After a hectic day, a few minutes on the phone to play games can be an ideal entertainment source. Tech-savvy people quickly came closer to this new form of gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the mobile gaming industry is only growing.
This shift in perspective toward online games is one of the critical reasons for the industry’s rapid expansion. As per Statista, gaming apps on the Google Play Store saw a 27% increase in downloads during the third quarter of 2022.
Several factors played an integral role in redefining this new-age gaming vertical.
Cutting-edge Game Engine Platforms
Graphics can make or break a game. Game engines allow developers to turn ideas into functioning products. These engines gave the industry a huge spurt.
That said, developers use a high-grade game engine to design eye-catchy graphics compatible with smartphones and tablets. Some top options in the market include Unreal Engine, Unity, Corona, AppGameKit, and Cocos2D.
With the processing power of cutting-edge smartphones, these engine platforms can smoothly handle complex 2D and 3D game graphics. Besides, they allow the creation of interactive simulations with realistic characters, elements, and environments.
The high-end graphics of these mobile games give cutthroat competition to console video games.
A Boom in Multiplayer Games
Multiplayer games are gaining massive traction in the market. Game titles like PUBG are already household names. Playing with other actual humans is the feature that entices many gamers towards this mobile gaming genre.
Further, the competitive nature of multiplayer games enables players to engage with other participants during the gameplay. Gamers can also converse with each other while completing a task via an in-built chat feature.
The multiplayer mobile games also allow pro gamers to receive real-world prizes and money after winning in-game challenges.
Virtual Assets Create Rewarding Gaming Experience
To enhance the playing experience, mobile game players can buy in-app items. Gamers will find in-app purchases in various forms based on their games, such as skins, coins, energy, clothes, and many more.
These in-app purchases add a new monetization route for free-to-play gaming apps. For instance, Candy Crush Saga earned around $1 million daily through an option to buy boosters post a year of its launch.
Low-cost Gaming Option
Game development is an expensive process with high marketing costs. However, mobile games changed this scenario drastically.
Unlike console games, iGaming companies can directly release gaming apps on Apple or Google Play store. Hence, the launch and promotion costs reduce for game studios.
With no additional console or game accessories, free-to-play game apps also become affordable options for mobile players.
Social Media Integration Gives Community Feeling
The social element is another feature that led to the popularity of mobile games. Players can link the game with social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Sharing your achievements on social media or seeing your name ranking on the leaderboard creates a fulfilling experience for players. These gaming communities allow gamers to interact to discuss game progress and ideas. Building an online community gives a sense of belonging and identity.
You can also build a team with co-players to play multiplayer games together. Further, mobile game companies host various tournaments and leagues via their social media pages. Competing with each other online boosts the engagement of players.
Hence, many gamers use mobile games as a communication channel to build healthy connections with people sharing similar interests.
The advent of 5G Technology
Days are close when 5G will become a new norm for smartphone users. 5G technology ensures more stable internet connections with low latency. It means 3D graphics of high-scale multi-player and social games load seamlessly at maximum frame rates.
Hence, gamers don’t experience lag or input delay while playing their favorite mobile game. Further, 5G will be game-changer technology for game developers, allowing them to build immersive AR/VR-powered eSports games in the future.
Rise of Online Mobile Casinos
Casino operators collaborated with iGaming companies to take the gambling experience to the next level. Today, several online casinos launched mobile browser-friendly sites or dedicated apps that allow players to gamble on the go.
Built on cross-platform programs, these gambling sites quickly adapt to all screen sizes and ratios. From the best online roulette for real money to slot machines to video poker, all casino games run smoothly on smartphones. Further, the apps are compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems.
Real money casino gaming becomes more convenient if you use an e-wallet for payments.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Although nascent, mobile game developers are ready to tap into the potential of AR/VR technologies in mobile gaming.
VR is the ultimate solution to design more interactive app-based games. On the other hand, AR will help imitate artificial objects in the real world in the game’s ecosystem. With VR headsets, gamers will get a realistic feeling while exploring beautifully detailed 3D game environments.
Simply put, players can immerse themselves in the virtual world.
Future Trends in Mobile Gaming Industry
To stay ahead of the competition, iGaming companies are open to experimenting with advanced technologies in this space.
With AI and ML integration, developers can create more dynamic and personalized game environments tailored to players’ preferences.
For instance, mobile game developers can leverage an algorithm to identify the right time to promote in-app ads and in-game virtual items. Thus, AI and ML won’t just optimize revenue but also enhance the overall gaming experience.
FAQs
- Is playing mobile games good for your brain?
Based on the genre you choose, mobile games can train your brain. Continuous brain stimulation while solving various mysterious plots and tasks improves the gamer’s cognitive skills.
- Which are the best free-to-play mobile games?
The best 2023 mobile games to download on your phone are Clash of Clans, Dungeons of Dreadrock, Subway Surfers, Brawl Stars, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9: Legends.
In a Nutshell
Undoubtedly, the gaming industry evolved with mobile game technology. With the convenience of playing anytime, many gaming enthusiasts switched to mobile gaming.
iGaming companies are also optimistic about the vast potential of mobile games in the days ahead. So get ready to explore more exciting features with developers building game apps using more robust technologies.
