Tag: mobile games news

Mobile games market in China to reach new heights by end of year

| September 16, 2013

China mobile games market to see strong growth

A new report from Niko Partners, a market research and analysis firm, shows that the Chinese mobile games market is slated to see strong growth this year. The report highlights the growing popularity of mobile games and makes use of data collected by more than 4,000 Chinese consumers and over 370 million smartphones. Many consumers have been showing strong interest in mobile games because of the convenient entertainment they offer and the fact that these games can be played anywhere and at any time.

Market to reach $1.3 billion by end of 2013

According to the report, China’s mobile games market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by the end of 2013, representing a compound annual growth rate of 46% from 2012 to 2017. The report notes that mobile games began growing in popularity among consumers in China during the latter months of 2012. This resulted in a decline in social online games on popular social media sites as well as games for PC platforms.

China Mobile Games GrowthAvailability of smartphones helps promote mobile games

Another factor contributing to the growing popularity of mobile games is the proliferation of smartphones. The report expects that more than 500 million smartphones will be active in the country by the end of 2013, up from the 100 million recorded in early 2012. Furthermore, China’s telecommunications companies are working to bolster the nation’s 3G connectivity network, providing consumers with faster and more reliable mobile Internet access. This allows them to take advantage of the features offered in social mobile games more effectively.

Market consolidation could lead to higher quality games

The report shows that there are more than 80,000 development studios in China that are currently working on mobile games. Approximately 100 mobile games are released in the country on a daily basis. While there are many different studios currently working on active titles, large studios are working to consolidate the market. In the coming years, many smaller studios are expected to be absorbed into their larger counterparts. This may mean fewer mobile games developed within the country, but it could also mean a higher level of quality for games produced by larger studios.

Mobile games gain ground with young consumers

| September 12, 2013

Young people play mobile games almost as much as console and PC games

A new report from the NPD Group, a market research firm, shows that those between the ages of 12 and 17 are playing mobile games as much as they are playing console and PC games. Mobile games may be extremely popular among young consumers because of the value they place on mobile technology. For many young adults, smartphones and tablets are more often considered a symbol of social status rather than a tool of convenience. This is why the demand for mobile technology is so high among young adults when compared to that coming from older consumers.

Report shows teens spend an average of 7 hours per week on mobile gaming

The report suggests that teens aged 12-17 will spend an average of seven hours every week playing mobile games. This is an increase from the five hours per week that the NPD Group had estimated in 2011. The report also notes that mobile games are not only popular among teens. Children as young as 8 years-old frequently play mobile games, even when in the classroom. Even young people that do not have their own smartphones or tablets still find ways to play mobile games, borrowing their friends’ devices or those of their parents.

Mobile Games - Young ConsumersMobile games can be played anywhere

Part of the appeal of mobile games is the fact that they can be played anywhere. This is one of the reasons why these games have become popular among adults, especially those that commute to work on a daily basis. Young adults tend to play mobile games at home, but they will also play these games at school. Indeed, this trend is becoming so prominent that many educators are beginning to look for ways to utilize the popularity of mobile games in order to drive academic progress.

Mobile may eventually win out over console and PC

While mobile games may be popular, teens tend to spend more time on console and PC games. Mobile gaming is expected to continue growing in popularity among young consumers, but it is unclear whether mobile games will replace those on consoles or PC in the foreseeable future. Currently, much of the game industry has begun to focus more aggressively on mobile platforms in order to take advantage of the popularity of mobile gaming.