Today we're kicking off the eighth edition of the annual PocketGamer.biz Top 50 Developer list.

Carefully selected by the PocketGamer.biz's team of mobile experts, the list rounds up the hottest mobile games companies from across the industry.

It includes developers big and small from North America through to Europe and Asia.

Mobile’s influencers

It’s based on a combination of factors: the studios making the most exciting games, the innovators, the money-makers and those that have successfully expanded their business since our 2016 top 50.

While money is a major factor, we’ve tried to ensure this list takes into account the global nature of the industry, rewards innovation and design, as well as those keeping games running for the long haul.

We’ll be counting down 10 games companies each day, starting with 50 to 41, which you can read here.

The final top 10 will be unveiled on Friday, September 29th.

Note: Our list was compiled during June to August 2017, with additional information added during September 2017.