Mobile gaming is at an all-time high, now accounting for over 2 billion active users worldwide. The most popular mobile games continue breaking record after record, with smashing hits like Honor of Kings grossing over $10 million. But while the trend is upward, the mobile sector has much in store to reinvent itself and grow ever stronger. So, what might the future hold for mobile gamers? Let’s dive into the trends that may redefine the mobile gaming experience.
Hyper-casual gaming
Hyper-casual gaming is now a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry. As opposed to long-standing genres like MMORPGs and platformers, hyper-casual titles stand out for their ease of play. Requiring no prior gaming skills or experience, their straightforward mechanics and user-friendly interfaces make for quick and accessible gaming sessions. Often seen as a stress-relieving pastime, such entries cater to an ever-increasing audience of non-gamers.
As a result, hyper-casual games are topping the charts. In 2021, they were the best-performing mobile gaming genre. In Q2 2022 alone, dozens of titles boasted over 40 million downloads, while the entire market showed a 10% increase. For studios, the genre has opened brand-new monetization venues for in-app purchases and in-game ads. And with shortened development cycles, the hyper-casual genre will most certainly strengthen its dominant position in the coming years.
In-game social features
Playing games has long been deemed an isolating activity. But the stigma surrounding gaming is fading as video games prove an effective tool to stay in touch with friends and relate with strangers on the other side of the screen. And social components have been a driving force behind the growth of gaming in recent years, as lockdown-stricken players turned to mobile devices for escapism and social connection.
Thus, mobile games are becoming increasingly interactive. A 2021 study by Meta (formerly Facebook) reported that four out of ten US players came for a chat while playing games. Developers have heard the message, adding chat rooms and other social connectivity features like guilds, which allow players to build a community around their common interests. Activity feeds have been just as popular for sharing questions while following up on fellow players’ progress. And as multiplayer games become more advanced, socialization options help increase user retention and engagement.
The metaverse
CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, said he envisioned a billion people in the metaverse over the long term. This all-virtual space may, thus, usher in a new era of social interactions as people attend everything from concerts to business meetings remotely. But this alternate universe might just as well spearhead an immersive gaming experience like never before.
While mobile devices are not yet compatible with virtual reality, augmented reality is making headway. Several mobile-friendly AR headsets already make it possible for users to delve into the metaverse. Meta’s own venture into gaming territory has proven a popular entry point for several gamers, as the company integrated interactive puzzles and games into its “Horizon Worlds” app. The most massive multiplayer platform at the moment, Roblox also leans into the metaverse by allowing users to create as many games as virtual worlds.
Real money earnings
NFTs have had their ups and downs, but non-fungible tokens cannot be written off as a fad. And the gamification of NFTs is best exemplified by the play-to-earn phenomenon. Play-to-earn games reward players with in-game assets to trade for cryptocurrencies. Such blockchain-based games are now more varied than ever, although new projects do not always make much of an impact. Still, established play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity and Splinterlands have been undeniable success stories on Android and iOS.
The iGaming industry has also leveraged mobile devices to attract more users. Mobile-optimized table games and slots are now available everywhere, including in countries that heavily restrict gambling within their borders. For instance, online casinos in Thailand, known as คาสิโนออนไลน์, make up for the absence of brick-and-mortar gambling venues. Top online platforms offer an extensive library of premium games. Punters may also place sports bets, benefitting from favorable odds and lofty bonuses. Besides, mobile-friendly graphics and gameplay guarantee a smooth mobile experience. Thus, financial incentives are poised to keep drawing crowds to mobile games.
Bottom line
The mobile gaming hype shows no sign of stopping, as the industry keeps shaking up the formula to appeal to new demographics and gratify seasoned players. But new trends are emerging, from the immersive metaverse to the socialization of gaming.
