The global mobile gaming market is expected to grow to $46.1 billion by the end of 2017, according to Newzoo.

The market intelligence firm has released its latest Global Games Market Report for 2017, which studies current trends in gaming and makes predictions about how the market will change across the coming months.

Smartphone games are expected to be the largest market, growing 22% year-on-year to $35.3 billion. The tablet gaming market is also expected to grow by 11.4% year-on-year to $10.8 billion.

Big in the East

China is predicted to be the largest gaming market overall, generating $27.5 billion in revenues by the end of 2017. The US follows in second place with $25 billion, while Japan takes third place with $12.5 billion.

In more general trends, Newzoo is predicting that smartphones will see a "new wave of innovation". Flexible screens, better batteries, and the inclusion of AR and VR on devices are expected throughout 2017.

The firm is also predicting a renewed interest in Chinese products coming to the West as the global games market becomes more aligned in terms of business practices and franchises.

The full report can be found on Newzoo's website.