As games continue to evolve into the very platforms where individuals forge and maintain social connections, mobile games are only expected to grow even bigger in the years to come. In fact, Statista’s latest study notes how revenues for the mobile gaming industry are set to grow to more than $100 billion come 2023. With the future of mobile gaming looking bright and very promising, a lot of people are excited about what this year has in store for this rapidly growing industry. And because we are just as excited as you are, we’ve listed five mobile gaming trends that are expected to create waves in the industry this year, 2021.
Mobile gaming trends to lookout in 2021
1. Genshin Impact inspiring more games from Chinese studios
One of the games that defined mobile gaming last year is miHoYo’s Genshin Impact. Genshin Impact is an open-world game that effectively brought immersive and single-player mechanics from triple-A console and PC games to the mobile platform.
Following its tremendous success that brought in over $800 million in revenue, it wouldn’t be surprising if, this year, even more, Chinese developers will start producing games like this and expand overseas.
2. Playable ads becoming the norm
As the attention span of consumers dwindles by the day, videos would no longer be enough to entice them. Thankfully, game developers can rely on playable ads. Playable ads have the ability to provide consumers with a chance to experience a game without having to download it first. Given the crucial role immersive in-game advertising plays in opening up opportunities for monetization, this unique ad type can be a great way for game developers to reach more players.
3. Mobile games doubling as social networks
These days, mobile games are no longer just viewed as mere sources of entertainment. Given current circumstances, mobile games are now also considered as spaces where friends can come together and bond, as in the case of the wildly popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This pandemic-induced phenomenon has ushered in a new era of gaming in which games can double as social networks.
Today, people are realizing that games can be a fun and safe alternative to physical interaction, along the same lines as social media. As mobile games continue to function as social networks, newer applications are expected to have more social spaces embedded within them. These hangout areas will not only serve as a virtual place where people can meet in-game, but they can also function as venues for virtual events, such as concerts.
4. More IP-based games coming to mobile
As mobile continues to establish itself as the most-prevalent gaming platform, more and more intellectual property (IP) holders are gaining interest in releasing licenses for IP-based games. Of course, IP-based games are nothing new. They can even be traced all the way back to the original Atari console. But since then, mobile games have followed suit — whether with film (as in last year’s incredibly successful Marvel: Contest of Champions) or even anime (Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle, and Pokémon Go).
Mobile gaming platforms are fast becoming known for heavily featuring different IP-based titles. On their platform alone, UK-based gaming giant Foxy Bingo features titles derived from classic table-top games (Monopoly, Cluedo), popular TV shows (Game of Thrones, F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Downton Abbey), and even retro games (Tetris) and movies (Wonder Woman) alongside original titles. Mobile games like these capture the attention of fans of existing franchises because they add a new dimension to how they experience a movie, TV show, and game.
5. 5G spelling a new age for mobile gaming
Given current circumstances, 2021 may still not be the year for 5G, but it will surely spell continued improvements that will help establish this network in the years to come. This year will not only see better network infrastructure and increased government support, but 2021 will also be characterized by the release of 5G-ready handsets. According to Newzoo’s Global Mobile Market Report, 16% (or over 700 million) of all active smartphone users will be 5G-ready by the end of this year. With the advent of 5G, mobile gamers can look forward to a future of faster downloads and improved in-game action due to better latency.
Without a doubt, 2021 will be yet another great year filled with exciting developments and trends for the mobile gaming industry. To keep yourself updated with the latest happenings regarding mobile gaming, do check out this space from time to time!
What are your thoughts and opinions on the top 5 popular trends in mobile gaming in the year 2021? Let us know in the comment section below!
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