Seoul, South Korea – Pikmin Bloom, a mobile augmented reality (AR) game designed to encourage walking, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity among South Korea's Gen Z demographic, with user numbers surging 1,350% in just two months.

According to a recent mobile index report by iGAworks, Pikmin Bloom ranked fourth in the monthly active user category for mobile games in November, with 1,446,791 users. The game, which was initially launched in 2021 by Niantic, the creators of Pokémon Go, had previously hovered around 40,000 to 50,000 monthly users. However, its popularity exploded in September, reaching 100,193 users, and continued to grow rapidly, hitting nearly 1.5 million users in October. The game's popularity was further fueled by the endorsement of popular K-pop girl group NewJeans, whose members were spotted playing the game.

Unlike Pokémon Go, which often involves competitive gameplay and item collection, Pikmin Bloom promotes a more serene and calming experience. Players simply walk around their neighborhoods, planting seeds and nurturing the resulting Pikmin creatures. The game's focus on leisurely exploration and mindfulness has made it a popular choice for those seeking a digital detox.

The recent addition of a social feature, allowing players to connect with friends, has further contributed to the game's popularity. Users have been sharing their gameplay on social media, leading to a viral trend.

The majority of Pikmin Bloom players are young women, with 77% of users identified as female. Additionally, a significant portion of the player base falls within the 10-20 age group (56.2%) and the 20s (32.5%).

While real-time shooter Brawl Stars topped the overall mobile game rankings with 2.09 million users, followed by Roblox (1.58 million) and Royal Match (1.47 million), Pikmin Bloom's rapid growth highlights the growing demand for more casual and relaxing mobile gaming experiences.

Note: The English translation strives to maintain the original article's tone and style while ensuring clarity and accuracy. Some minor adjustments may have been made for better readability in English.

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