Mobile games have huge market potential, accounting for nearly half (49%) of all global game revenue in 2023, according to Newzoo. This statistic begs the question: what makes mobile games such a dominant force, and how can we capitalize on this opportunity?
Mobile Phones’ Roles in Society and Technological Advancement
Smartphones have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from simple communication devices into indispensable companions. They now offer many functionalities that seamlessly integrate into our daily activities. More than just making calls and sending texts, smartphones can capture precious moments with high-quality cameras, stay connected through video calls, and access a world of information and entertainment. Games, in particular, have found a thriving home on mobile platforms, offering a quick escape or a chance to connect with friends during commutes, breaks, or even while waiting in line.
Recognizing this shift, smartphone manufacturers have adopted a tiered approach, catering to diverse economic classes. This approach encourages everyone, regardless of budget, to have access to a device that meets their needs.
Interestingly, the rapid pace of technological advancement doesn’t necessarily render older technology obsolete. Features introduced in high-end smartphones today often trickle down to mid-tier or lower models within a few years. This “democratization” of technology ensures that a wider range of users can benefit from the latest advancements, even if they don’t own the most expensive device on the market.
Impact on game development
The breakneck pace of technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges for mobile game developers. On the one hand, it opens doors for creating increasingly high-quality games with stunning visuals and immersive experiences. However, this progress also creates a “technology gap” between the capabilities of high-end and lower-end smartphones. Developers must grapple with the question: how can they create compelling games that cater to a diverse range of devices with varying processing power?
Recent attempts to port AAA titles (high-budget, high-end games) to iOS platforms showcase the potential of high-performance chipsets. However, these ports haven’t achieved the expected sales figures. This suggests that gamers might not be entirely convinced by the mobile AAA experience, especially considering the rising popularity of powerful handheld consoles specifically designed for gaming. Here, developers need to carefully consider the unique value proposition of mobile games and tailor their creations to excel in that space rather than simply trying to replicate the AAA console experience on a smaller screen.
Popular Genres
Mobile gaming offers a unique platform where specific genres excel due to the platform’s strengths. These genres are said to be popular amongst mobile game players:
Action Games: Fast-paced action games with simple controls are a perfect fit for mobile. Short bursts of intense gameplay are ideal for on-the-go sessions, while intuitive touch controls allow for easy pick-up-and-play action.
Hyper Casual Games: These bite-sized experiences with straightforward mechanics and instant gratification are ideal for mobile short play sessions. They’re highly replayable and often encourage quick decision-making, making them perfect for short commutes or waiting times.
Puzzle Games: The puzzle genre thrives on mobile due to its accessibility. Puzzle mechanics can be easily translated to touchscreens, offering players a mentally stimulating challenge that can be enjoyed in short bursts or longer sessions.
Business Model
The success of mobile games hinges on a well-defined business model. There are two popular approaches:
- Freemium with Microtransactions
This model offers the base game for free, enticing players with a taste of the experience. However, additional content like new characters, weapons, or cosmetic upgrades can be purchased through microtransactions. This allows for a wider reach while generating revenue from dedicated players. - Ad-Supported Games
In this model, the game is free to download and play. However, to cover development costs, developers integrate advertisements that appear periodically throughout gameplay. This model requires careful balancing to ensure the ads don’t disrupt the player’s enjoyment.
Agate's Experience in Making Mobile Games
With over 15 years of experience crafting engaging games, Agate has become a trusted game developer in the mobile game industry. We’ve honed our skills across diverse genres, successfully developing titles that have garnered immense popularity in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
One such success story is “Memories,” our original intellectual property (IP) that has been downloaded over a million times.
Additionally, we are currently developing Atma: Battle of Souls, a collaborative project with ISKRA. It is a supernatural techno-thriller RPG that immerses players in a world where advanced technology meets ancient traditions. To learn more about the game, please wait for its Beta test, which will open soon.
This experience extends beyond development. We leverage our knowledge to offer comprehensive game porting services, ensuring your game seamlessly reaches players on various popular platforms, including Android and iOS.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today and learn more about how we can help you take your project to exceptional heights.
Do you want to turn your ideas or existing IP into a fully developed video game with proper game testing?
Look no further than Agate!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today and learn more about how we can help you take your project to exceptional heights.
