Mobile gaming is booming and is expected to reach a market value of $72.3bn by 2020. Social media has played a significant role in the growth of the popularity of mobile games by allowing gamers to form communities where they can connect with others, share experiences and seek advice. Gaming communities also offer a sense of belonging to gamers by connecting them with others who share their passion for gaming. Influencers, including streamers, YouTubers and social media influencers, play a crucial role in these communities by providing inspiration and motivation while also helping to drive brand awareness and provide feedback. Some of the most successful mobile gaming communities include Pokémon GO, Clash of Clans and Fortnite.
New Age Gaming: How Mobile Gaming Communities are Flourishing on Social Media
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has been growing at an unprecedented pace in recent years. The mobile gaming industry is expected to reach a market value of $72.3 billion by 2020, according to a report by Newzoo. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, more and more people are turning to mobile gaming for their entertainment needs.
The Role of Social Media in Mobile Gaming
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit have been instrumental in the growth of the mobile gaming industry. These platforms enable mobile gamers to connect with each other, share tips and tricks, and form gaming communities.
The Benefits of Mobile Gaming Communities
Mobile gaming communities provide a multitude of benefits for gamers. They offer a sense of belonging, a platform for sharing their achievements and experiences, and a space for seeking advice and recommendations.
Belongingness
Gaming communities provide a sense of belongingness for gamers. They help gamers feel less isolated by connecting them with like-minded people who share their passion for gaming. These communities are often very welcoming and inclusive, allowing gamers to express themselves freely without fear of judgment.
Sharing Achievements and Experiences
Gaming communities provide a platform for gamers to share their achievements and experiences. This not only helps gamers feel proud of their accomplishments but also motivates them to do better. Sharing gaming experiences with others also helps create a sense of camaraderie and encourages healthy competition.
Seeking Advice and Recommendations
Gaming communities also provide a space for seeking advice and recommendations. Gamers can ask for help with difficult levels or bosses, share strategies and tactics, or ask for recommendations for new games to play. This helps gamers improve their skills and discover new games.
The Role of Influencers in Mobile Gaming Communities
Influencers play a crucial role in mobile gaming communities. They provide a source of inspiration and motivation for gamers and help spread the word about new games and features. Influencers also help bridge the gap between gamers and game developers by providing feedback and suggestions.
Types of Influencers
There are several types of influencers in the mobile gaming industry. They include:
– Streamers: Streamers broadcast their gameplay on platforms like Twitch, allowing viewers to watch and interact with them in real-time.
– YouTubers: YouTubers create gaming content and share it on their channel, often providing commentary and reviews.
– Social Media Influencers: Social media influencers use platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share their gaming experiences, often with a large following.
The Benefits of Working with Influencers
Working with influencers can provide several benefits for game developers. They can help increase brand awareness, drive downloads and installs, and provide valuable feedback and insights.
Examples of Successful Mobile Gaming Communities
Several mobile gaming communities have emerged in recent years, attracting millions of players from around the world. Some of the most successful mobile gaming communities include:
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO is a mobile game that allows players to catch and battle virtual creatures in real-world locations. The game was a massive sensation when it launched in 2016, and it continues to be popular today. Pokémon GO has a dedicated Facebook group with over 500,000 members and a subreddit with over 2 million subscribers.
Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is a strategy game that allows players to build and defend their own villages. The game has a large and active community, with over 350,000 subscribers on its subreddit and numerous Facebook groups with thousands of members.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a battle royale game that allows players to fight to be the last person standing in a virtual world. The game has a massive following, with over 100 million players worldwide. Fortnite has a dedicated subreddit with over 1 million subscribers and numerous Facebook groups with thousands of members.
Conclusion
Mobile gaming communities have become integral to the success of the mobile gaming industry. They provide a platform for gamers to connect, share their experiences, and seek advice and recommendations. Influencers play a significant role in these communities, helping to increase brand awareness and provide valuable feedback to game developers. With the continued growth of the mobile gaming industry, mobile gaming communities are sure to flourish in the years to come.