Tag: glu mobile

A new report reveals that women play and spend more on mobile games than men.

A recent report from mobile advertising, analytics and monetization firm, Flurry, reveals that the mobile gaming scene is not dominated by the male mobile user population, as many would suspect due to the fact that males generally drive game revenue, but is actually a digital playground that is currently being conquered by female mobile consumers.

Women make over 30% more in-app game purchases than men.

Based on the data found in its report, Flurry discovered that based on a selection of mobile games that were available to 1.1 million devices on its platform, compared to men, women made 31% more in-app purchases. In addition, the study learned that women spend 35% more time engaged in gaming on their mobile devices and, on average, have a 42% greater retention over one week than their male counterparts.

Flurry commented that the “fact that females also outspend males in in-app purchases came as a surprise to us.” The mobile ad firm also noted that while its data was measured on a global basis, the numbers did not differ greatly when it came to the individual analysis of the US audience.

In general, certain types of mobile gaming appear to appeal to one gender over the other.

In its report, Flurry also analyzed 19 different iOS game categories and the amount of time mobile gamers spend in them. What was found was that, on the whole, men continue to spend more time playing games that fall into the strategy, sports, tower defense, action/RPG and card/battle game categories, compared to women.

That being said, what encouraged Flurry to conduct its report to find out precisely how in-app purchases are being influenced by a growing mobile gaming user base, is the success that game developer Glu Mobile is experiencing after the release of its “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” game. According to a report from the New York Times, Glu Mobile has generated over $1 million in revenue just from the first five days after the game was released. Due to the fact that the game is free to play, money is coming from user’s making in-app purchases. One analyst even told the paper that on an annual basis, the game has the potential to produce $200 million in revenue.

Developers show faith in wearable technology

Mobile games developers are beginning to show a great deal of interest in wearable technology. Google Glass and Samsung Galaxy Gear have yet to attract the enthusiasm of consumers, but game developers are keen to make new products for these platforms. Glass, in particular, has managed to establish a following among consumers despite the fact that it is not yet available. Game developers have been rushing to make applications for the platform in order to take advantage of what could be the next big thing to come to the consumer electronics realm.

Wearable technology could change the mobile space

Glu Mobile, a prominent developer of mobile games, compares the potential of wearable technology to that of the iPhone when it was first launched. The iPhone received a great deal of hype before its official launch and went on to revolutionize the mobile space, especially where applications are concerned. Wearable technology may have a similar impact on the mobile space, but it is impossible to tell for certain whether or not this will be the case.

Mobile games on Glass being released in January

Mobile games for Google Glass are already scheduled for launch later this month, but Glass itself has not yet been officially released. Currently, only a few thousand developers have access to the platform. Developer units were issued in order to get developers more comfortable with the platform and understand its capabilities and limitations. Game developers have praised Glass’ use of augmented reality as well as its other features.

Some challenges may lie ahead for mobile games on wearable platforms

Mobile games and wearable technology may go hand-in-hand. These games are well liked because they can be played anywhere and at any time. Technology like Glass compliments this feature, allowing users to play mobile games whenever they like. The problem, however, resides in how a Glass user will actually control their mobile games. If voice control is the only option, mobile games may soon become more of an annoyance, especially for commuters, than a source of entertainment.