The recent years have noted a major transformation in technology and business, with a focus on the Telecom industry. The past decade was characterised with the rise of mobile gaming, especially online mobile gaming. The early beginnings of video games and their interface used to be simple, yet difficult to access. Today, these games leverage new platforms and accessible, portable technologies that are part of our everyday lifestyles such as smartphones and tablets. In terms of graphics, audience and themes they’ve also witnessed dramatic improvement and growth.
Then and Now in Mobile Games
Mobile gaming, in general, started to take its shape in the early 90s when non-interactive, simple monochromatic games like Pac-Man and Snake were highly popular. Today, the advancements in technology have given a boost to the mobile gaming industry, along with other benefits such as refined markets, improved accessibility and seamless gameplay. In line with mentioned advantages, the creativity and diversity among different gaming providers are going above and beyond, reaching and levelling up every previous milestone and challenge. They are probably the first ones that successfully merged different entertainment markets and offered multi-dimensional experiences created for different audiences. This way, we have movies that are based on popular games or vice versa. For example, check this slot game inspired by a popular animated sitcom you might be well aware of – the adventures of Rick and Morty, an adult cartoon series from Adult Swim.
The earlier versions of mobile phones and offered solutions were used only for basic needs such as making a phone call or text a message. With the progress of the mobile phone market, the interface became more complex but at the same time comprehensive. The manufacturers acknowledged the need for mobile applications and game developers began to realise the convenience of distributing games digitally. Smartphone gaming has triggered great changes in the business of game development. From mobile, to console and PC, the gaming industry now works on a 2-year development cycle, compared to the previous 7-year cycle in the 80s and 90s. Today, innovations and fresh, new, big things are expected almost every year, over and over again.
Introduction of in-app purchases and gamification
The rise of smartphones imposed the idea of the in-app purchases – a concept many of us are aware of and reliant upon. Entire companies and business models are built on the ideas of downloadable content and paid level-ups that grant access to more content, more games and tools within a game.
The idea of gamification is also worth mentioning as an interesting concept that began to develop along with the gaming on smartphones. We’re so deeply attracted to the serotonin-adrenaline response of gaming. The convenience and personalised experiences delivered through our mobile device became effective marketing strategies. Reward systems and points applied in the system of games affect the feeling of competitiveness and urgency to make a specific move in order to level up or get a special reward.
Conclusion
Not everyone loves what mobile has done for the concept of video gaming. However, one thing is certain: today, people are playing games more often than probably ever before in the history of gaming. Maybe it’s the occasional feeling of escapism while mixing the reality with fiction or the satisfying feeling of achievement when we’ve completed a task. Here is the collaborative nature and team spirit of a multiplayer experience and the graceful, sharp gameplay. No matter the drive, we admit that gaming has conquered the mobile landscape. Transforming with a more immersive and experimental approach, games have turned our living rooms into tennis courts and fantasy playground fields. The perks of easily available funding and adaptive nature of this business have ensured that this market will remain fluid, changing in line with the trends and demands among the consumers.