Ever since the inception of mobiles, the trends for mobile gaming have only been soaring. From flash games, and casual and hyper-casual games, to VR and hyper-realistic games, we have a long way to go.
As of this year, there are approximately 1.92 billion gamers worldwide. If we look at it from a bird’s view, there is a variety of target audiences and preferences. Mobile gaming is evolving with the emerging trends in the gaming industry whether it is cloud gaming or Netflixization of the games.
In this blog, we will look at the five emerging mobile gaming trends that are rampant among gamers. We will also look at some of the interesting stats and research studies for game trends.
1- Netflixization of Mobile Gaming
The subscription-based games are soaring with the time due to the convenience of playing that is available to gamers. Subscription-based gaming is rising as players can access most of the games by paying their subscription fee to the game service providers. The two main benefits of subscription-based gaming are that players have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to playing games in their leisure time. Another benefit is that mobile gamers can access games from globally recognized game development companies such as Microsoft and Nintendo.
According to US gaming research and stats, 52% of gamers subscribe to one gaming service at least. With that being said, the gaming subscription industry continues to grow and boost revenue. Platforms like Netflix also have games on their platform. This adds value to the mobile game subscription market.
2- Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming also known as gaming-as-a-service allows players to browse and play games on the internet with high-speed connection. GaaS as an industry is rising with every passing day and players are more interested in cloud gaming as it is convenient and economical. They do not have to worry about buying consoles, gaming setup, or other expenses.
Another compelling aspect of cloud gaming is its accessibility. Players can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more, opening up new avenues for gaming on the go.
Additionally, cloud gaming fosters cross-platform play, enabling gamers on different devices to seamlessly join in multiplayer experiences. As cloud gaming services continue to evolve and expand, they are poised to revolutionize the gaming landscape, making top-tier gaming accessible to a broader audience than ever before.
3- Play to Earn Games
After the use of in-game rewards and their ownership, play-to-earn games have become another emerging trend in the gaming industry. According to Forbes, Play-to-earn games are among the top trends in the industry. Play-to-earn games are also known as P2E games in which the gamers have to complete tasks, or achieve specific milestones and earn in-game rewards or the ownership of the assets. Pokemon Go is one of the prime examples of this trend.
Moreover, P2E games have NFT integrations, smart contracts, and wallets that are implemented using blockchain technology. It allows players to have true ownership of in-game assets which adds value to the gaming experience.
The main benefit of play-to-earn games is that it fosters strong online communities, where players collaborate, compete, and trade. This social aspect enhances player retention.
4- Metaverse Gaming
Listed among the top two trends by Forbes, Metaverse gaming brings a new experience to the players. In the metaverse, the players step into the new immersive world that is lifelike and can also perform different actions. Metaverse is an immersive world in which players using their headsets or devices can have a virtual world tour.
According to Statista’s most current reports, the market for Metaverse gaming is anticipated to develop at a rate of 42.29% per year (CAGR 2023–2030), with a predicted market value of US$163.4 billion by 2030.
These stats and market value elucidate the importance and the emerging trend of Metaverse gaming. It gives a new experience to players which is entirely different from what players used to experience.
The top feature of the metaverse is that it uses blockchain technology. Many companies are developing metaverse that allows players to shop, purchase, and sell within the metaverse world. Not only that but it also allows setting virtual meetings, educational classes, conferences, and much more.
5- Indie Games
Interesting storylines, engaging games design, and minimal capital development is what we call Indie Games. Famous indie games such as Limbo, Hades, and Darkest Dungeon have earned revenues in millions of dollars.
Many game developers are moving towards creating their games without globally recognized game publishers. Independent games captivate players with their creative gaming mechanics, compelling stories, and visually different art forms.
The reason indie games stand out are because they can accommodate a wide range of player tastes, providing everything from compelling puzzle-solving adventures to emotionally charged narrative-driven experiences.
Accessibility and inclusion are frequently given top priority in these games, ensuring that players from various backgrounds may enjoy them. Additionally, the strong sense of community that exists between independent game makers and gamers encourages a culture of cooperation that improves the entire gaming experience.
Indie games strengthen their place as a long-lasting trend in the gaming business, demonstrating the strength of independent game production, as they develop further and continue to astound gamers with their originality.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the gaming business is going through a spectacular shift that is being fueled by a diverse range of new trends. The future of gaming is bright and varied, with the immersive possibilities of virtual reality and augmented reality, the inventiveness of independent game production, and the convenience and accessibility provided by cloud gaming.
New ownership notions have been introduced by NFTs, and play-to-earn models are changing player involvement. It is obvious that innovation, inclusivity, and community involvement will continue to be at the heart of the sector as it develops. These changes are changing how we play while also broadening our perceptions of what is feasible in the gaming industry.