approximately 3 million monthly active users. The mobile adaptation aims to capitalize on the game’s popularity among teens and pre-teens, potentially increasing its audience and revenue streams. The studio indicated that broad testing will occur soon, and further platform support may be announced later.

Impact of Mobile Release on Gorilla Tag’s Popularity

The move to mobile could significantly expand Gorilla Tag’s audience, especially among younger players who prefer smartphones over VR headsets. This expansion could lead to increased revenue, considering the game’s existing popularity and high engagement levels. However, the change in gameplay mechanics may alter the experience for existing fans, raising questions about how well the game will adapt to touchscreen controls and whether it will maintain its core appeal.

Gorilla Tag’s Growth and VR Market Trends

Since its initial release in early 2021, Gorilla Tag has become one of Quest’s most-downloaded titles, with a dedicated player base. The game’s success has coincided with a broader trend of VR developers seeking to extend their reach by launching flat-screen versions of their titles. Other examples include Vertigo Games’ Arizona Sunshine and Polyarc’s Moss, reflecting a strategic shift to tap into mobile and PC audiences to sustain growth and revenue.

In 2024, Gorilla Tag’s revenue exceeded $100 million, highlighting its commercial viability. The upcoming mobile version indicates Axiom’s strategy to further capitalize on its popularity, especially as the VR market faces challenges related to hardware adoption and market saturation.

“We are excited to bring Gorilla Tag to mobile devices as a standalone experience. While the gameplay will differ, our goal is to preserve the fun and social aspects that made the original so popular.”

— an anonymous Axiom representative

Unconfirmed Details About Mobile Version Features

It is not yet clear how closely Monke Mayhem will resemble the original Gorilla Tag in terms of gameplay mechanics, or how the transition from VR to touchscreen controls will affect player experience. Details about monetization, platform support beyond iOS and Android, and the game’s full feature set remain undisclosed. Additionally, the timeline for public testing and official release has not been confirmed beyond the general next year target.

Upcoming Testing and Release Timeline for Monke Mayhem

Axiom plans to conduct broad testing of Monke Mayhem soon, with further platform announcements likely to follow. The studio has indicated that the game will launch on iOS and Android next year, with more details on features and support to be shared as development progresses. Observers will be watching for player feedback during testing phases to gauge how well the game translates to mobile devices.

Key Questions

Will Gorilla Tag’s gameplay change on mobile?

Yes, the mobile version will replace the original arm-swinging locomotion with on-screen controls, which may alter the gameplay experience.

Is the mobile game free to play?

Yes, Monke Mayhem is planned to be a free-to-play game on iOS and Android platforms.

Will the original VR version of Gorilla Tag remain exclusive to VR headsets?

Yes, the original VR version is expected to stay exclusive to VR headsets, with no announced plans for a mobile port of the VR experience.

When will the game be available to players?

The mobile version is scheduled to launch sometime next year, with broad testing expected to occur before the official release.

Could the mobile version support multiplayer gameplay?

Yes, the game is expected to support multiplayer, with up to 50 players per instance, similar to the original’s social gameplay focus.

Source: Road to VR