Big things come in small packages.
The phrase perfectly fits the smart tech of today. Be it leisure, shopping or games – we have it all on our tiny screens.
Of all these, the gaming industry is getting bigger than ever. In fact, it is growing more than every other form of entertainment. Newzoo report forecasts that in 2019, the global games market will generate revenues of about $150 billion.
Gone are the days when we kept playing Super Mario Bros using the joystick. Today, the companies operating in the digital landscape like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are introducing new technologies to mainstream consumer preferences.
Luckily, we stand at a point where flagship phones are capable of providing a complete gaming experience. The gamer phones are for real. Razer and ASUS, for example, have jumped into the smart landscape to offer phones with outstanding specs.
Below, we enlist some new trends and reasons behind the growth of mobile gaming:
Freemiums
In spite of all its benefits, a paid model will never bring you the same level of popularity as a free one. A free-to-play model is a sensible option for most users. Naturally, these games bring in a high number of downloads.
If your game succeeds to build up the interest of users, they may go for further in-app purchases. But if you fix a price at the initial download, it will reduce the download numbers even if the price is as low as 99 cents.
Clash Royal is a good example of a real-time, multiplayer game that was successful in escalating public interests. At one point, this game was generating $2 million daily revenue from in-app purchases.
Low costs and funding
Reasonable production costs is another reason for the rapid success of mobile gaming. From development to distribution, every phase has limited costs.
There is no capacity in mobile games for detailed cinematic graphics. A close analysis of the AirG reviews and their gaming apps help us understand that these games rely on other characteristics to draw more audience. They look out for commonly appealing traits like fun backstories and innovative mechanics.
Consequently, the codes are developed easily by small teams. And, the overhead costs are low.
Changed funding patterns are another contributor to the constant growth of mobile gaming. Platforms like Kickstarter enable interested parties to donate small amounts of money for the projects they would support. They act as triggers for innovative ideas to become operable. Creative geniuses with little funding turn towards crowdsourcing for help.
Bringing a product to the market is a lot easier. This is the reason behind flooding titles in the market.
Creates great experience
Mobile games are a great way to relax. They help you to escape reality and test your skills in your favorite environment. You can leave negativity at the door and enter into the gaming zone with an excited and receptive state of mind.
Greenberg predicts that the trend will continue to accelerate. The credit mostly goes to young people, and those looking for quick pleasure at their campus as over half of teenagers play video games for hours.
Blockchain games
The latest addition to the industry is blockchain-based games. The developers utilize decentralized characteristics of the blockchain. It gives them an opportunity to cut out the middle man. They market their designs directly to the consumers.
Not only this but there are no barriers to entry. There is no requirement to inject resources for hosting an independent server.
When it comes to monetization, blockchain-based games can design a similar model as that of other games. Users are not charged a fee to play, but if they want to unlock other options, they have to pay via cryptocurrencies.
Players can also monetize their in-game items and experiences via trading. Worldopo has been doing this for quite some time now. Players trade on internal and external markets. They start to raise in-game structures so they can build up their capital.
The extensive features of such games compel us to conclude that the industry is expecting a great boom in the upcoming years.
eSports
eSports is taking the industry by storm. It involves competitive gaming between two or more professional players. Time and physical boundaries may separate them. However, the games connect them, allowing each to go through similar virtual experiences.
A major percentage of revenue generated by these games comes from sponsorship, advertising, and media rights. Also, the developers are given a share when tournaments include their gaming titles.
Players can wager on the games they participate in. This plays a considerable role in the monetary growth of eSports. It is quite probable that there will be certain regulatory hurdles, like gambling license. But a variety of operators are looking to target such models.
Social Buzz
A key factor behind many success stories is the social buzz. Developers integrate options like online multi-player challenges, a collection of points via Facebook friends and sharing high scores on social media platforms. All these ensure positive social buzz around the game.
Social buzz brings exceptional ratings for the developers. The awareness about the game escalates. This powers up its download numbers. Social existence is imperative to thrive in the industry if you want your title to make it into the top charts.
Given the entertaining and artistic merit of mobile gaming, it is apt to state that this form of gaming will have a long life. The accessibility, creativity and low costs enhance the appeal of this medium.
If you are a developer looking to expand your scope in the market, there are some precautions you must take. Your job doesn’t end with the launch. There should be a particular focus on language, region, player habits, promotional tactics, and the entire layout. All need constant upgrading.
To cut it short, you can turn your games into a major success story if you know all the tricks.
Needless to say, the gaming industry is here to stay. A little extra flexibility and preparation can make it an impressive source of revenue for developers.
