The gaming industry is booming at the moment, and mobile gaming is no exception. Although when you think of video games a mobile phone is not always the first thing to come to mind, the technological developments that mobile phones have undergone and continue to do so are increasing the potential for mobile gaming all the time. It is a more accessible medium, particularly for more casual players, and the prevalence of microtransactions within mobile gaming is lucrative for game developers. Here are the top reasons that we think mobile gaming is the future:
Mobile gaming is more accessible to casual players
Mobile phones open up the accessibility of gaming. Even starting from the basics such as price point, mobile gaming allows users to try out games without being forced to spend hundreds of pounds on a gaming-exclusive console. A huge number of people already own a smartphone, so will not be deterred by the price. Additionally, with the number of people that already own mobile devices that can support gaming, there is a significantly wider market for potential gamers which means that companies have more opportunities to market to more expansive audiences.
Mobile gaming encourages microtransactions
One positive to mobile gaming is that mobile games tend to encourage regular microtransactions. Whether this is in the form of free-to-play games which offer players the opportunity to spend real money to progress, buy certain cosmetic items, or even access bonus levels, microtransactions are a key player in the success of mobile gaming. Particularly in a time when most people’s bank cards are linked to their phones, mobile games are a prime platform to enable real-money transactions with just a few clicks. Whether you’re buying a new skin on a mobile first-person shooter game or you’re placing bets on online slot games, microtransactions are expected in mobile gaming and can be a great way for developers to increase profits.
Smartphone technology is always rapidly advancing
Every year that goes by sees the release of new phones which are faster, more powerful, and have even more new and exciting features. Although console gaming is taking steps to improve in several different ways, mobile advancements seem to be increasing in leaps and bounds. From better quality graphics to increased memory and processing speed, there are so many improvements being made to mobile devices which can serve to better the mobile gaming industry.
There have also been recent releases of gaming phones which offer features that aren’t offered on regular phones such as shoulder triggers, built-in cooling systems, a dedicated ‘gaming mode’, and even previously standardized features such as a headphone jack. Although a gaming phone is by no means necessary to play games on a mobile device, for players who are using their phones to play games competitively this could open up more opportunities, as well as open a market for game developers.
Mobiles are perfect for on-the-go gaming
With the world opening up again after the pandemic and years of lockdown, people are once again spending hours each week commuting to and from workplaces, schools, and colleges. With this, it means that gamers have significantly less time each day to play console video games, but are on their phone more often. This could lead to an increase in people looking to play mobile games and developers may spot an opportunity in the market there.
Overall, the increased accessibility of mobile gaming in comparison to console gaming opens up the industry to a significantly wider range of players. The advancements in mobile technology are constantly challenging the limitations of mobile gaming, and this is an industry that is growing, soon to become a real competition to console gaming.