When Steve Jobs predicted 30 years ago that everyone would have a PC in their home one day, no one believed him. Well, at least no one thought it would happen this fast. Mobile phones are a necessity these days. Companies also push more users towards mobile phones with packages such as the Cox plans or Apple and Samsung monthly installments. They have replaced cameras, watches, calculators, dictionaries, landlines, fax machines, and so much more. The recent era has proved that they are all set to replace gaming consoles and PCs.
While many ‘true’ gamers still believe that you can play real games only on PCs and consoles, things are changing. People no longer want a separate gadget just for one particular purpose. If you can do so much on your mobile phone, why can’t you play games on it? Sooner or later, the gaming industry’s future will be on mobile phones, and here’s why.
Can Desktops and Gaming Consoles Compete?
Desktop computers are beginning to be obsolete when it comes to surfing the internet and playing games. According to a survey by Statista, mobile phones generated more than 50% of all traffic online. When was the last time you fire up your computer just for a simple web search? People have entirely shifted to mobile phones because they are handy, smart, and fast. Similarly, for the masses, casual gaming has moved to mobile phones.
While gaming console giants like Microsoft and Sony roll out new consoles every year, they fall short. Mobile gaming makes up more than half of all gaming revenues. It is evolving, and people looking for high-quality games can now find them on their phones. Gaming giants like Fortnite and Call of Duty also have mobile versions. The crazy shift towards mobile gaming came because of many reasons, including ease of access, affordability, and better games.
The convenience of Mobile Games
Probably the biggest reason why the mobile gaming industry reached the heights of today is convenience. Casual gamers make up most of the gaming industry, and all they want is to relax. If a game on their mobile phone is easy to launch, that is their best bet. Gaming consoles could never compete with mobile phones because you can take your phone anywhere. Are you feeling bored? Just take out your cell phone and play a game of Among Us.
Easier to Connect Online
Many of the most famous games these days are FPS (first-person shooting). The idea of the battle royale revolutionized the gaming industry. Such games require a constant internet connection and a lower ping to work well. Even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can still stay connected to the internet with a phone. You cannot say the same thing for a console. As most live games use the internet, this is an added advantage for mobile phones.
Additionally, faster internet speeds are optimum for mobile games. Gamers all around the globe look for the fastest internet they can be on. A lower ping can make all the difference by reducing the time between action and reaction. Hence, 5G has also tilted the balance towards mobile gaming.
E-Sports and Competitions
Globally, the gaming industry is a sport now. When Fortnite launched their first-ever World Cup, the world realized how big the game was. Although such mega-events still attract more console gamers, the reality will change soon.
Many competitions happen at small-scale levels for mobile phone gaming. As the cost of arranging such a competition is much lower, we see an increase. There are built-in competitions inside mobile gaming applications that attract all types of gamers. The rewards can range from real-life to virtual in-game benefits that enhance the gamers’ experience. Such competitive games have increased interest in mobile gaming, and it is the future.
Affordable for Starters
Not all gamers are professionals, and some are just starting. While many console games are free, the best of them can get expensive. Even the in-game purchases can cost you a lot of money. Moreover, developers design them in a way that you have no choice but to buy them if you want to win. This can put off many casual gamers completely as they do not want to spend any money.
Most mobile games can be free to start with. If you install a game on your phone and you don’t like it, you won’t be out a penny. Moreover, in-game purchases are also much more affordable compared to console games. Some of the most famous games like Candy Crush, Call of Duty, and PUBG is free on mobile phones. Casual gamers don’t play one game for a long time, and choosing free ones makes more sense.
Big Gaming Companies are Investing
Seeing the potential of mobile gaming, many large gaming companies are investing their money in it. More creative and well-designed games release every day. The world has progressed far ahead of Nokia’s Bounce and Snake.
Names like Call of Duty, Fortnite, Riot Games, Tencent, and Halfbrick have increased interest in mobile gaming. Most of these companies are targeting casual gamers that make up more than half of the gaming population. The companies design the games to be addicting and comically challenging, so people keep playing them.
Mobile Games that Became Global Trends
In recent times, many addicting and fun mobile games have become a global trend. When Subway Surfers hit the global market, everyone seemed to be playing it. We saw the same thing happening with games like Doodle Jump, Candy Crush, Temple Run, and QuizUp.
Pokémon Go revolutionized gaming by introducing augmented reality into the mix. The entire world seemed to be looking for Pokémon, and it became a sensation. If you did not know of Among Us during the pandemic, you probably lived under a rock. All these games brought in people from all wakes of life into the gaming world. They started new trends and made more people play mobile games more than ever before. Mobile gaming becomes more popular as we move towards a wireless, fast, and convenient world. While there still may be professional games that stick to consoles, most casual gamers prefer mobile games.
