Tag: mobile marketing

Mobile games market to reach new heights in near future

Juniper Research, a leading market research firm, has released a new study concerning the future of the mobile games market. The study, “Mobile and Tablet Games — Discovery, In-App Purchases and Advertising 2013-2017,” suggests that the mobile games market is poised to see major success and growth in the near future, especially as more consumers get their hands on mobile devices like smart phones and tablets. As mobile device proliferation becomes more widespread, mobile games are expected to begin having a major impact on the global game industry.

Market to exceed $3 billion by 2017

According to the study, global sales of mobile games are expected to reach $3 billion over the next four years. The rapid adoption of tablet devices is cited as one of the key drivers behind this aggressive growth. In-game purchases are also becoming more common among consumers, especially where virtual currencies are involved. Many mobile games offer virtual currency, which can be purchased with actual currency. Virtual currency can be used to purchase a wide assortment of goods in games and this type of currency has become very popular among avid gamers.

North America and Asia will power growth

The study shows that the North American and Asian markets will see the most growth in the mobile games market. These two regions will account for 86% of in-game transactions by 2016. China, in particular, will see a major surge in mobile games as the country’s game developers become more ambitious. Juniper Research notes that the Chinese market reached $1 billion in 2012 and this momentum has yet to show signs of dissipating.

Smart phones to beat out tablets

Despite the growing popularity of tablet devices, smart phones will continue to be the most popular platform on which to make in-game purchases. Consumers continue to show favor for smart phones because of their versatile nature and the fact that can be used for much more than mobile games. Tablets boast of some versatility as well, but do not offer the same features that consumers have come to appreciate with smart phones.

Spreading the word over smartphones is becoming a required form of promotion for films.

One of the new required elements of the release of a new blockbuster film has now become a mobile marketing strategy, which must be established before the film actually opens in theaters.

This can involve any number of smartphone friendly elements, from a site to engaging apps.

The latest example of this new movie release requirement is the mobile marketing effort that was put together by Fox Digital Entertainment, in partnership with WPP Digital company POSSIBLE. They worked together to bring fans a DIE HARD smartphone and tablet game that has debuted in time for the film.

This mobile marketing game availability is designed both for Android and iOS based devices.

The new game is based on “A Good Day To Die Hard”, the feature film that is the latest in the Die Hard series and that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The film stars Bruce Willis and Jai Courtney, but the game brings together both first person shooter and endless runner style genres. It has, in essence, created an entirely new format of game, which is being labeled the “endless shooter”.

The app is retailing for a competitive game price on Amazon’s marketplace as well as on iOS, at $0.99. However, the Android version is available for free at Google Play. This makes it not only a unique game that will draw attention – likely both in its free and paid forms – due to its unique nature, but will also help to provide effective mobile marketing promotion for the film to which it is associated.

According to the POSSIBLE managing director, Los Angeles, Andrew Solmssen, “The DIE HARD franchise is one of the most recognizable entertainment properties in the world and we are honored to bring the latest installment to life in the form of the new DIE HARD app.” He went on to add that “Our number one mandate in developing the app was to create an awesome standalone gaming experience.”

As a growing number of blockbuster films release apps and mobile marketing elements to their overall advertising strategies, it is becoming increasingly clear that smartphones and tablets are indispensable in the promotions efforts of these movies.