2020 has seen a mobile gaming boom the likes of which has never been experienced before; the industry is now responsible for 51% of the global gaming market, growing by as much as $15 billion globally over the past year and changing the face of the gaming industry forever. With new technology like 5G, VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) opening up new, exciting opportunities for developers and gamers alike, this juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
So, if you’re new to the world of mobile gaming, how on earth do you find your place in such a large and expansive market? It can feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry as this article has some solid suggestions about which area might be the right one for you. The best thing is that you probably already have everything that you need to get started – simply a fairly up-to-date smartphone and an interest in having some fun!
Gaming for Education
Perhaps you’re searching for a fun distraction that can also teach you something at the same time. Gamifying areas of education such as learning another language, learning how to code, and learning to play an instrument is a great way to introduce people to a new skill. The gaming element of apps like DuoLingo, Yousician and SoloLearn leave you with a sense of achievement every time you log in and complete a lesson or level; this keeps you coming back for more as you have enjoyed the learning experience. Before you know it, you’ve absorbed the rudiments of a new skill without feeling like you’ve put an enormous amount of effort in, and you have the opportunity to continue improving, if you so wish.
Word Games
Word games are another popular one with mobile gamers. Although they don’t strictly count as education, they can assist you with memory retention and help you grow your vocabulary. Some of the best loved titles include Scrabble Go and Words with Friends, classic word builder games that require you to earn points by using tricky letters and building on the correct squares. This type of game has been especially successful in the switch to mobile, as it means that you can carry on a game with a friend remotely, checking in on their moves during a lunch break or relaxing evening at home. A game can lasts days or weeks if you want it to, as there is no pressure to take your turn immediately.
Mobile Casinos
One of the most popular mobile gaming arenas is that of casino games, including classic table games, card games and other favourites like slots. Countries such as South Africa have a wide range of top mobile casinos to choose from, providing keen customers with access to blackjack, roulette, slots games, poker and more from their mobile device(s). Being able to access these familiar games either on the go or from the comfort of your own home brings a new layer of enjoyment to playing; although the social aspect is somewhat different in mobile gaming, the medium more than makes up for it with attractive deals and offers, as well as a greater level of convenience for the player.
Battle Royale Games
If casino games aren’t your scene, then maybe you’d prefer the new craze that’s sweeping the globe: multiplayer battle royale games. Popular titles such as PUBG and Fortnite invite customers to join up to 100 other players in a race to scavenge weapons, wipe out competitors and be the last one standing. Although the mobile versions of these games differ slightly to console or PC versions, they have proven extremely popular with gamers and have seen millions of people sign up to play them using their own mobile devices. They have been the runaway hit of the past 12 months and this style of playing looks set to dominate the market for some time to come.