Mobile gaming was once reserved for basic games that didn’t require a lot of power but were entertaining.
These casual games pushed gaming into the mainstream, with people from all walks of life downloading titles to play during their breaks at work or while waiting in line at the store.
Over the past decade, smartphone technology has improved at an impressive rate, and today’s phones are capable of handling many high-end games that would have been impossible to play on a mobile device just a few years ago.
While consoles and gaming PCs continue to have a large following, mobile gaming and cloud gaming is now competing with them and has become a multi-billion dollar industry.
Mobile games are so appealing because they let people play their favorite titles on the go, anywhere, and at any time. In this article, we look at the impact of mobile games on the gaming industry as a whole.
Mobile Gaming is Booming around the World at a rate of 83% Mobile VS Desktop
Mobile gaming has experienced unprecedented growth and now accounts for about 50% of global gaming revenue. A lot of this has to do with the ubiquity of powerful smartphones that have allowed people to play popular titles without needing to invest in expensive PCs or consoles.
Titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact have attracted millions of players worldwide. Many of these titles are free to play but offer in-app purchases, so there’s a lower bar of entry.
Online casino games are another genre that has made inroads as gaming shifts to smartphones. Not long ago, players had to plan a trip to a brick-and-mortar establishment to play popular games like blackjack in a competitive environment. Today’s online platforms are accessible with a smartphone and allow players to enjoy classic games like blackjack from the comfort of their own homes.
When they play online, they can compete against the dealer or even participate in a live dealer session that simulates the physical casino experience. They can do all of this on their smartphone, whether they’re at home or out and about.
Changing the Business Model From Venues to Mobile Apps
Serious gamers know that AAA titles for consoles and PCs can cost upwards of $80 upon release. For many, that’s enough to keep them from playing one of these games. That’s why many prefer mobile games that employ the freemium model, making the game free to download and play.
These games generate revenue from in-app purchases of items like skins or time-saving boosts. Players can spend as much or as little as they want while playing these games, and developers can monetize their games without requiring players to spend a lot of money on an upfront purchase.
Subscription services are also becoming popular as the mobile gaming market matures. The most popular are Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, which offer gamers a curated library of premium games for a monthly fee. Players who subscribe to these services can play the games ad-free without constant reminders about in-app purchases.
This model benefits developers by ensuring they have a consistent revenue stream. While these services are still in the early stages, analysts expect the market to grow significantly in the next few years.
Casual vs. Hardcore Gaming
Mobile gaming was once solely the domain of casual gamers, but more powerful smartphones have made it so hardcore gamers can play titles they enjoy on their mobile devices, too. Casual games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds are examples of the casual game model, where games are easy to learn and can be played in short sessions. These games appeal to a broad audience.
When it comes to hardcore games, high-quality titles like Call of Duty Mobile and League of Legends: Wild Rift attract serious gamers looking for a challenge. This versatility has made it possible for mobile games to reach both audiences, and it is a big reason mobile games are making inroads in markets traditionally dominated by consoles and PCs.
Smartphones have also made gaming a social experience with multiplayer mobile games like Among Us and Clash of Clans, making it possible for players to connect with friends and strangers alike and build communities around shared interests. This social aspect has also made mobile gaming the preferred platform for many gamers.
