Why mobile gaming is the mainstay of the gaming industry

If you went back in time a decade ago, it may be hard to imagine that mobile games would become a dominant presence among gamers everywhere, compared to other well-established “bigger screen” platforms. Nowadays, no one inside and outside the gaming industry would doubt that mobile has become a solid reality for gamers - and it’s probably here to stay. 

In 2022 alone, it was projected that the global gaming industry would generate $222 billion worldwide — with mobile gaming accounting for 60% of the total. Even giants like Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Sony, and other gamemakers have all accelerated their forays into mobile gaming, making strategic acquisitions and investments in mobile-first business models in the past few years. 

And it’s not just investors who hold high hopes for the gaming market. It turns out that gamers everywhere are embracing the shifting tides of the gaming industry, and in fact are downloading more than a billion titles per week. Here’s why mobile games have risen to dominance, and why they will continue to be a main form of gaming for many. 

Accessibility is King

While the most traditional form of gaming - PC/Console - are still mainstays in the industry, mobile gaming easily offers an unmatched alternative - portability and accessibility - that becomes the main asset towards user acquisition. 

Within just a few taps, gamers can download and load new games off the store on their phones and tablets, and play anywhere - even when commuting in trains or during lunch breaks at work. During these liminal periods in the day that often introduce boredom, users are more likely to switch on a mobile game to fill their time. It may also be why casual games have been on the rise - games like Gardenscapes, Homescapes, and Fishdom have made their way to the top games of 2022 on AppGallery.

For the imaginative gamers who need a midday escape and adventure, RPGs like Summoners War and Infinity Kingdom are also popular choices among users, and occupy a large part of AppGallery’s top charts.

Many games are also making themselves free to play to drive up downloads, and rely on microtransactions for recurring income. Gamers too, tend to feel more comfortable about smaller payment schemes as compared to hefty console game purchases. In a recent report, users have revealed that they spend most money on in-game currency and special items/characters to accelerate their progress quickly. These microtransactions are also often inexpensive and rewarding, and most of all, they provide a lower bar to entry for especially younger adults or teenagers who form a large part of the gaming consumers. 

AppGallery takes this a step further - introducing a points system for user downloads, making gameplay even more worthwhile for many. Users can obtain HUAWEI Points by participating in activities across apps, and use them to claim a myriad of exciting prizes.

The Stronger the Community, the More Enjoyable the Experience

On top of being accessible for many gamers, mobile gaming has fewer boundaries than PC/console games may have, and allows people of all backgrounds to join in on the fun from any mobile or tablet device. This ultimately rids the need of gamers having to purchase consoles, which may sometimes make gaming with friends a more exclusive affair. 

This is especially noticeable in SLGs, MMORPGs and MOBA genres, which have all risen to the top of the market. A large number of AppGallery’s Top Games of 2022 are made up of SLGs, such as State of Survival: Zombie War, Guns of Glory: The Iron Mask, and Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars, which have multiplayer game modes that have built strong communities and cult followings. Recently launched titles such as Land of Empires: Immortal brought to AppGallery in December are also quickly becoming popular among users.

AppGallery also welcomes players everywhere, and in fact does not require users to have Huawei devices. Increasingly, non-Huawei device users are playing games on the AppGallery, accounting for an ever-larger number of its AppGallery users in 2022. With enticing new arrival discounts, welcome packs, and IAP discounts, many are flocking to the platform as a destination for mobile gaming. 

Moreover, the proximity mobile games have to social media also drives community-building. Now, it’s easier than ever to share and repost your character’s skins or new high scores on social media. In fact, some are used to multitasking while gaming on their mobile phones - a survey by PocketGamer reports that 80% of the players were multitasking while mobile gaming. While that may appear to be a symptom of the younger generation’s shorter attention spans, it also says something about how mobile gaming has become a readier form of entertainment among gamers. 

The Future of Mobile Gaming

As smartphones develop in speeds unlike other categories of technology, mobile gaming will also stand to benefit the ever-evolving smartphone industry – and has repeatedly proven to as well. With better processing power and specs, smartphones can now withstand more heavyweight games and host richer gaming features. To that effect, renowned franchise games are putting their faith in smartphones, and are pivoting to mobile smartphones in recent years.

The advent of 5G technology, VR and metaverse dimensions, and probably AIs, may also only help drive the mobile gaming industry’s campaign, and will be inventing newer ways to game in the near future.

Jaime Gonzalo, VP of Huawei Mobile Services Europe adds: “Improving users’ experience through innovation has always been at the epicenter of our DNA. This is why we are committed to keep exploring ways to allow Gamers get a richer and more immersive experience from their gaming sessions. Our vision goes beyond basic commercial deals like discounts, and into helping communities bond and together discover their next favourite title. We therefore encourage anyone interested in Mobile Games to explore the rich offer that AppGallery is crafting for them”.