Mobile gaming is a highly desirable entertainment option for the vast majority of people in 2022. Alongside watching sport and using on-demand streaming services like Netflix, gamers are able to make use of smartphone gaming’s extensive offering. But is gaming on a miniature handheld device really worth it, considering some of the amazing and ultimately more sophisticated console options out there?
Given the sheer amount of mobile gamers in the modern world, it certainly appears to be competing with alternative gaming options. According to Newzoo, there were around 3.9 billion smartphone users worldwide last year alone, highlighting the massive market for mobile games developers. This is further highlighted by the fact that, according to AppAnnie, mobile game consumer spend reached $116 billion in 2021 – 16 billion more than in 2020. Additionally, player spend is set to reach a staggering $138 billion by 2025, too. Somewhat evidently, mobile gaming is thriving right now, and it certainly appears to be competing with sophisticated console machines, such as a PlayStation 5, but why?
Console gaming is more expensive than ever before
One of the main reasons why smartphone gaming has risen to prominence is largely down to its affordability factor. Most people own a smartphone in today’s world, therefore opening up smartphone gaming to them in the process for free or relatively cheap. Console gaming, on the other hand, has reached extortionate levels and is unaffordable for a large proportion of society. Of course, the power and sophistication of console gaming makes it much more appealing for the average avid gamer, but when you factor in costs around the console, like purchasing additional accessories and then the games, then it’s easy to see why mobile gaming is now seen as a good and more affordable alternative.
Mobile games can be enjoyed anywhere
Another key factor behind the rise of mobile gaming has to be down to its portability factor. People can play an array of games anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection. Most mobile titles are designed to be picked up and put down throughout the day, too, offering gamers an accessible entertainment option as and when it suits them. For example, people are catching Pokémon on the bus during their morning commute to work. Likewise, more and more mobile gamers are settling down in the evenings to play a console game or even play live blackjack or poker at a casino. Ultimately, whether you’re out and about during the day or relaxing at home in the evening, an extensive selection of mobile gaming options can accompany you. Mobile gaming is, therefore, far more convenient than console propositions, and, as a result, casual gamers are discovering the benefits of smartphone gaming. On the other hand, console gaming can only be enjoyed indoors and represents a more intense all-around gaming experience. For casual gamers, that doesn’t necessarily appeal.
Mobile games just keep on getting better
We live in a world where technology-based innovation is showing no signs of slowing down. This type of innovation has impacted the mobile gaming sphere a great deal also, with mobile games offering more detail and all-around sophistication than we’ve ever known before. The aforementioned Pokemon Go, with its augmented reality feature, highlights this significantly and provides mobile gamers with a truly authentic mobile gaming experience. The options certainly don’t end there, though, especially when factoring in the array of console-quality titles that are now available to play on mobile and essentially represent a solid alternative to playing them on a console machine. Successful games that have recently made the transition over to mobile include Fortnite, PUBG, Minecraft, Mario Kart, and Call of Duty.