The days of needing bulky PC software or expensive machines to play high-quality games are long gone. In the modern day, smartphones have made games more accessible than ever, revolutionizing the entertainment industry.
Crucially, mobile gaming allows users to move beyond physical or location barriers. Since people have their smartphones with them almost all the time, there is no requirement to be in a certain location or have access to a certain specific device. Whether traveling via public transport, taking a break at work or even lounging at home, anyone can partake in mobile gaming at any time.
Why has mobile gaming grown in popularity
Mobile games do not even require any time spent waiting for an app to load. The time it takes from selecting an app to loading up your latest save is mere seconds. The speed at which these games are accessible has changed drastically in the last decade, as has the quality of the games involved.
Many mobile games even allow for gambling or betting, with many bookmakers allowing users to bet on competitive events hosted on mobile games, such as League of Legends. If you’d like to join in, why not use these 50 free chip no deposit bonus codes with Slotozilla and join in the fun?
The evolution and accessibility of mobile gaming
One of the other benefits of mobile gaming in comparison to classic gaming machines is its accessibility. Many smartphone users know how to use a phone with touchscreen capabilities and are far more secure doing so than using a keyboard or specialized controller to play games. This familiarity makes it far easier for anyone with a mobile device to download a game and begin playing immediately. And, there is no learning period required to understand how to play.
The diversity of mobile gaming has snowballed in the last decade. Games might range from traditional board games converted online such as Chess or Cluedo to immersive role-playing games, playable on consoles or computers, such as Fortnite or EAFC. Whatever you are in the mood for, mobile games can cater to your interests. They are essentially limitless when it comes to your preferences.
How has the development of technology helped
The development of technology means that smartphones that fit into your hand come with the same level of hardware that would be more powerful than even computers of a few years ago. These games are seamless on a mobile. And while smartphones of a decade ago would not have been able to cope with high-quality games, the development of the technology means this is no longer the case.
According to a recent report by Newzoo, mobile gaming now constitutes nearly 50% of the global games market. This surpasses the combined market of console and PC gaming. Mobile game revenue reached a whopping $91.8bn in 2022, which many purchasers, not those who might be considered classic “gamer” types. This accessibility enabling more people to access gaming has led to previously casual games becoming regular players of famous games such as Candy Crush Saga or Pokemon GO. The accessibility has allowed millions worldwide to change their perception of what gaming really is.
One development has been augmented reality (AR) games. Something that was previously impossible on mobile devices but has changed as technology has developed. Games such as Pokemon GO or Harry Potter: Wizards United have brought AR into mainstream mobile gaming. AR technology not only produces innovative gameplay mechanics. It also encourages physical activity, as players have to move around in the real world to develop their levels and skills within the game.
Mobile gaming has changed how we interact socially
A further trend in mobile gaming is how social and multiplayer games have developed. Games such as Among Us enable players to interact and compete with each other in real time. Regardless of their physical location worldwide! This trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic when these games offered communities the chance to connect during a time of isolation.
As well as connecting, many games also offer a cross-platform option. This means that users can play with their friends not just from anywhere but regardless of what device they use. It means one user could use their mobile phone while another is on a games console and another is on a laptop. Mobile gaming allows for this collaboration irrespective of the device used. And it is a huge reason for its growth in recent years. Now that mobile gaming is so widespread and makes up such a huge market for gaming worldwide, mobile phones are driving technological advancement. And not just benefiting from them. This push means that developers must improve hardware such as processors and displays with each new make of phone that is released.
Beyond the technical investments, network infrastructure constantly improving is helping to support the growing needs of mobile gamers. 5G being rolled out worldwide enables users to play mobile gaming with a faster and more reliable internet connection. It means that more complex games or those that require online collaboration can be played by gamers with no issue.
Economic impact and challenges in the mobile gaming industry
With this development, there’s also the added economic impact of mobile gaming in the entertainment industry in areas. Such as job creation and market expansion. Given the industry is worth nearly $100bn a year, and projections show growth will increase, revenue generation is not just limited to sales of games. Additional in-app purchases, adverts, and paid subscriptions mean an increase in revenue.
This, of course, means that the industry requires new jobs to keep these fields afloat. Not only do game creators make more money. But the marketing, admin, and management of these games also create jobs for others, allowing thousands of professionals to benefit from the boom in mobile gaming. It is not just the players who benefit from it. Despite the obvious successes, there are concerns from some users about safety, with many games collecting user data that, in some cases, is sold worldwide. Ensuring data privacy and protecting users will be of increased importance as the industry continues to grow.
There is also the dilemma of market saturation. This is because thousands upon thousands of new games released for mobiles every single year. To stand out in a crowded market, creators must strive to find new and innovative ways of playing and market effectively. Also, they must ensure adequate investment. It is a competitive industry. And this competition is only likely to improve the output of creators in future years.
Join the revolution
Mobile gaming has revolutionized the entertainment industry by creating new trends, engaging diverse and broad audiences, and driving the advancement of relevant technology. No longer is a large or clunky computer required to play state-of-the-art games. In fact, almost all of us now have these high-tech mobile phones sitting in our pockets. You might even be reading this on one of them.
