Tag: sony

Mobile games may herald the demise of handheld devices

| September 30, 2013

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.

Mobile Games - Handheld games lose groundUK 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.

Sony unveils ambitious mobile games console for homes

| September 17, 2013

Mobile games are coming to the TV with the help of Sony

Acclaimed Japanese technology giant Sony has taken a bold step in the game industry by unveiling its new PS Vita TV, a small but powerful console based on the company’s modestly popular Playstation Vita. Unlike its handheld counterpart, the PS Vita TV does not feature a screen or any sort of controls. Instead, the console allows users to play games exclusive to the Vita on their televisions, without actually having to own a Vita console. This could set Sony up to compete with others that have been showing a strong interest in mobile games.

Game industry continues showing support for mobile titles

While mobile games are often played by consumers on the move, the vast majority of people playing these games do so from home. Smartphones and tablets are preferred platforms for many, but other handheld devices, such as the Playstation Vita and the Nintendo 3DS, have become a staple among gamers interested in portability. Recently, several game companies have been looking to take advantage of the popularity of mobile games by creating consoles that allow consumers to play these games on a bigger screen and with better controls. The Ouya is one of the most recent, as well as most criticized, console to attempt to accomplish this.

PS Vita TV to make Vita games more accessible


PS Vita TV will support all Vita games and will cost approximately $100 for the standard edition. While there are not many Vita games available today when compared to games exclusive to its handheld counterparts, these games typically receive high praise from the game industry and avid gamers. There are many developers interested in mobile games that are looking to bring new titles to the Vita as well and these future games will also be supported by PS Vita TV.

Mobile games continue to gain favor with consumers

When many people think of mobile games, they usually get the idea of gaming applications played on smartphones and tablets. Mobile games were common on handheld consoles long before smartphones were invented, however, and mobile gaming has evolved aggressively over the past decade. Today, consumers have become very comfortable with the concept of mobile gaming, which has encouraged the game industry to attribute more attention to this sector in recent years.