Microsoft sees promise in mobile games
Mobile games have become a very prominent part of the game industry. Developers and publishers around the world are beginning to put a great deal of their focus on the mobile space, hopping to tap into a very active and lucrative market. While consoles remain a powerful force in the game industry, mobile games are beginning to establish a strong foothold among gamers, both casual and hardcore alike. For Microsoft, mobile platforms are beginning to represent a significant portion of the company’s revenue.
15% of revenue generated from mobile games
Microsoft has long been a formidable force in the game industry. Not only is the company responsible for the Windows operating system, which is the most popular platform for computer games, it is also responsible for the acclaimed Xbox consoles. Rumors suggest that Microsoft is planning to unveil its next generation Xbox in the coming weeks, but the console is not likely to derail the attraction of the mobile space, especially as the company reports that 15% of its revenue is coming from mobile games.
Microsoft likely to remain focused on consoles and PC
According to Microsoft, mobile games on smartphones and tablets generate some $10 billion annually for the company. The performance of mobile games has been enough to pull Microsoft’s attention further into the mobile space, but the company will not be abandoning its place in console gaming. The company still considers consoles to be the most lucrative market for games, especially as consoles represent 42% of the company’s revenue. PC revenue comes in at $12 billion, which is likely enough to keep Microsoft strongly focused on PC gaming as well.
Competition in mobile space is heating up
Microsoft plans to push forward with its mobile games. The company is expected to face significant competition from other game industry giants, like Sony and Nintendo, which are also showing interest in mobile games. Even small, independent development studios could begin competing with Microsoft due to the nature of mobile games and the favor that consumers show for developers.
Mobile games are unlikely to dethrone consoles in the game industry
Mobile games are quickly becoming a formidable force in the game industry. Millions of consumers around the world play mobile games for the sake of entertainment and because these games are simply more convenient than those that are played on consoles. For decades, console games have dominated the game industry, but the advent of mobile technology has taken consumers out of their homes and given them a new way to play games while on the go. Indeed, many within the game industry believes that mobile games could eventually dethrone consoles as the staple of the industry.
Peter Moore champions console gaming
The downfall of console gaming is not something the industry has to worry about, according to Electronic Arts COO Peter Moore. While mobile games have certainly cut into the sales of consoles and other gaming hardware, Moore suggests that console gaming will continue to be the most prominent form of gaming in the world. Moore claims that the suggestion of the demise of console gaming is “very premature,” especially as a new generation of consoles is about to dawn.
Next generation consoles will find success with consumers
Moore notes that there are thousands of people at Electronic Arts alone that are focused on developing games for current generation consoles. Many of these developers will continue this focus well into the future, but many more will come to focus on new consoles like the Playstation 4 and the rumored Xbox 720. While Moore holds out hope for consoles, the executive does note that the sale of physical games is likely to become a thing of the past, especially as digital distribution becomes more capable of meeting the needs of consumers.
Mobile games may be more formidable than Moore anticipates
Though Moore may be a champion for console games, Electronic Arts is beginning to focus more heavily on mobile games. The publisher has recently been backing developers that focus solely on the mobile space. Electronic Arts has even launched its own publishing division devoted entirely to mobile games. Moore, who is likely to become the next CEO of Electronic Arts, claims that console games provide a more immersive experience for consumers. Mobile games, however, may actually provide more value to consumers.
