Be it in terms of download numbers, revenue, and engagement, mobile games are clearly dominating the app stores. We are not saying this. A data released by Statista says this.
In respect of innovation and latest technology, no other app niche is as happening as mobile games. From virtual reality (VR), extraordinary graphics (2D, 3D, and 4D) to augmented reality and cross-platform mobile games, the latest technology is continuously shaping the mobile games arena keeping user engagement in mind.
Moreover, a major part of the users are now playing games on mobile phones, so game development companies are more focused on that. Considering all these evolving traits, there’s been a lot of things happening in the gaming arena. Let’s take a look at some of the key trends that will continue to shape mobile game development.
The rise of Mini Games
Mini-games are short games that are often embedded within other games. These games usually do not need any additional installation and are usually integrated to promote sharing and competition among gamers. These are going to be a key factor in improving further user engagement and retention.
VR and AR Gaming
VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) have tremendous scope in the gaming industry. Both are like a bridge between the virtual and the real world. While VR is a computer-generated simulation that recreates any real-life environment; and in AR you will receive additional information digitally but in real-time. AR/VR games give you an immersive gaming experience as both these technologies have been consolidated and now, these have become mainstream in the gaming world.
Wearable Technology
Now, this is something that might take over the gaming world in the coming days just next to the smartphones. These offer an extended gaming experience. Majority of this includes smart wearables such as wristbands or watches. For instance, Apple has already stepped into gamification of healthcare with it’s Apple Watch. It allows you to play mobile games with your friend (like a game to lose weight) and such games also offer some incentives to the users for joining the health game! While this is just the beginning. With the evolution of these devices, mobile game developers will look towards incorporating them for a greater user experience.
Custom Game Features
Customisation is a great way of engaging the users. With custom features in mobile games, the user or the player feels important. This is something that everyone prefers. Mobile games with custom features let the audience choose the features they want or enjoy. This may rely on your past likes and dislikes, the time you devote to a certain game or any other demographic detail. This improves the gaming experience and is obviously a reason for the user to stick to that game.
Deep and Interactive Social Features
Social gaming is already a hot trend but now, mobile game developers are looking forward to implementing deeper and interactive social features in games. Such games will allow the users to share and invite another gaming friend while they play their games. This helps them to stay engaged with the community and this is the reason multi-player games have flourished. This is the reason most of the games come with social features but in the coming days, this will become a must-have feature for every mobile game.
Mobile eSport will be Embraced Popularly
eSports is becoming popular than ever. According to the Holmes Report, there will be a massive rise in the number of fans of eSports. Even a research group Newzoo reports that about 1.3 million people across the world are already aware of eSports. There are some eSports games such as Clash Royale and Vainglory that are already doing great in the mobile space. This rise in their popularity can be attributed to the extremely versatile environment that modern mobile devices offer.
Cloud-based games
These games will redefine the way games are been developed and played. This is an intriguing concept where the player runs the game on cloud server but can stream it in their mobile phones without even downloading or installing it. Now players don’t need to worry about their storage space anymore.
Mobile Games for Elderly
Most of the games are targeted towards the younger audience. However now, people from all age groups have become or are becoming tech savvy with plenty of time at their disposal. And this is a market segment is yet to be tapped. Mobile games for the elderly or the mature audience is going to be the next big thing in the gaming industry.
Offline Games
Most of the mobile games need an internet connection. Without the internet, no gaming app holds any value. In such cases, offline games are quite handy. Offline games allow the user to enjoy the gaming session without internet facilities. In the coming days, this is going to be extremely popular. No doubt, even Google has now added a category of offline games in the play store.
In 2020, mobile gaming will capture more than half of the total games market and by 2021, it is projected to be a 100-billion-dollar industry. And these trends will inspire the developers to build unique games across different gaming application development platforms. It will be interesting to see what goes up and what comes down the pike for both the game developers and the users who look forward to new and unique experiences.
