9 Exciting Mobile Gaming Trends That Will Shape The Future
The gaming industry has become an unstoppable force in recent years, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. With the constant upgrade of smartphones and tablets, more people are turning to play games on their mobile devices as a way to pass time and get entertained. As a result, game developers are constantly seeking ways to improve the gaming experience and create games that are more engaging, immersive, and enjoyable.
In this blog, we will discuss the future trends in the mobile gaming industry and how each of these trends is expected to change the industry. We will discuss nine major trends, including cloud gaming, play to earn gaming, hypercasual gaming, augmented reality (AR), and many more. By understanding these trends, game developers and gaming enthusiasts can stay ahead of the curve and create or enjoy games that offer a unique and engaging experience. From the use of AR technology to the creation of personalized gaming experiences, these trends are driving innovation and transforming the industry as you've never seen before. So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at the future of this exciting field and explore the trends that are shaping its evolution.
Is mobile gaming a trend?
Gaming via smartphones and tablets is not just a trend but a rapidly growing industry that has established itself as a significant player in the gaming world. It has been growing at an astonishing rate over the past few years, and it is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the foreseeable future. According to a digital market insight released by Statista, the revenue for mobile games is expected to soar to over 300 billion in 2023. Moreover, the number of users is predicted to reach over 200 billion users by 2027. One of the reasons for its success is, of course, the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets. The popularity of these devices has made it easier for people to access games on the go and has opened up new possibilities for game developers. Mobile games offer a convenient and accessible way to play games, making them an attractive option for gamers of all ages and skill levels. Another reason for its success is the rise of free-to-play games. Free-to-play games are games that can be downloaded and played for free but offer in-app purchases for players who want to enhance their gaming experience or progress more quickly. This business model has been successful for mobile game developers, as it allows them to reach a wider audience and monetize their games without charging players up front. This has resulted in the creation of a thriving mobile game industry with a wide variety of games to choose from.
9 Mobile Gaming Trends To Expect In The Future
As technology continues to advance, new trends and innovations are emerging all the time. We will explore some of the most exciting future trends and what they mean for both developers and players. From the rise of cloud gaming to the potential of AR, there's a lot to look forward to in this thriving world of digital entertainment.
1. Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a technology that allows users to stream games directly to their mobile devices without having to download them. This is made possible by powerful servers in data centers that process the game and stream it to the player's device. Cloud gaming has many advantages, including the ability to play high-quality games on low-end devices, easier access to new games, and more flexible game updates. An example of a cloud gaming service is Google Stadia that allows players to stream high-quality games to their devices. The service offers a library of games that players can access through a subscription, and games can be played on a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
2. Play To Earn Gaming
This type of gaming is a recent trend where players can earn cryptocurrency or other valuable in-game assets by playing blockchain-based games that use decentralized technology to create virtual economies. This trend has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry by providing players with a way to earn real-world value from playing games. Axie Infinity is particularly popular in countries like the Philippines, where players can earn a living wage by playing the game full-time. There are also social games that offer the same opportunity to earn real cash rewards far from the complexity of these blockchain-based games. These play-to-earn games are simple yet they offer competitive gameplay that are fun and easy to learn. As more games incorporate play-to-earn mechanics, the number of players turning to gaming as a way to earn a living is expected to increase. This trend could also lead to a change in the way games are developed and monetized, as game developers explore new ways to create value for players.
3. Hypercasual Gaming
Hypercasual gaming refers to games that are simple, easy to play, and require minimal time commitment from players. These games often have simple mechanics, and can be played in short bursts, making them ideal for mobile devices. Hyper-casual games typically are easy to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of players. Today, hyper-casual games are a major trend, with studios like Voodoo and Ketchapp producing a wide range of popular titles. These games are often free to play, with developers monetizing them through ads and in-app purchases. Its popularity is predicted to increase in the coming years as more and more technological advancements are offered in our smartphones and tablets.
4. Augmented Reality
AR is a technology that overlays digital content into the real world, allowing users to interact with virtual objects and characters in their physical surroundings. AR games are becoming increasingly popular on mobile devices, and they offer a unique gaming experience that blurs the line between the virtual and real worlds. Pokémon GO is a great example of an AR game that allows players to capture virtual Pokémon in the real world using their smartphones. The game uses the player's GPS location to place Pokémon in real-world locations, and players can see the Pokémon on their device's screen and capture them using the device's camera.
5. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a completely immersive digital environment that the user can interact with using a headset and motion controllers. While VR gaming is currently more popular on consoles and PCs, advancements in technology will make it possible for VR games to be played on mobile devices in the future. An example of this is the Oculus Quest 2, which is a standalone VR headset that offers high-quality VR gaming experiences. The device is wireless and allows players to move around freely without being tethered to a console or PC.
6.Multiplayer Gaming
Multiplayer gaming is becoming increasingly popular on mobile devices, and this trend is expected to continue. Real-time multiplayer experiences allow players to compete or cooperate with others in real-time, adding a social dimension to playing games. One of the the popular multiplayer games that rose to fame during the pandemic is Among Us. It is a fun social gaming app where players work together to maintain a spaceship while trying to identify and eliminate impostors. The game supports real-time multiplayer games with up to 15 players.
7.Gaming as a Service
Gaming as a Service (GaaS) is a business model that allows players to pay for access to games on a subscription basis rather than having to pay for individual games. This model offers a more affordable and accessible way for players to enjoy a variety of games. Apple Arcade is a GaaS offering from Apple that allows players to access a variety of games for a monthly subscription fee. The service includes games from a variety of genres, and new games are added to the library regularly.
8. Mobile eSports
Mobile eSports is an emerging trend in the gaming world. Mobile games like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Clash Royale already have thriving eSports scenes. As mobile devices become more powerful and mobile networks continue to improve, we can expect to see more mobile games becoming competitive eSports titles. Clash Royale is a mobile game that has a competitive eSports scene. The game features 1v1 battles between players, and the top players compete in tournaments for cash prizes.
9. Cross-Platform Play
Cross-platform play is becoming more common, allowing players on different devices to play together. This trend is breaking down the barriers between mobile, console, and PC gaming, and it offers players more opportunities to connect and play with friends. Fortnite is an example of this kind of game that supports cross-platform play between mobile devices, consoles, and PCs. As more games incorporate cross-platform play, we can expect to see more mobile players joining in on the fun.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, mobile gaming is constantly evolving and adapting to changing trends and technologies. The future is likely to be defined by a continued emphasis on social gaming, augmented reality, esports, and mobile game streaming. Additionally, emerging trends such as cloud gaming, play to earn gaming, and hypercasual gaming are also expected to shape the video game industry in the years to come. We can expect to see more developers and publishers exploring new ways to create innovative and engaging games. The industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with new players entering the market and established companies seeking to maintain their market share. This competition is likely to drive innovation and lead to the development of new gaming experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible on mobile devices. Overall, the future of gaming on our mobile devices looks bright, with a wide range of exciting trends and technologies on the horizon. As more people around the world turn to mobile devices for their gaming needs, the industry is poised for continued growth and success. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore gamer, there's never been a better time to be a part of the gaming community.