Our interview with Sandsoft: What is The Future for Mobile gaming?

Mobile gaming are one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and the future seems brighter for the industry as more developers deciding to invest and create new projects.

We spoke about this and more with Mr. Bijay Gurung Gurung,?Senior Director BD EMEA at Sandsoft who shared with us great insights about the industry future and how it can move forward.

As always, you can check the Arabic version of the interview through our website: https://arabgamerz.com/featured/our-interview-with-sandsoft-about-mobile-gaming/?

The survey showed 81% of Mobile games Developers decided to move forward and create new projects, do you think it’s a sign of a new era for mobile gaming, where we can expect new unseen innovations and creative ideas?

Mobile gaming has matured rapidly over the past decade, but as the market becomes more saturated, developers are likely feeling the pressure to differentiate themselves. This could lead to a wave of groundbreaking ideas, with developers leveraging emerging technologies like AI and AR, and pushing the boundaries of what mobile devices can handle. To minimise risks, many developers are also developing multiple prototypes and multiple iterations and testing them in the market in each development cycle to be more palpable to the market need.?

In essence, this trend could pave the way for more immersive experiences, breaking away from the tried-and-true formulas of the past. So yes, this could very well be the dawn of a new, exciting chapter for mobile gaming.?

What’s the best advice you can share with Mobile games Developer to find success with their next projects?

As a veteran in the mobile gaming industry, I can tell you that the most successful games are those that are built with the player in mind. From the very beginning of development, focus on creating a game that resonates with your audience. Innovation is important, but simplicity in gameplay often wins—make sure your game is easy to pick up but hard to put down.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of community. Engage with your players, listen to their feedback, and foster a loyal following. Marketing is also crucial; even a great game can fail without the right promotion. Lastly, the industry is constantly evolving, so stay on top of trends and be ready to adapt. The games that succeed are those that connect deeply with players and keep them coming back for more.

Do you believe the self-publishing model is a good approach for developers?

The self-publishing model can be highly rewarding for developers who have the skills, resources, and determination to handle all aspects of game development and distribution. However, it's not for everyone. For those who prefer to focus purely on game development and leave the business side to experts, partnering with a publisher might be a better approach.

At Sandsoft, for example, we understand the challenges developers face and offer robust publishing services to help bring their games to international audiences. Whether self-publishing or partnering with a publisher, the key is to choose the path that aligns best with your strengths, goals, and resources. In addition, self publishing can be financially distressing for developers who may have to juggle between development cost vs publishing cost.

Will AI and blockchain technologies help drive the creativity forward or could it be a risky approach?

AI and blockchain are undoubtedly exciting frontiers that can push the boundaries of creativity in gaming, offering the potential for more personalized, immersive, and innovative experiences. However, they also come with their own set of complexities and risks. As developers, it’s crucial to approach these technologies with both enthusiasm and caution. The key is to balance innovation with a solid understanding of the challenges involved. When used wisely, AI and blockchain can truly drive creativity forward, but it’s vital to carefully navigate these risks to ensure they enhance rather than detract from the gaming experience.

Can you let us know what’s your take on the layoffs waves that hit the industry? Will the mobile gaming industry be more stable in the near future?

Having been through a few waves of layoffs myself, I understand how challenging and unsettling these times can be for everyone involved. Layoffs often reflect broader shifts in the industry, whether it's due to economic pressures, market changes, or the need for companies to adapt and stay competitive. While it's a tough reality, these periods of transition also create opportunities for innovation and growth.

As for the future, I believe the mobile gaming industry is resilient and will continue to evolve. Stability may be hard to guarantee in the near term, given the fast-paced nature of technology and market demands. However, the industry’s ability to adapt and innovate gives me confidence that we’ll see new opportunities and growth on the horizon. It’s important to stay positive and focused on how we can contribute to shaping the next chapter of mobile gaming, even in the face of uncertainty. My personal experience has been my opportunity to work in Rovio that started in 2011 as a direct result of me being laid off from my previous company. Thus, sometimes it can be a luck in disguise!

What is the current biggest challenge for mobile Developer? Is it the market, the budget, or something else?

From my perspective as an industry veteran, I can attest that the biggest challenge facing mobile developers today is indeed access to a skilled workforce. Talent shortages are impacting many areas, from technical expertise to creative innovation. The competition for skilled professionals is fierce, and finding the right people to bring fresh ideas and execute high-quality work can be a significant hurdle.

However, it's not the only challenge. The market is increasingly crowded, and standing out requires not only exceptional quality but also strategic marketing and user acquisition. Budgets are also tight, and managing costs while investing in cutting-edge technology and marketing can strain resources.

Additionally, staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry means continuously adapting to new technologies and trends. Balancing innovation with practical constraints is a constant challenge.

Overall, while the shortage of skilled talent is a major issue, developers must navigate a complex landscape of market competition, budget constraints, and technological advancements to succeed.

Do you think there are misconceptions about mobile gaming that is negatively affecting the market growth and player engagements?

I've been in the industry long enough to see how misconceptions about mobile gaming can really hold it back. I remember when I first started, there was this prevailing belief that mobile games were just simple, quick distractions—not serious gaming experiences. That really hurt the industry’s growth because it made people overlook the incredible depth and quality that many mobile games offer today.

For instance, I’ve seen some fantastic games on mobile that rival those on consoles or PCs in terms of creativity and engagement. Yet, the stereotype persists that mobile games are all about aggressive monetization strategies, like constant in-app purchases or intrusive ads. In reality, many developers are working hard to create balanced, fair experiences that respect players.

There’s also this idea that mobile gaming is only for casual players. But I’ve worked on and seen games that cater to hardcore gamers, with complex mechanics and competitive elements that offer a real challenge. And let’s not forget about the concerns around security and privacy. There’s been a lot of skepticism, but addressing these issues transparently can really help build trust.

And finally, people sometimes underestimate what mobile devices can handle. With all the advancements in technology, we’re now seeing mobile games with stunning graphics and intricate gameplay that push the limits of what we once thought possible.

So, it’s clear that clearing up these misconceptions can make a huge difference. By showing the real potential and diversity of mobile gaming, we can change perceptions and open up new opportunities for growth and player engagement.