The advent of mobile phones has forever changed the gaming experience. Do you remember the time when the keypad phones were rampant and each of us used to indulge in games like snakes and ludo? Sheer nostalgia! The introduction of Smartphones with 2D, 3D, 4D graphics, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) has changed the gaming experience. Realistic and engaging apps are increasingly replacing small screen keypad gaming.
Gaming apps are the most happening things than any other apps and a data released by Statista says that mobile games are dominating the app store both in terms of download and revenue. Thus, in the near future, these gaming apps are making no exit from the world. Conversely, some key trends will continue to shape the world of mobile game development. Keep reading this article till the end to know about them.
Smartphones
Many play games on desktops and gaming consoles, they altogether provide a different gaming experience from the mobile games. However, in the next few years, mobile games might be very close to providing a similar experience. With prices hitting quite similar ranges, youngsters to opt for smartphones rather than a console or a PC as it opens window for them to the world of social media. Additionally, it allows them to play with friends regardless of the place and disregarding the drawbacks of small screens or limited control.
AR and VR
Interest in technology is increasingly driven by AR and VR. They act as a bridge between the real and the virtual world and renders superpower to any game. It sets the gaming ground much like the one in real by recreating with the help of computer-generated stimulation. AR helps the game to be relevant with information in real-time. Therefore, undoubtedly the AR and VR are deemed to be a multi-billion industry.
Cloud gaming
The demand for cloud computing is increasing. The gaming industry too is making profits out of it by running the game on the cloud server. Google announced Stadia recently, it clearly indicates that internet connections get faster and more dependable. This means one does not have to worry about mobile storages to download a gaming app on the phone. They can stream it directly. The coming future might see a time when gaming would be equally accessible like online streaming music and videos. One would be able to play games from any device they pick (provided it has an internet connection).
Wearable technology
Recent trends the gamers are more focusing on is AR. Wearables (like smart watches, wristbands) are slowly and steadily picking up the market with its immersive experience in very simple things. Like for example, the techie giant Apple has designed apps for Apple Watch that allows users to take care of their health in a more playful manner. Putting it simply, you get an app that offers you joining incentives and incentives on winning a challenge/ game (maybe to lose weight) with your friend. Infusing games into similar daily activities has maximized the gaming experience.
Customized Features
Game developers are now keen on making players feel relevant. Thus, they are bringing about games that would allow users to choose specific features. It may consider one's past choices, the engagement time and other demographics (if any). This obviously would give players a reason to love and remain engaged with the game.
Mini games
As the name suggests they are games hidden in other games. These short games need no additional installation but are created with the intent of promoting competition and share among gamers. These would help to improve retention and engagement among users.
Interactive social features
Online gamine is already popular. However, games are being developed in such a way that they would now enable players to invite and share another gamer friend while they are still playing the game. This has promoted the multi-player gaming community and in the next few years, it might be obligatory for mobile games.
Offline Games
Gaming apps hardly hold any value without a running internet connection. What if there are apps that could be played sans internet connectivity? Surely, it will enhance the gaming experience of the users. Google has already added a set of offline games in the play store. The near future is going to see this category in full bloom.
Games for the aging
Gaming, in general, is for the younger audience. But with the adoption of Smartphones by all age groups gamers are trying to target the aging adults. Games for elderly audiences are going to be the next big thing.
Crypto games
Another breakthrough addition to the gaming industry is blockchain. Through esports, there have been a huge number of fans the numbers are growing with every passing day. Gaming coins and cryptos have the potentiality to be the next big thing or an alternative of the economy in gaming.
5G
After 4G, 5G is going to make an entry in 2020. And with it, gaming would also be greatly be influenced. It would build faster and more reliable connections for home internet, smartphones and other devices like gaming consoles, PCs, etc. It will benefit with lower latency, faster data transfer and wide area coverage. Furthermore, it will ensure average download speed upto 1Gbps (which is the standard for broadband communication). Imagine the good when downloads would be completed in just a few seconds!
To sum up Recent years have seen a revolution in terms of technology. The unique features of the games now continue to surprise us. Virtual reality VR and Augmented reality AR are ruling the world of gaming. Developers are finding newer ways to keep game lovers engaged in their designed games. Even the industry giants are putting in their efforts and investments to bring about new games for users all over the globe. And why not, if the world has more than 2.2 billion mobile gamers and the industry is projected to touch 100 billion dollars by 2021!
