Emerging Trends in Mobile Gaming Technology

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Source: SensorTower.com

Some interesting trends are taking root in mobile gaming technology. According to Sensor Tower’s latest report – The State of Mobile Gaming 2023 - some eye-opening trends are apparent across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Many factors come into play vis-a-vis mobile application downloads. Today, we will look at the emerging trends in mobile gaming technology. One of the most notable changes in recent years is the decline in hypercasual game downloads. A substantial decrease in hypercasual game downloads occurred in 2022 (-18% year on year), compared with a 5% decline in casual mobile game downloads over the same period. However, the number of downloads of hybrid-casual games spiked 13% year-on-year. These trends are important as they present the big-picture perspective to the gaming community. One exciting development is the spike in interest in social casino games. An alternative to traditional gambling-style casino games online, the social gaming arena is a rising star with players. Hit It Rich! by Zynga are leading the way with a smorgasbord of titles designed for the Vegas-esque gaming aficionado. Statista states that the social casino gaming market is valued at $6.2 billion, but it’s the mobile casino games section that top-grosses worldwide. A huge spike in interest occurred between 2020 and 2022 owing to the restrictive measures put forth during the pandemic.

Source: SensorTower.com Initially, social networks like Facebook launched browser-based social games in 2010. These rapidly morphed into mobile games, facilitated by dramatic and unprecedented advances in smartphone technology. Both Android and iOS devices have been characterized by innovation par excellence, with powerful processing technology, unprecedented audiovisual clarity, and smart functionality. The casual gaming app scene is the fastest-growing entertainment space on the web. According to statistics, social casino game players are likelier to spend money during in-game action than other players. The average value of in-app purchases in 2021 was $12.28. In and among the trends currently taking place, social casino game players are particularly fond of Texas Hold’em Poker. This Facebook game is the ranking gaming app of its time, with $88 million in revenue as of 2022. Players are drawn to strong brands exemplifying credibility, quality, and gaining variety. While revenue has declined for many of the top genres from 2022 onwards, some notable exceptions exist, such as sports games and action games. Both categories saw increased numbers of players. Future projections for mobile gaming technology indicate a strong adoption of social casino gaming, despite the economic slowdown that occurred in 2023 and 2024. A notable change in this market is the move towards hybridization models where social casino games like slots and card games are being mixed with genre crossovers on mobiles. For example, games using slot technology with base building mechanics are coming into their own. Raid style player versus player functionality is also rising in the ranks. These are important developments in mobile gaming technology, as it points to increased immersion, computing capabilities, and optimization. The leading operators in this space understand that it's much more than a gaming experience – players want to be entertained and enthralled. To this end, free daily gifts, game guides, daily bonuses, VIP benefits, weekly tournaments, and special offers are readily available from the premier providers. Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/2965/social-casino-gaming/#topicOverview As far as mobile game technology goes, several notable trends are unfolding. Virtual reality and augmented reality are growing at a steady clip. VR and AR offer fully engaging experiences to players, especially with mobile gaming. In addition, cloud-based gaming and related technologies are rapidly reshaping the virtual entertainment universe. In tandem with that, artificial intelligence is enhancing gaming experiences, allowing for adaptive gameplay, and fast-tracking unprecedented changes in the gaming universe. Several major milestones have taken place in the mobile gaming industry since 2008. That year marked the launch of the App Store. This phenomenal development in the mobile entertainment industry was a game changer. A veritable surge took place in game development and many indie developers appeared on the scene. Enhanced gameplay via AI remains a major factor in future-oriented design, development, and functionality. For instance, repetitive tasks are automated with AI. But it's more than that – AI improves the UX and enhances the UI. Algorithms now generate game content, create smart NPCs, and balance difficulty levels. Allied with AI growth is blockchain-based technology for mobile gaming. Virtual currency, scarcity, and authenticity are de facto features of blockchain-based tech in mobile gaming. Watch this space, because we are at the forefront of a veritable mobile gaming revolution!