A healthy mobile game industry

The mobile gaming industry continues to be very healthy – the market has grown to $108bn – with more and more games available for people on the go. We’ve come a long way from Tetris and Snake. Research shows that most gamers prefer to use their smartphone, though players are also active on tablets and it seems that console gaming is still relatively popular. However, in the last couple of years the revenue from mobile gaming has been greater.

With the rise in user activity, it is inevitable that more platforms have started hosting mobile gaming and there is a constant evolution in ensuring that more options are available, with companies like Nintendo developing games such as Pokémon Go specifically for smartphones as their audience’s demand has changed and the age range of players has grown. It has also become cheaper for users to play, with free-to-play options for iPhone and Android devices taking up a large portion of the market.

This is all part of our casual gaming culture, where entertainment companies produce games that online and mobile users can dip into, playing as frequently or infrequently as they choose; thereby these business target a wider audience. Game developers also support play across platforms, including social media, web and mobile, further enabling gamers to play when and wherever they like.

Popular and highly addictive games like Candy Crush Saga, as well as a choice of simulation games such as Farmville, are available on Facebook with Google Play and Apple also hosting a wide selection.

Overall, the businesses behind the mobile gaming industry are not slowing down but are instead working to the demand of their audience, implementing new trends and targeting new users by developing more long-term, challenging options for hardcore players, as well as a healthy selection of casual games that will entertain on the go.

The editorial unit