In the last ten years, the number of people using mobile devices has increased by around 87%. Most of these users are between 18 and 29 — the age group that also plays video games the most. It is, therefore, easy to see why mobile gaming has become increasingly popular. From the increased accessibility to smartphones and the internet to significant technological advancements, this article will examine why mobile gaming will play a massive role in the gaming industry’s future.
Accessibility to the internet
In 2022, Statistica reported that around 5 billion people had access to the internet. In 2023, this number rose to 5.18 billion people, equating to approximately 66% of the world’s population. There has been a steady increase in the number of people who have gained access to the internet over the last decade, which has contributed to the significant rise in the number of mobile gamers. Technology is changing the way people play video games, moving away from the more traditional methods of consoles and computers to smartphones.
Using a smartphone to play video games doesn’t require as much internet bandwidth, so you don’t need a super strong connection to enjoy your favorite games. Consoles and computers require a much stronger internet bandwidth to download and play online video games. This is a deterrent for many people. Mobile games also require less storage and time to install, making them highly accessible to users of all ages. Smartphone users can quickly find a game they want to play, download it instantly, and play immediately with just a few clicks of a button.
Easy mobility
One of the main advantages of using smartphones to play video games is the convenience of playing whenever and wherever you are. Unlike consoles and computers, you can play games on your mobile device while out of your house. For example, while on a bus or waiting in line, you can take out your smartphone and play a video game. It allows you to take advantage of any free time during your day without waiting until you get home.
There is also a massive range of mobile games on the marketplace, meaning that everyone can find something they will enjoy playing. Whether you are into first-person shooters, strategy games, or traditional card games, you can find a mobile video game to play.
Lower initial investment cost
The lower initial investment cost of using a smartphone for gaming is another reason it has become so popular recently. If you are interested in playing video games but don’t want to commit to purchasing a console or a desktop computer, then using a mobile phone to play is an attractive option. Most people already have a smartphone and don’t need to pay more money to play games. In addition to this, many people simply can’t take a few hours out of their day to play video games at home. So, mobile phones mean flexibility.
Consoles cost a lot of money, and you need to pay more to purchase specific video games before you can start playing. These video games on consoles can cost a significant amount, whereas mobile games, on average, are a lot cheaper or even free in many cases. Although the quality of the gameplay may be arguably superior on consoles, if you are just looking to play something when you have a break in your day, mobile gaming might be perfect for you.
Mobile processing power
Thanks to technological advancements in recent years, mobile phones are more powerful than ever and capable of running video games that require a lot of processing power. Nowadays, games popular on consoles and desktop computers can also be played on smartphones, contributing to many people switching to mobile phones for gaming instead. In addition, many mobile game developers have started incorporating virtual and augmented reality into their games. This has added more interest in the mobile gaming industry, with the future of this sector looking extremely exciting.
Microtransactions
The inclusion of microtransactions in mobile gaming is a huge reason the industry has blown up. Mobile game developers can offer their games to people very cheaply and often for free. This is because considerable money will be made through in-game microtransactions instead. This gives people who can’t afford the high price tag of traditional console games a way to enjoy popular games on their mobile instead. They can then choose whether to pay a small monthly fee to play some mobile games rather than the hefty upfront costs required for console gaming.
The future of mobile gaming
People have been increasingly using their smartphones to play their favorite video games. This trend will likely continue as new technologies are developed, and more people gain access to mobile phones and the internet worldwide.
Featured image credit: rawpixel/freepik
