Author: JT

Mobile games may dethrone handheld games by the end of 2013

| April 30, 2013

Mobile Games - Handheld games lose groundMobile games establishing a formidable presence

Consumers are expected to spend more money on mobile games than those on traditional handheld systems by the end of 2013, according to forecasts from the International Data Corporation (IDC). The research firm has tracked the sales of handheld games for some time, finding the market somewhat volatile and relatively devoid of consumer interest. Even Nintendo, which has long reigned in the realm of handheld gaming, has been seeing lackluster sales for its 3DS platform. Mobile games seem to be replacing traditional handheld gaming as smartphones and tablets become more technologically advanced.

IDC predicts decline in handheld sales through 2017

The IDC anticipates that sales for the Nintendo 3DS and the Sony PS Vita will fall by 7% year-on-year through 2017. Mobile games are expected to pick up the slack due to their rampant popularity and the widespread availability of free-to-play titles. The IDC notes that handheld games will still be able to produce higher levels of revenue, however, due to the fact that many mobile games are either free or available at a very low price. This advantage is considered modest due to the fact that most mobile games have in-app purchases and advertisements, which account for the majority of the revenue generated by these games.

Android expected to become ideal platform for mobile games

Android is considered to be the most promising platform in the mobile games sector, according to the IDC. The firm notes that the Android platform is somewhat fragmented, making it difficult for game developers to find traction through the platform the same way they can find success with the iOS platform. Nonetheless, Android has been growing to become more intuitive and accommodating to the gaming environment. So much so that the IDC expects Android to beat out all other platforms in the mobile games field in the near future.

Free-to-play model continues to grow

Free-to-play mobile games will likely be the key to dominance over handheld games. The IDC predicts that the game industry will become more adept in fashioning free-to-play business models that allow consumers to enjoy mobile games for free while also offering valuable services for a fee. Consumers remain somewhat dubious concerning in-app purchases, often called microtransactions, but the IDC anticipates that consumers will grow more accommodating as this business model becomes the norm for the game industry.

Mobile commerce hits roadblocks in the UK

| April 26, 2013

UK mobile commerce businessBusinesses show lackluster interest in mobile commerce

Businesses in the United Kingdom may be woefully unprepared for the shift toward mobile, especially considering that many businesses do not consider mobile to be a significant area and most have no idea of the coming generation of 4G mobile networks. Barclays, a global financial services firm based in the UK, has released its “Online Business Outlook 2013” report, which highlights the attitude that businesses, both large and small, have concerning the mobile space. The report suggests that mobile commerce, while an interest to some companies, is not strongly supported with many UK businesses.

Report highlights the lack of support businesses have for the mobile space

According to the report, only 6% of business executives see mobile as a significant opportunity for growth this year. By contrast, a staggering 82% consider existing websites and online services to be worthy of the majority of their focus. The report also shows that a quarter of business executives have not heard of a 4G mobile network, despite the fact that such a network is finding expansion in some parts of the country. Many executives are aware of the emerging 4G network and the potential benefits it could bring to online retail, but are unwilling to support it.

Online businesses are already showing concern for the mobile space

While many businesses may not be concerning themselves with mobile, those that have a strong online presence are showing more interest in mobile commerce. The report shows that 64% of online businesses believe that having a strong mobile strategy is important to their success. Many of these businesses have not yet made their websites accommodating to mobile devices, but are working to do so in the near future. Mobile commerce has become a significant field of interest for these businesses as they see more consumers growing attached to the idea of purchasing products with their mobile devices.

Mobile commerce sees strong support among consumers

Mobile commerce has been seeing strong growth in some parts of the United Kingdom, but many businesses have yet to show their full support for this emerging trend. Thus far, consumers remain the strongest advocates for mobile commerce in the country, followed by some financial services and telecommunications companies interested in playing to the interests of these consumers.