Following the rise of digitalisation, the mobile gaming industry has reached new, unprecedented heights. While this growth can be attributed to a wide array of different factors, the sector itself is yet to peak, with newly-developed technical advancements possessing the ability to further advance the market’s capabilities. So, let’s take a look at what factors will enable the smartphone market to strengthen their position within the global gaming industry.
Vast Future Potentials
Although the pending implementation of 5G, the fifth-generation standard for cellular networks, doesn’t directly alter smartphone hardware or software performance, the advancement is set to have a significant impact on the future outlook of mobile gaming. According to a report by Just Ask Thales, 5G is set to reach speeds of approximately 100 gigabits per second. In turn, this will see the next generation of cellular networks operate around 100 times faster than 4G.
Crucially, ensuring lower latencies is the crucial difference between the two networks. As a result, mobile-related gaming performance in the coming years won’t be solely affected by specific smartphone specifications. Although a high-spec phone will, of course, provide more selectivity regarding in-game performance, such as the overall quality of visuals, with faster network speeds that will ensure a more console-like experience.
Fundamentally, however, this is only likely to prove beneficial to open-world, multiplayer titles, including Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. As per a report by AppLovin, which can be found here, exponentially faster download speeds unlock the potentials of online mobile gaming. Crucially, 5G’s ability to handle simultaneous connections will open up more extensive opportunities on mobile devices.
Heightened Game Size and Diversity
Moreover, the implementation of 5G isn’t the only reason behind the belief that mobile gaming will become the focal point of the broader gaming industry in the coming years. In 2019, Mobile Marketer stated that the revenue amassed by smartphone titles accounted for 60 percent of the total generated by the global video game market. Importantly, this isn’t a surprise upon comparing the gaming libraries across some of the most popular gaming platforms within modern-day society.
Research conducted by Gaming Shift found that there were 811,911 games on the App Store, and 327,491 on Google Play. In comparison, the same report stated that Steam had 33,554 games, while the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One had 1,893 and 1760 respectively. This gulf in quantity can largely be attributed to the speed at which mobile titles can be developed and released, as the process is considerably less time consuming than console productions.
Furthermore, the total number of games has resulted in considerably more diversity concerning title genres hitting the mobile market. Aside from popular options, such as adventure, racing, and open-world games, for example, the smartphone market has also embraced emerging sectors, including casino gaming. Over the last few years, heightened numbers of Indian-based operators, such as LeoVegas, have focused on optimising their platforms for mobile devices. While you can read more here about which casinos have embraced the potentials of the smartphone market, the adaptation for mobile hardware ensures that you can now enjoy a real-life casino experience from your phone.
Foundations for Long-Term Success
Ultimately, there can be no doubts that the future outlook of the mobile gaming sector is one which possesses undeniable promise. Crucially, the effect of 5G networks can’t be understated, with the advancement set to enable multiplayer gaming on mobiles to rival console experiences. While it remains to be seen whether mobiles will continue to assert their superiority, it seems clear that the market is well placed to enjoy sustained long-term success.