The mobile gaming industry has rapidly grown in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. With advancements in technology and changing consumer habits, the industry is constantly evolving. As we head into 2023 and beyond, it’s important to understand the top trends that will shape the future of mobile gaming. From the increased use of 5G technology to the rise of cloud gaming, these trends will determine the direction and success of the industry.
Top 10 mobile games industry trends for 2023:
- Subscription-based Monetisation: This trend is growing as more players are willing to pay a monthly fee for access to a pool of games, rather than purchasing each game individually. Popular subscription-based models include Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass. According to a report by App Annie, the global mobile gaming subscription revenue is expected to reach $11.1 billion by 2023.
- AAA Growth as Big Publishers Prioritize Mobile: The growth of the mobile gaming market has not gone unnoticed by big game publishers, who are now investing heavily in mobile gaming. For example, Activision Blizzard, one of the largest game publishers in the world, generated $2.2 billion in mobile gaming revenue in 2020. The global mobile gaming market is expected to reach $150.2 billion by 2020, according to a report by Newzoo.
- Emerging Markets: The mobile gaming industry is growing in new markets, particularly in Asia and South America. In 2020, the mobile gaming market in China was valued at $27.5 billion, making it the largest mobile gaming market in the world, according to a report by QuestMobile. The mobile gaming market in India is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a projected value of $1.1 billion by 2023, according to a report by App Annie.
- Multi-Platform Releases: Many game developers are now releasing their games on multiple platforms, including mobile, PC, and consoles. This allows Players to continue their gaming experience on the go and provides new revenue streams for game developers. For example, the popular game “Fortnite” is available on PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
- More Company Acquisitions and Mergers: The mobile gaming industry is highly competitive, and many companies are looking for ways to gain a competitive edge. As a result, we can expect to see more company acquisitions and mergers in the coming years. For example, in 2020, Zynga acquired Rollic, a mobile game developer, to expand its portfolio of casual games.
- Shift from Hyper Casual: The trend towards hyper casual games, which are characterized by their short play times and simple game mechanics, is expected to change as players seek more in-depth gaming experiences. For example, games like “PUBG Mobile” and “Call of Duty: Mobile” offer longer play times and more complex game mechanics than traditional hyper casual games.
- Play-to-Own: The play-to-own model, where players can try a game for free and then purchase it if they enjoy it, has become a popular monetization strategy for mobile games. For example, the popular game “Minecraft” uses this model, allowing players to try the game for free and then purchase it if they enjoy it.
- The Metaverse: The metaverse, a virtual world where players can interact with each other and with virtual objects, is gaining popularity. Mobile games are expected to play a big role in its growth, with games like “Roblox” leading the way. The global metaverse market is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025, according to a report by Research And Markets.
- Independent Game-Specific Stores: The number of independent game-specific stores is increasing, providing an alternative to the dominant app stores. These stores offer a curated selection of games and can provide more visibility to smaller developers. For example, the Epic Games Store offers a selection of games for PC and Mac, and the Itch.io.
- Generative AI: it is a rapidly growing trend in the mobile gaming industry, providing new opportunities for game developers to create unique and engaging gaming experiences. Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate new content based on input parameters, rather than relying on pre-existing content. In the context of mobile gaming, generative AI can be used to create procedurally generated levels, environments, characters and more.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global generative AI market is expected to reach $10.1 billion by 2027, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40.3% from 2020 to 2027. The growth of the generative AI market is driven by the increasing demand for personalized and engaging gaming experiences, as well as the growing adoption of AI technology in the mobile gaming industry.
The mobile gaming industry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the coming years. The top 10 trends will all play a big role in shaping the future of mobile gaming. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, we can expect to see new and innovative gaming experiences that will engage and entertain players around the world.
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