Tag: juniper research

Mobile games market to reach new heights in near future

Juniper Research, a leading market research firm, has released a new study concerning the future of the mobile games market. The study, “Mobile and Tablet Games — Discovery, In-App Purchases and Advertising 2013-2017,” suggests that the mobile games market is poised to see major success and growth in the near future, especially as more consumers get their hands on mobile devices like smart phones and tablets. As mobile device proliferation becomes more widespread, mobile games are expected to begin having a major impact on the global game industry.

Market to exceed $3 billion by 2017

According to the study, global sales of mobile games are expected to reach $3 billion over the next four years. The rapid adoption of tablet devices is cited as one of the key drivers behind this aggressive growth. In-game purchases are also becoming more common among consumers, especially where virtual currencies are involved. Many mobile games offer virtual currency, which can be purchased with actual currency. Virtual currency can be used to purchase a wide assortment of goods in games and this type of currency has become very popular among avid gamers.

North America and Asia will power growth

The study shows that the North American and Asian markets will see the most growth in the mobile games market. These two regions will account for 86% of in-game transactions by 2016. China, in particular, will see a major surge in mobile games as the country’s game developers become more ambitious. Juniper Research notes that the Chinese market reached $1 billion in 2012 and this momentum has yet to show signs of dissipating.

Smart phones to beat out tablets

Despite the growing popularity of tablet devices, smart phones will continue to be the most popular platform on which to make in-game purchases. Consumers continue to show favor for smart phones because of their versatile nature and the fact that can be used for much more than mobile games. Tablets boast of some versatility as well, but do not offer the same features that consumers have come to appreciate with smart phones.

Juniper Research report paints a promising 2013 for augmented reality applications

A new report from Juniper Research paints a promising future for augmented reality applications. Augmented reality is growing in popularity as an interactive technology and has been taking the mobile world by storm. The technology has won favor amongst consumers and marketers because of its dynamic capabilities. It has also begun making its way into the mobile commerce industry, though its uses therein have been sparse and limited in scope thus far. Over the next year, augmented reality applications are expected to see massive growth.

Augmented reality applications to generate more than $300 million in global revenue

According to the report from Juniper Research, augmented reality applications will generate more than $300 million in global revenue by the end of 2013. Traditional pay-per-download applications will be a major contributor to this growth, but retailers are beginning to become more interested in augmented reality and offering services using the technology to consumers for free. The report notes that retailers have been spending more on in-app advertising in 2012, a trend that is expected to pick up momentum throughout 2013.

Retailers growing more serious about augmented reality

In-app advertisements have long been an effective marketing tactic to engage consumers that make use of mobile applications. By adding augmented reality into the mix, these advertisements are made much more engaging, allowing markers to provide consumers with more dynamic digital content. Retailers have taken note of the potential that the technology has in this regard and are beginning to experiment with offering augmented reality content to consumers The report suggests that many retailers consider augmented reality as the key to getting in touch with a new generation of consumer.

Low awareness may hurt engagement potential

Juniper Research does caution against the low awareness many consumers have regarding augmented reality. Though the technology is growing in popularity, much of the attention it receives comes primarily from tech-savvy consumers that are already comfortable with the kind of interactivity it offers. Those that are not familiar with augmented reality are not likely to be enthralled by the technology, so retailers and other companies interested in the use of the technology may have to consider ways to raise awareness.