Report highlights the growth of mobile games over handhelds
IDC, a leading market analysis firm, and App Annie, a resource for Apple-centric information, have come together to release a new report concerning emerging trends seen in mobile games. The report, called “App Annie & IDC Portable Gaming Report,” shows that mobile games have managed to establish strong momentum over the years, especially when it comes to iOS devices. The iOS platform has become one of the most popular platforms for mobile games, so much so that these games are beginning to perform better than traditional handheld games.
Mobile games beat handhelds in terms of revenue
Mobile games have become one of the most lucrative sectors of the game industry. Developers and publishers around the world have begun focusing more heavily on the mobile space in order to tap into the powerful economic activity that is occurring therein. According to the report from IDC and App Annie, spending on mobile games has increased significantly over the past year and has, for the first time, outpaced the revenue that traditional handheld games produce.
Android may become powerful gaming platforms, eventually
The report shows that the iOS is leading the way in terms of mobile games spending. Google’s Android is lagging behind both the iOS platform and traditional handhelds in terms of gaming, but the report suggests that this may change in the next financial quarter. Google has been reforming its approach to gaming and mobile applications, introducing significant changes to its Google Play service. These changes are expected to help the company put more focus on mobile games. This focus is likely to propel Android ahead of handheld consoles in the future.
Mobile games may soon cut into console markets
The report indicates that there are a rising number of new markets emerging in the mobile gaming sector. In these markets, consumers are showing strong interest in mobile games of all kinds. Many of these markets happen to be in Asia, where smartphones and tablets are already quite popular. As mobile games continue to grow in power, they may soon begin to cut into the profits that have kept traditional handheld consoles afloat for several years.
Android mobile gaming may be set for a major paradigm shift
Android mobile gaming has been getting a great deal of attention over the past several months. The Android platform has long been popular in terms of mobile games, but the future of the platform may be decidedly more static. The impending launch of the Ouya and Nvidia’s Project Shield, both of which are stationary consoles based on the Android platform, may have a measurable impact on the Android’s position in the mobile gaming realm.
Android-based consoles equipped with advanced technology
Mobile gaming on the Android has been evolving for several years. While there are still significant gaps between the Android and traditional game consoles, the Android platform has become more capable of supporting advanced games due to the expanding capabilities of new technology. The Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor, for example, allows the Android to support games that have features that had traditionally been exclusive to consoles. With the coming of Android-based consoles, however, the platform may see its mobile gaming pedigree marred.
Developers may favor consoles over mobile platforms
The Ouya and Project Shield will boast of more advanced technology than what can be found on the most modern Android mobile devices. These consoles will be able to play games that will be a significant step above the capacity of mobile devices, despite being based on the same platform. Thus, game developers will have more freedom in the types of games they can produce for the platform, which may end up leaving Android mobile devices behind in terms of mobile gaming.
Mobile gaming may still thrive despite challenges in the future
Despite the possible risks associated with upcoming Android-based consoles, Android mobile devices are still likely to be popular platforms for mobile gaming. Because the upcoming consoles are significantly less mobile than a smart phone or tablet, gamers may not be inclined to acquire mobile titles for these consoles. Android mobile devices will eventually catch up to the capabilities of their console counterparts, but this may take several months, if not years. Moreover, consumers will likely have to purchase an entirely new device that features this advanced technology, whereas they could purchase a console and not have to worry about making another investment for several years.
