The mobile gaming industry has grown significantly over the past decade; experts say the trend will continue. Data.ai projected that the sector would take up to 61% of the gaming market share by 2022.
Customers spent about 65% on app store mobile games in the first quarter of 2022. Now, it’s evident why more developers are investing in the industry – to leverage the large market.
In the last decade, mobile users increased by almost 87%. Most of these are between 18 – 29 and actively play video games. Smartphones allow them to access a vast array of games cheaply and conveniently.
Many will prefer mobile games for ease of access and convenience. Other reasons mobile users download more games per week include the following:
Internet infiltration rate
According to Statistica, 66% of the global population, or 5.18 billion people, can access the Internet compared to 5 billion last year. This means mobile games are more accessible than traditional video games.
In addition, mobile games require less internet bandwidth, storage, and effort to install on any device than console games. Therefore, people of all ages can easily download and install games for free by clicking a button.
Easy mobility
Mobile phones are the simplest form of entertainment. People enjoy the convenience of accessing mobile games anywhere they go. Gaming fills their time as they wait in line and ride on a bus.
Mobile transactions allow gamers to play games like Poker Omaha securely and anonymously easily. The wide assortment of games makes it more fun to game via mobile than visiting arcades.
Lower initial investment cost
Mobile games are great for gamers on a budget. They don’t require heavy equipment and are more affordable than console games.
Today, mobile games are quicker to develop and launch. They may lack great cinematic visuals compared to console games, but ingenious mechanics and compelling stories can help developers win. Thankfully, these are easy and cheaper to write.
Booming of smartphones
The low development cost and increase in investors allowed developers to experiment with different things to meet user expectations. On the other hand, Touchscreens have introduced new mechanics that were impossible to implement with controllers.
Mobile games can advance in offers and revenue generation streams, making them more competitive. Console developers, on the other hand, struggle with mechanics and graphics to make their games more appealing.
Mobile processing power
Nowadays, smartphones have better processing power, and most games can be played alongside PC and console players. This has finally brought mobile gaming to the mainstream.
Several companies are also working on AR and VR video games for mobile. Mobile AR and VR are more accessible to all users, meaning more people will try it.
Benefits to Investors, Developers, and Gamers
The mobile gaming valuation in 2022 was £12.9 billion, meaning more investors are streaming into the industry. Developers can reach a large audience and reap revenue from mobile games.
In-App Purchases
During the pandemic, many people used mobile gaming as their primary method of entertainment. With mobile money transfer, many tried new ways to make users buy content from apps.
The industry has experienced unprecedented growth, with developers embracing in-app purchases and collectables. These could increase revenue collection streams, allowing more investors to stream in.
Lower Initial Costs
An increase in demand leads to an increase in the supply chain as mobile users become product aware and opt for smooth-running apps. Developers must improve user experience and make upgrades year-to-year to keep gamers engaged.
Developers that meet user expectations get quick rewards with positive reviews, which help increase download and in-app purchases.
Microtransactions
The most significant advantage of mobile gaming is microtransactions. Gamers don’t have to pay a substantial upfront fee before accessing a game. Hence people who couldn’t afford traditional games can access mobile games more smoother.
Users can make small monthly purchases compared to the hefty upfront fees required for gaming consoles. They can also opt for Ads or premium versions, which benefit the developers.
The Future of Mobile Gaming
The future of mobile gaming looks bright. With the innovation of 5G technology and Web3, we can expect faster and more futuristic games soon. Developers will continue to increase with the demand, and more investors will support them.
Web3 protocols technology includes blockchain and decentralised networks, allowing mobile gaming transparency and security. Mobile games require high security to guarantee user anonymity and security.
5G technology offers faster download speeds and lower latency. This will allow more complex game development and intense gaming with consoles, arcades, and mobile devices.
Conclusion
Mobile Gaming is on the rise. Many users are embracing the games on their phones to pass the time, and developers are working hard to improve user experience. With 5G and Web3 technologies, the trend is set to continue.
The good news is that as more people stream in, investors will make money, gamers will access better games, and developers will get more immediate feedback.
