Tag: mobile games news

Mobile games are coming to wearable technology platforms

| January 10, 2014

Developers show faith in wearable technology

Mobile games developers are beginning to show a great deal of interest in wearable technology. Google Glass and Samsung Galaxy Gear have yet to attract the enthusiasm of consumers, but game developers are keen to make new products for these platforms. Glass, in particular, has managed to establish a following among consumers despite the fact that it is not yet available. Game developers have been rushing to make applications for the platform in order to take advantage of what could be the next big thing to come to the consumer electronics realm.

Wearable technology could change the mobile space

Glu Mobile, a prominent developer of mobile games, compares the potential of wearable technology to that of the iPhone when it was first launched. The iPhone received a great deal of hype before its official launch and went on to revolutionize the mobile space, especially where applications are concerned. Wearable technology may have a similar impact on the mobile space, but it is impossible to tell for certain whether or not this will be the case.

Mobile games on Glass being released in January

Mobile Games News - Wearable TechnologyMobile games for Google Glass are already scheduled for launch later this month, but Glass itself has not yet been officially released. Currently, only a few thousand developers have access to the platform. Developer units were issued in order to get developers more comfortable with the platform and understand its capabilities and limitations. Game developers have praised Glass’ use of augmented reality as well as its other features.

Some challenges may lie ahead for mobile games on wearable platforms

Mobile games and wearable technology may go hand-in-hand. These games are well liked because they can be played anywhere and at any time. Technology like Glass compliments this feature, allowing users to play mobile games whenever they like. The problem, however, resides in how a Glass user will actually control their mobile games. If voice control is the only option, mobile games may soon become more of an annoyance, especially for commuters, than a source of entertainment.

Zynga announces support of Bitcoin

| January 9, 2014

Bitcoin could be used to pay for mobile games

Bitcoin is gaining ground as more companies take this form of digital currency more seriously. Mobile games developer Zynga is one of the companies that has recently announced its interest in Bitcoin. The company has announced that it will be conducting a payment test with Bitcoin as the major focus. The developer has teamed with BitPay, a Bitcoin service provider, and the two companies will be working to examine the possible uses of Bitcoin in mobile games.

Bitcoin popularity continues to rise

The current market value of Bitcoin stands at approximately $1,000. The value of the digital currency spiked after Zynga made its announcement. Bitcoin is notoriously volatile, however, as it is not regulated by any government or financial organization. As such, the value of Bitcoin can drop dramatically at any given time, or skyrocket depending on certain factors. A company like Zynga announcing its support for the digital currency, for example, can help the currency become more valuable.

In-game payments remain a focus of Zynga

Mobile Games - Zynga and BitcoinThe payment test will focus on Zynga’s mobile games, many of which are already quite popular with consumers. These games tend to include microtransactions, small payments that can be made to unlock additional content or new features in a mobile game. In-game purchases are quite common in mobile gaming, but relatively unpopular among consumers. Indeed, Zynga’s aggressive use of in-game purchases caused many people to abandon the company’s games, seeking out less expensive and more inclusive mobile games.

Volatility of Bitcoin may make it unpopular in gaming

Zynga is requesting that gamers provide feedback for its payment test. This feedback will be used to formulate a more cohesive payment strategy for the developer’s current and future games. Zynga has issued its support for Bitcoin because of the currency’s dramatic rise in popularity. The volatility of the currency may not win it any fans among consumers, however.