The previous dominance of the gaming industry by consoles and computers seems to be wavering as mobile games surge in popularity. What started as a way to kill time when out and about has become a global industry worth over $90 billion.
Technological developments have facilitated a new generation of mobile phones with remarkably better performance capabilities than their predecessors. Modern mobile releases feature complex gameplay and impressive graphics, making them an extremely viable means of gaming.
Mobile games can be enjoyed without the hefty price tag of a gaming PC or Xbox, meaning they are a preference of many. Equally thriving is the world of mobile eSports, with the most-watched event in 2021 being a mobile game tournament.
It has become a staple of the market that almost all mainstream mobile games are totally free to download. With the Appstore home to an endless array of different genres, playing on mobile has almost universal appeal.
Let’s take a look at the development of and how technological advancements continue to see them improving.
Early Mobile Gaming
We’ve been using our mobile phones for entertainment for almost as long as they have been available to us.
Despite the undeniable sense of nostalgia they invoke, early mobile games seem laughably simple compared to today’s releases. Before the advent of touchscreens, games such as Snake and Tetris were about the most sophisticated available on mobile.
With the development of the touchscreen and the success of the first generation iPhone and App Store, mobile gaming truly began to take off. The first-ever big mobile titles designed for smartphones were revolutionary in how they used this burgeoning technology.
Games such as Angry Birds and Paper Toss lacked complexity but made us feel like we had the future in our hands. Although the gameplay essentially consisted of simply sliding a finger across the screen, they proved to be hugely successful.
Increased Graphics and Technological Potential
With the groundwork having been laid, later technological developments mostly improved graphics and performance and pushed the limits of a touchscreen. Mobile games were developed to be played using multiple fingers across both hands with complex gameplay and a high skill gap.
Owing to these progressions, games previously reserved for consoles and PCs launched mobile versions with major success. Huge titles, with millions of players globally, are now available on a smartphone including Call of Duty, Fortnite, and League of Legends.
These well-known titles have a particular draw in the world of eSports, with very lucrative prize money. The reward for winning last year’s PUBG mobile tournament was a staggering 8 million dollars.
The popularity of such titles means that for contemporary manufacturers, phone performance is a top consideration.
Casino Gaming
Online casinos have also benefited hugely from the advancements in mobile gaming. Technological developments allow playing virtually to replicate an authentic in-person experience more accurately.
Almost all casino games have benefitted from enhanced graphics. The visual and audio cues better immerse the player in the vibrant themes of .
This has also allowed for the growth of live casino games that livestream an actual table and dealer. These are particularly popular for roulette and blackjack, allowing players to interact with each other and the croupier.
Multiplayer
The aforementioned classics of rudimentary mobile gaming share the common characteristic of being an exclusively single-player. Many recent games focus on the multiplayer aspect, and the technological developments mean playing against others online has never been better.
A key feature of this is voice chat which is now supported by a handful of mobile games. This added means of communication allows for tactical cooperation and enhances the social element that is pivotal to any gaming experience.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Another unbelievable capability of newer smartphones is VR and AR compatibility. Especially prominent and Google and Samsung phones, the accessibility of this technology offers a unique and fun experience for the user.
Whilst not as detailed as what is offered on consoles, they can still be very enjoyable.
Pokémon Go is perhaps the best example of how AR can be utilized on a mobile. This game adds virtual creations into the physical world, with players using their cameras to access them.
A key component of this is that must venture to specific real-world areas to attain certain Pokémon. This is one way in which mobile gaming offers something that a console or PC simply can’t.
This being said, VR and AR mobile releases are undeniably lacking in regard to gameplay. However, as technology becomes cheaper and more accessible, this will inevitably be a key part of mobile gaming in the future.
The Immense Popularity of Mobile Gaming
As technology continues to develop, our mobile phones have become so much more than just a mobile telephone. They can now be used to work on, track our lifestyle, and more recently, play games.
Although the gaming market has historically been dominated by computers and consoles, mobile gaming is becoming hugely significant. In recent times, gaming has evolved to the point that for many of us, playing on our trusty mobile phone is the preference.
Mobile gaming’s popularity has also allowed it to infiltrate the world of eSports. Many of the most-watched events are played on mobile devices due to the extreme skill required to be successful.