A new study by App Annie has found that there are now 2.4 billion mobile gamers globally, up from 2.2 billion in 2019. The study also reported that mobile gaming revenue grew by 25% YoY, reaching $22bn in Q1 2021. The rise of mobile gaming is expected to have significant implications for the gaming industry, with developers and publishers shifting their focus toward mobile-optimised games. Factors behind the rise of mobile gaming include affordable smartphones that are accessible to more people, as well as sophisticated mobile games that push the boundaries of what is possible on a mobile device. However, the industry still faces challenges such as smartphone fragmentation and app discovery.
Rise of Mobile Gaming: Study Shows 2.4 Billion Gamers Now Play on Phones
Introduction
A recent study by App Annie revealed that mobile gaming has officially taken over the gaming industry, confirming what many have been suspecting for years.
Key Findings
The study, which is based on data that covers the first quarter of 2021, shows that there are currently 2.4 billion mobile gamers across the globe. This is up from the 2.2 billion mobile gamers that were recorded in 2019. Furthermore, the study found that mobile gaming revenue grew by 25% year-over-year to reach $22 billion in Q1 2021 alone.
Implications of the Findings
The rise of mobile gaming is set to have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. For one, game developers and publishers will focus more on developing games that are optimized for mobile platforms. Already, we have seen big-name gaming companies like Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard shifting their focus to mobile games, with titles like Plants vs. Zombies and Call of Duty Mobile.
Factors Behind the Rise of Mobile Gaming
The rise of mobile gaming can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, smartphones have become increasingly affordable and accessible over the years, with more people owning smartphones than ever before. Secondly, mobile games have become more sophisticated, with developers pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a mobile device. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more people staying at home and relying on their smartphones for entertainment.
Challenges Facing Mobile Gaming
Despite the optimism around mobile gaming, there are still challenges that the industry faces. For one, there is the issue of smartphone fragmentation. With so many different smartphones and operating systems in the market, developers may find it challenging to optimize their games for all platforms. Secondly, there are issues around app discovery and visibility. With millions of apps available in app stores, it can be difficult for new mobile games to stand out and attract users.
Conclusion
Mobile gaming has come a long way over the years, and the latest study by App Annie confirms that it is now the dominant force in the gaming industry. With more people owning smartphones and the quality of mobile games improving, it is clear that the future of gaming is mobile. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, and developers and publishers will need to work together to ensure that the mobile gaming experience continues to evolve and improve.