BWild |
February 15, 2013
New information from SponsorPay highlights trends in mobile games
SponsorPay, a leading engagement marketing firm, has released new information concerning the rise of mobile games. Gaming has long been a source of entertainment for a wide range of people. In the advent of mobile technology, games became more mobile, allowing people to play them wherever they may be. As gaming became more popular, social networks, like Facebook, began offering games to users. These social games continue to be a major phenomenon within the game industry.
Women outnumber men when it comes to mobile and social games
According to SponsorPay, the majority of people — approximately 31% of mobile consumers — play mobile games while they are in bed. Another 16% play games on their smart phones and tablets while traveling. SponsorPay also notes that more women play mobile games than men, bucking a long standing trend in the game industry of men outnumbering women. The difference is not staggering, however, with women representing 54% of mobile gamers where men represent the remaining 53%.
Younger consumers show more engagement in mobile gaming
The majority of people that play mobile games, according to SponsorPay, are between the ages of 25 and 34. Games that are exclusive to social networking sites boast of an older fan base. Younger consumers seem to prefer their mobile devices for gaming rather than other platforms. These consumers are also likely to pay for in-game items and respond to in-game marketing efforts. The most popular mobile games among all consumers are those that have strong social elements.
Game industry continues to show interest in the mobile space
Mobile games have become a very prominent focus for the game industry lately. Most consumers that have an interest in gaming own some kind of mobile device, whether it be a smart phone or tablet. The game industry has been gearing up for a new generation of gaming with the launch of new consoles, all of which are expected to have strong mobile elements that make them appealing to those that favor mobile devices.
The past year has seen many highs and lows for the game industry and its various companies
The advent of mobile gaming has had a significant impact on the industry as a whole and has helped spawn trends that are likely to dictate the course of the game industry into the future. With more consumers showing favor for mobile gaming over traditional channels, encouraging developers to focus more on mobile platforms and incorporate new business methods that defy tradition.
Research highlights the prospects of mobile gaming
According to research from Gartner, more than 821 million smart phones and tablets were sold in the U.S. throughout 2012. As the penetration of mobile devices increased, so too did the focus on mobile games. Rovio, developers of the popular Angry Birds franchise, is one of the prime examples of the success that can be found in the mobile gaming space. The developer’s success has encouraged several other development studios to enter into the mobile space. Gartner research suggests that 44% of mobile consumers participate in mobile gaming, creating a significant incentive for game developers to target this audience.
Developers turning to corwdfunding
Crowdfunding is also becoming a popular trend in the game industry, especially where mobile gaming is concerned. Platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo have paved the way for game development studios to tap directly into consumers for financial support. Several developers have used this to great success. Crowdfunding is expected to help provide the mobile gaming space with more momentum into 2013, especially as larger development studios begin making use of such platforms to fund ambitious mobile games.
Problems persist for game industry as a whole
Though the mobile gaming market represents significant opportunities, economic turmoil continues to cause problems throughout the game industry. Recently, major developer THQ filed for bankruptcy after a long period of financial trouble. Larger companies, such as Blizzard Entertainment, Sega, and Electronic Arts, have also reported layoffs in recent months. While many of these setbacks are expected to be rectified in the coming year, the industry is still likely to experience turmoil to some degree in 2013.
