PocketGamer.biz's top 50 mobile developers of 2014 starts here

Doesn't time fly?

Five years ago, we launched our first annual rundown of the best mobile game developers in the world, and this year's selection is more vibrant, exciting and global than ever.

But, of course, that's only to be expected given the industry itself is more vibrant, exciting and global that ever before.

As for the unveiling, we'll be kicking off the countdown with numbers 50 to 41, highlighting another 10 every day this week - all presented thanks to our sponsors Chinese developer, publisher and engine outfit Chukong Technologies and Applifier's Everyplay gameplay video sharing technology.

The countdown will also include our special 10 To Watch list of the upcoming studios we think could be challenging for 2015's list.

A who's who?

Comparing 2014's entries to last year, there are 13 new entries compared to 19 new entries in 2013.

Three of these are from Korea and three from Europe, two each are from the US, China and Japan, and one from Russia.

Three of these new entries go straight into the top 10, and demonstrating the region's growing power over the past 12 months, two are from Korea, although the highest new entry is from the US.

These trends underline the global nature of the industry, also reminding us that today's newcomers can quickly become tomorrow's leaders.

Yet, let's not forget the six companies who have been sequentially listed for each of the past five years; Backflip Studios, DeNA, EA Mobile, Gameloft, Gamevil and Glu Mobile may have had various ups and downs over the years, but they also demonstrate while form is temporary, class remains permanent.

You can see how the countdown develops here, or check out the 2013, 2012 and 2011 lists while you're waiting.