Tag: mobile games news

Nintendo may be eyeing mobile games

| May 9, 2013

Wii U - Mobile GamesMobile games may be the future of the Wii U

Acclaimed Japanese game developer Nintendo has been struggling to find a foothold in the industry it helped create. In the past, Nintendo held a commanding presence in the game industry and often used its influence to dictate the success and failure of particular genres in the market. While Nintendo remains one of the most influential companies in the game industry, it has lost much of its luster therein and is often accused of being a company devoted to children’s games. This may soon change, however, as the company begins to show interest in mobile games.

Wii U continues to struggle in the market

Nintendo’s Wii U, which has been billed as the company’s next generation console, has performed poorly in the current market. The company had invested heavily in the Wii U, but the console has yet to meet the sales expectations of the developer. Nintendo attributes part of the problem to marketing, but is unwilling to abandon the console for greener pastures. Nintendo is now seeking out new avenues that could help the Wii U find success, and mobile games may be the key.

Rumor suggest Nintendo interest in mobile games

Rumors are circulating around the game industry concerning Nintendo’s interest in mobile games. These rumors suggest that Nintendo has been making conversion software available to applications developers. This software is reportedly designed to allow app developers to publish their mobile games to the Wii U. These games would not be played on the console proper, but will largely be contained to the console’s GamePad, which is similar to a tablet device, fully equipped with a touchscreen and comprehensive controls.

Game industry becoming increasingly interested in mobile

Nintendo has remained relatively aloof concerning its potential interest in mobile games. If the company truly is pursuing the mobile field, it would not be the only large developer that is doing so in the game industry. Developers and publishers alike have been flocking to the mobile space in droves in order to take advantage of one of the fastest growing sectors in the game industry.

Mobile games begin encroaching on PC gaming market in China

| May 6, 2013

China mobile gamesMobile games are picking up steam in China

When it comes to online gaming, China is a thriving market. China has been closed off to console gaming for several years, but this has allowed the PC gaming sector to thrive. While laws exist in the country that limit the amount of time a person can spend on online games, the PC game market has managed to grow exponentially over the past few years. According to a new report from Niko Partners, the PC online game market in China is expected to hit $11.9 billion in revenue by the end of this year. Mobile games, however, may derail these forecasts.

Online games continue to prove very successful among consumers

One of the most popular online games in China currently is World of Warcraft. This game has helped the PC gaming market thrive due to its addicting nature and the hours upon hours of content it offers to players. Less popular online games have also helped the growth of the market, but the grip that these games have on the Chinese market may be loosened by a major shift in focus toward mobile games and other, less casual titles.

Mobile games offer consumers more freedom

The Chinese market is beginning to grow more interested in mobile games. Part of the reason behind this is because these games are often more social and much more casual than other online games. China also does not restrict the time consumers can spend on mobile games, and these games are not required to be played in Internet cafes, making them immediately more accommodating to those that are not interested in spending a few hours in a particular space.

Online games expected to continue showing strong progress

While online games may be losing their luster with Chinese consumers to some degree, the market is still responsible for strong revenue. Niko Partners predicts that the online PC gaming market will continue to grow despite the impact of mobile games and that this growth will remain steady for the next five years.