Why Mobile Games Are Good For Us
In the age of smartphones, mobile gaming has become an incredibly prolific industry. From hyper-casual games to epic multiplayer experiences, there’s something for everyone on their phones and tablets. But some people worry that this is a bad thing, especially with the amount of time we spend glued to our screens and tapping on our phones. They claim that it’s terrible for our eyes, concentration and attention spans – but are they right?
The truth is that mobile gaming isn’t just harmless fun, it can actually be good for us. It’s been shown that playing video games can increase our levels of creativity, determination and focus – all important skills for our daily lives. It can also help to improve our social and communication skills, as we interact with other players online. In fact, studies have found that teenagers who play video games are more likely to be socially connected and have a higher self-esteem than those who don’t.
Mobile gaming was first popularised in the early 2000s when smartphones started to take off and WAP technology (Wireless Application Protocol) enabled more sophisticated gaming. In 2001, Space Invaders was released for mobile phones – and it proved to be hugely successful. The game became so popular that even big-time publishers like EA began developing their own titles for the platform.
Racing games are a great example of a genre that has adapted to mobile devices. From the humble beginnings of Gameloft’s Asphalt GT, the market has grown to include many different options that appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. One of the most popular games is Call of Duty: Mobile, which offers a slick and immersive multiplayer experience.
MOBAs – or Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas – have a long history in the world of eSports. But they’ve also adapted well to mobile devices, and the best examples such as League of Legends are just as compelling to play on mobile as they are on PC.
With the popularity of mobile games continuing to rise, it’s no surprise that they are attracting major investors. In the last few years, Goldman Sachs invested $200 million in a hyper-casual gaming studio and KKR bought a $400 million minority stake in mobile ad network AppLovin. And this isn’t the only sign of big money coming in: Take Two recently acquired Zynga – which specializes in cash-generating free-to-play mobile games – for a reported $3.4 billion.
The popularity of mobile games has led to a number of innovations in terms of how they are designed, developed and monetized. And as the industry continues to grow and develop, new opportunities will continue to open up for developers. However, it’s important to note that it can be a long process to go from idea to market, and there are a lot of obstacles that can stand in the way of success. Having a clear plan and the right resources can help you to overcome these hurdles and achieve success in the mobile gaming market.