Tag: mobile technology

Mobile gaming may benefit from emerging trends

| January 3, 2013

Mobile Gaming Trends

The past year has seen many highs and lows for the game industry and its various companies

The advent of mobile gaming has had a significant impact on the industry as a whole and has helped spawn trends that are likely to dictate the course of the game industry into the future. With more consumers showing favor for mobile gaming over traditional channels, encouraging developers to focus more on mobile platforms and incorporate new business methods that defy tradition.

Research highlights the prospects of mobile gaming

According to research from Gartner, more than 821 million smart phones and tablets were sold in the U.S. throughout 2012. As the penetration of mobile devices increased, so too did the focus on mobile games. Rovio, developers of the popular Angry Birds franchise, is one of the prime examples of the success that can be found in the mobile gaming space. The developer’s success has encouraged several other development studios to enter into the mobile space. Gartner research suggests that 44% of mobile consumers participate in mobile gaming, creating a significant incentive for game developers to target this audience.

Developers turning to corwdfunding

Crowdfunding is also becoming a popular trend in the game industry, especially where mobile gaming is concerned. Platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo have paved the way for game development studios to tap directly into consumers for financial support. Several developers have used this to great success. Crowdfunding is expected to help provide the mobile gaming space with more momentum into 2013, especially as larger development studios begin making use of such platforms to fund ambitious mobile games.

Problems persist for game industry as a whole

Though the mobile gaming market represents significant opportunities, economic turmoil continues to cause problems throughout the game industry. Recently, major developer THQ filed for bankruptcy after a long period of financial trouble. Larger companies, such as Blizzard Entertainment, Sega, and Electronic Arts, have also reported layoffs in recent months. While many of these setbacks are expected to be rectified in the coming year, the industry is still likely to experience turmoil to some degree in 2013.

Microsoft may be expanding mobile reach

| January 2, 2013

Microsoft may be expandingMicrosoft rumors hint at future Xbox devices

There have been rumors circulating concerning Microsoft’s plans for the future of console gaming. The famed technology company has been stirring the proverbial pot with vague news regarding the Xbox 720, the next generation gaming console that is expected to be released at some point in 2013. Much of the information that surrounds the new console comes in the form of rumor, however, and the nature of rumors means that some of this information is able to garner a significant amount of attention.

Mobile gaming catches the eye of Microsoft

It is no secret that Microsoft has invested heavily in the mobile technology sector. The company is behind Windows Phone, after all. Microsoft’s interest in this sector expands beyond just mobile devices, however, as the company has a keen focus on mobile gaming. Rumors suggest that Microsoft is gearing to take its interest in mobile devices and gaming to the next level with the development of an Xbox tablet and Xbox smart phone.

Xbox tablet may be in the works

If the rumors are accurate, the Xbox tablet could be another avenue through which Microsoft engages mobile consumers. The company has already hinted at the possibility of incorporating mobile devices into the Xbox platform through the introduction of Smart Glass. The Xbox 720 may have profound support for mobile devices, such as tablets, that could allow the platform to provide gamers with a wide assortment of mobile games that they can take wherever they go. The tablet may also be able to play games that have traditionally been exclusive to the console platform.

Company may be developing new smart phone with Xbox capabilities

Microsoft is already known to be working on a new smart phone that it plans to enter into the market within the next few years. The device is referred to as the Surface Phone and will boast of various features that may make it competitive in the current market. Whether it will have Xbox capabilities has yet to be confirmed, but Microsoft has shown some interest in incorporating a smart phone device into the Xbox platform.