That mobile gaming is becoming more and more popular shouldn’t come as a surprise. The number of mobile devices across the world far exceeds the number of desktop computers and gaming consoles. Considering that smartphones and other mobile devices can run games, it’s a no brainer that more people are into mobile gaming.
It’s worth examining the current situation of mobile gaming and its various aspects to know the trends and the changes. Are these trends advantageous or disadvantageous? What can be done to make the most out of them?
Creating Mobile Versions of Everything
You know mobile devices are already extremely popular when everything seems to have the need for a mobile version. Take the case of online casinos. Before, they were just there to complement traditional casinos or to offer alternatives. Now, they also have to be mobile-friendly. Online casinos, for example, have their mobile versions or have a responsive web design. The best mobile casino sites always have their mobile version or are created with a responsive web design.
Online casinos realize how they can get more players by making their games accessible and properly playable through smartphones and tablets. They know they will earn more if they reach out to players who want the convenience of being able to play their favorite games wherever they may be.
PC vs Console vs Mobile Gaming
PC and console games are mostly similar when it comes to the overall experience. They involve the conventional setup of having a fixed system with a large display and large game controllers or input devices. With PC gaming, there’s the keyboard and mouse duo everyone is familiar with. With console gaming, there are several innovative controllers including gamepads, paddles, joysticks, trackballs, steering wheels, yokes, and pedals.
Mobile gaming offers a different gaming experience. It’s difficult to say if it’s better than what can be experienced with PC or console gaming but one thing is for sure: mobile gaming is more convenient. You can enjoy mobile gaming anywhere. There’s no need to set up anything. You just have to take out your phone from your packet and start playing the games you have installed in it. The expense is also not that high since you only have to provide power to your relatively miniscule but comparably powerful mobile device.
Those who have become accustomed to PC and console gaming, however, may not enjoy mobile gaming as much as they enjoy the games they play on their desktops or consoles. Of course, it would be difficult for mobile games to compete with the stunning graphics that can be enjoyed with PC and console games. The game controllers are also arguably much better in PC and console gaming. Nevertheless, mobile gaming appeals to a continuously growing number of gamers because of the convenience of being able to play anywhere and anytime.
Mobile Devices Becoming More Powerful
If you have been a longtime reader of this blog, you are likely aware of how mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have greatly advanced over the years. You probably know that smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 can transform into a full-fledged PC with its DeX dock. Mobile devices nowadays are so powerful that they can do what desktop devices can do. This is one of the reasons why mobile gaming is on the rise.
More powerful mobile devices mean being able to play more advanced games with better graphics and with features comparable to what can be experienced with PC and console gaming. The small screen of mobile gaming devices is no longer an excuse not to play on mobile since you can just mirror the screen of your mobile device on a TV or compatible monitor to enjoy a wider screen for your gaming.
Mobile devices can be conveniently connected with other devices to create better experiences. As mentioned, you can convert your smartphone into a desktop-like setup and play with it in the same way you would with a desktop device. You can just add a gamepad, joystick, or mouse to have better gaming control.
Mobile Gaming Trends
With the rise of mobile gaming popularity comes trends and new developments that make mobile gaming even more appealing to players. Some of the most notable ones are as follows:
- Augmented Reality – Also known as AR, augmented reality is the incorporation of a real world setting and virtual elements. This is best demonstrated by the highly popular game Pokémon GO, wherein players catch pokémons by spotting them in different real-world locations. It’s an ingenious way of creating a highly engaging game that takes mobile gamers out of their sedentary gaming.
- Multiplayer and Social Gaming – Another notable mobile gaming trend is the ability to play and interact with other players from different parts of the world. Game developers recognize the appeal of engagement and social interaction and they design games that make the most of internet connectivity.
- Freemium Gaming – Yes, the term “freemium” is rather old but it’s still a trend in mobile gaming nowadays. It’s likely going to continue becoming a prevalent scheme in the years to come. A freemium game is basically one that is free but has features you need to pay to access. It does not ask you to pay to install it but when you’re already hooked on it, you will find it hard to resist the temptation of spending money to access certain game features like additional lives, coins, or weapons.
- E-sports on Mobile – E-sports in the past were mostly played on PCs and consoles. However, they are now becoming a major presence in the mobile gaming market. Some of the well-known titles are Clash Royale and Vainglory, both of which are paving the way for a new breed of e-sports games optimized for mobile playing.
There’s no stopping the rise of mobile gaming. It shouldn’t be surprising if it gobbles up a big majority of the gaming market in the future. The drawbacks are easily overcome by the advantages of mobile gaming, particularly when it comes to the convenience of being able to play anytime and anywhere you want. It’s important to remember moderation, though. Addiction to mobile games can lead to adverse consequences. Also, it’s important to be knowledgeable of strategies for ensuring your mobile device’s security and your privacy.
Image: Pixabay.com
