Mobile games may help non-profit groups raise funds
Mobile games have provided hours of entertainment for thousands of people around the world. These games have also become quite lucrative for the game industry as a whole, but they could be used to do some good in the world. The Global Gaming Initiative aims to use the power of mobile games to strengthen the bridge between technology and philanthropy. The organization specializes in developing games that have a purpose that extends beyond entertainment and generating revenue.
Developer creates game for World Bike Relief
The Global Gaming Initiative has partnered with World Bike Relief, a non-profit organization that works to bring bicycles to impoverished communities in Africa, South American, and Southeast Asia. These bikes are a valuable commodity to these communities as they provide a reliable form of transportation to those that cannot afford their own vehicles and those living in areas that do not have dedicated public transit systems. For its partner, the Global Gaming Initiative has developed a new title that aims to raise funds.
50% of in-game purchases to be donated to non-profit group
The game is called Sidekick Cycle and 50% of in-game purchases will be donated to World Bicycle Relief. The game is initially available for iOS devices, with an Android version expected to be made available later in the year. The game tasks players to perform various tricks and collect coins as they make their way through the African wilderness. The bicycles featured in the game can be customized and there are various collectibles that can be found throughout the game.
Charitable organizations see promise in mobile games
Mobile games are quite popular throughout the world, but relatively few of these games are used to support non-profit organizations. These organizations are beginning to see the potential of mobile games, however, and some are beginning to develop their own games in order to raise funds for various projects.
Softbank continues showing strong interest in mobile games
Softbank, a Japanese telecommunications corporation, has invested some $1.53 billion in a mobile games developer based in Finland. Per the investment, Softbank now owns a 51% stake in Supercell, developer of popular games like Clash of Clans and Hay Day. Despite the success of its games, Supercell is still considered a small development studio, but the developer is growing quickly and has established a formidable presence in the mobile games space.
Supercell boasts of strong revenue in games sector
Supercell has surpassed Zynga in terms of market value. The developer is currently valued at $3 billion and the developer’s games produce estimated daily revenue of over $2.4 million. The majority of this revenue comes from in-game purchases on virtual items and digital currencies. The financial clout that Supercell represents demonstrates the economic promise that can be found in the mobile games sector. As mobile games continue to grow in popularity, large companies like Softbank are looking to establish a lead in the sector.
Global game industry revenue expected to hit $86 billion by 2016
Market research firm Newzoo predicts that the global revenue produced by the game industry as a whole will reach $86.1 billion by 2016. The firm expects the mobile games sector to grow quickly over that time, accounting for approximately 30% of global gaming revenue. Mobile games currently represent 17% of the revenue produced within the game industry. Consumers have shown that they are willing to spend money on mobile games despite the fact that the majority of these games are free to play.
Softbank aims for the global stage with mobile games
Approximately 20% of the investment coming from Softbank will be funneled through the company’s own mobile games studio, GungHo Online Entertainment. Softbank has already established a formidable presence in the Asian game market through its subsidiaries, but the company is not turning its interests to the global stage. Softbank is well positioned to compete with other large companies, such as Electronic Arts, that have begun entering into the mobile games sector.
