Sony and Nintendo show concern over mobile games
The growing popularity of mobile games has been a good trend for developers around the world, many of whom had struggled for years to turn their passion into a lucrative career. While these games have become one of the most promising sectors of the global game industry, the popularity of mobile games may be causing some problems for two of the industry’s titans. Both Sony and Nintendo are beginning to show concern that games for iOS and Android devices are becoming more successful than those for handheld devices, such as the Playstation Vita and Nintento 3DS.
Mobile games are making four times the revenue as games for handheld devices
A recent report from research firms IDC and App Annie shows that games for iOS and Android platforms make four times the revenue when compared to games for Sony and Nintendo handheld devices. The vast majority of these mobile games encourage consumers to spend money by offering additional content, some of which can only be unlocked through the use of digital currencies, which can be bought at any time. Typically, games for Sony and Nintendo devices do not focus on micro-transactions and in-game purchases, which may be a missed opportunity considering the lucrative nature of mobile gaming.
UK consumers show a strong love for mobile gaming
A similar study from research firm comScore shows that more than 20 million consumers in the United Kingdom alone play mobile games every month. It is estimated that British consumers have spent an average of $400 million on mobile gaming this year alone. Many people are beginning to favor their smartphones and tablets for gaming, abandoning other handheld gaming devices that had once held their attention. This could be a problematic issue for both Sony and Nintendo, as both companies have a strong focus on promoting their handheld devices.
Publishers are flocking to the mobile sector
A growing number of influential publishers are beginning to take the mobile space more seriously. Companies like Electronic Arts and Activision are looking to take advantage of the growing popularity of mobile games, publishing a wide variety of titles that are exclusive to smartphones and tablets. Both Sony and Nintendo have expressed interest in the mobile sector, but the companies may soon be forced to embrace mobile gaming lest they be left behind by the changing interests of consumers.
