Skillz aims to take a new approach on mobile games
A new mobile games platform for Android developers has launched this week. The platform comes from a company called Skillz, which is a startup based in San Francisco, California, and the platform puts a new twist on mobile games and their monetization. According to Skillz, the platform introduces real-money prizes into mobile games, quite literally enabling consumers to win cash for playing the games making use of the platform.
Gaming continues to change as consumers become more mobile
Mobile games are one of the fastest growing sectors in the game industry. Consumers around the world have expressed both joy and enthusiasm for mobile games that is not entirely common in the game industry, which is constantly awash with criticism and cynicism. As mobile games become more common, developers are beginning to feel the need to separate themselves from the competition. Until recently, most mobile games have been fundamentally similar, if not identical. Skillz believes that real-money prizes may provide developers with an adequate way to establish an innovative presence in their field.
Platform allows for small cash prizes
The money offered through the platform is very real and gamers have the chance to win these funds if they perform well enough. The platform fosters competition with other gamers, pitting them against one another to determine who will win a real-money prize. While the concept seems somewhat gladiatorial, the funds awarded to gamers are very small, most being in 45 cent increments, yet there are abundant chances for gamers to win up to $1,000. Nonetheless, Skillz believes that adding a financial incentive into mobile games could have a powerful effect on consumers.
Platform is not technically set up for gambling
On the surface, the platform may seem bear some resemblance to gambling. Skillz does not, however, enable gambling. The platform allows consumers to place bets on skill-based games. Such games rely less on chance and more on the capabilities of the player. Because the outcome of these games is not determined by simple luck, gambling is considered a non-issue.
Game industry continues to shift to accommodate mobile games
It is no secret that mobile games have become much more than a simple novelty or passing fad. With the number of consumers with mobile devices growing, these games have become an integral part to the entertainment that many people experience all over the world. Mobile games now represent one of the most lucrative sectors of the game industry, and the allure of these games have caused even decades old development companies, many of whom have long been devoted to consoles, to embrace the mobile space eagerly. The growth of mobile games has yet to show any serious signs of slowing down, which may make mobile the most popular gaming platform in the near future.
Report predicts the future of mobile gaming
Juniper Research, a leading market research firm, has released a new report concerning the emerging trends being seeing in mobile games. According to the firm, consumers will spend more than $3 billion on mobile games in 2016 worldwide. The firm notes that $301 million was spent on these games in 2012, showing that mobile games are growing at a very rapid pace. Juniper Research suggests that the mobile platform will grow ten times larger in terms of sales by the end of 2016.
Tablets expected to be device of choice for gamers
The report notes that the Far East, China, and North American markets will account for 86% of all mobile games spending in 2016. Tablets will be the preferred platform that consumers use to play games as they are beginning to be built with hardware dedicated to gaming. More games are also being designed with tablets in mind, especially those of the free-to-play model, which have already proven significantly popular among consumers.
Firm anticipates mobile to dominate gaming
Juniper Research claims that mobile will be the primary form of gaming in the future. The firm anticipates that consumers will begin moving away from traditional consoles in droves due to the entertainment that can be had through mobile games. There is, however, a new generation of consoles expected to be launched this year, which may be able to ensnare the interests of gamers once again.
