The Future of Gaming on Handheld Devices: A Mobile Revolution
Mobile games are experiencing a colossal surge in popularity, signaling a bright future for the gaming industry on handheld devices. From family-friendly social casino games to competitive esports, the potential for revenue and audience growth is immense. With the proliferation of smartphones that mimic the power of desktop computers, the gaming experience on mobile devices is becoming ever more immersive and accessible.
Mobile Gaming: A Global Phenomenon
According to data from Sensor Tower and App Annie, the number of game project publishers in the Apple Store and Google Play has reached a staggering 108,000 out of 793,000, representing an impressive 15 percent of the total. In 2020, it is predicted that consumers will spend 674 billion hours on mobile devices, an 18 percent increase from the previous year. Moreover, mobile games account for 33 percent of all application downloads, 74 percent of the costs associated with in-game processes, and 10 percent of all time spent in applications.
Forecasting the Growth of Mobile Gaming
Global game provider Newzoo predicts that by the end of 2021, the mobile gaming market will surpass $100 billion, with mobile games accounting for 50 percent of the total gaming market. By 2022, the share of games for mobile and tablets is estimated to rise to 50 percent, marking a significant shift in the gaming landscape.
The Esports Revolution
Espoun Sports, a testament to the evolving nature of gaming, has transformed from a casual hobby to a lucrative career. In 2018, the esports industry generated $900 million in revenue, and Cloud9, the highest-valued esports company, is currently worth $310 million. This trend signals that as more players monetize their gaming skills, the industry as a whole will see significant growth.
Gaming Industry Forecast
According to Newzoo, the gaming industry produced a revenue of $134.9 billion in 2018 and is on track to reach $174 billion by 2021. This growth is largely driven by the rise of mobile gaming, which is now generating 63.2 billion in revenue, almost as much as the combined revenue from console and PC games. By the end of 2021, mobile gaming is projected to become a $100 billion business, underscoring its explosive growth trajectory.
The Advantages of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has taken center stage due to its inherent portability and accessibility. Unlike traditional console or PC gaming, mobile gaming doesn’t require any setup or specific hardware. The advent of smartphones has democratized gaming, making it possible for anyone with a smartphone to play anywhere at any time. As of 2021, smartphones have become a ubiquitous part of daily life, and the mobile app market has grown exponentially, offering over 4 million apps, with 75 percent of these being mobile games.
Less Costly and More Accessible
Furthermore, mobile games are less expensive and more accessible than their console or PC counterparts. Many games are free to play, generating revenue through in-app purchases or ads. This model allows players to sample games without financial risk, making mobile gaming appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers. The ease of access, coupled with the diverse range of games available, continues to fuel the rapid growth of the mobile gaming market.
Conclusion
The future of gaming on handheld devices is undoubtedly bright. The rise of mobile gaming is a testament to the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on entertainment. As gaming continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovations and growth in the years to come, making the mobile gaming revolution a thrilling and lucrative era in the gaming industry.