The global mobile games market is projected to witness remarkable growth owing to increasing number of smartphone users across the globe. Moreover, shift from pre-installed computer games and consoles, including Play Station (PS), to portable devices, such as tablets and smartphones, is anticipated to boost market growth in the coming years.
Increasing use of tablets and smartphones is anticipated to propel demand for mobile games in the coming years. Shifting consumer preference for convenient gaming platforms over conventional consoles and computers can spur market growth. Advent of high graphic and internet based games to keep consumers engaged can drive the market. Increasing number of experienced Android and iOS developers who can create innovative products and upload them on online application stores, including Apple App Store and Google Play Store, can impel market growth. Consumers can easily download these applications on their smartphones and tablets using internet. Growing popularity of action games offering missions and rewards can prompt developers to design similar products, thereby increasing market growth in the coming years.
High competition and lower internet speed can hamper market growth. In addition, low monetization rate of players can be a challenge faced by developers as only a small percentage of players are likely to pay for full versions. Growing awareness regarding crowdfunding from where low budget developers can raise funds is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for the market. In addition, in-app advertising can support developers to increase their revenue.
The market can be segmented on the basis of device and operating system. Based on device, the market can be bifurcated into smartphones and tablets. In terms of operating system, the market can be categorized into Windows, iOS, and Android.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share in the market owing to increasing use of smartphones to play games in countries, such as China and Japan. China is expected to hold one-quarter of the global market revenue. Increasing number of successful mobile gaming companies in Japan can augment market growth. Japanese spend most of their time on mobile to play games, which, in turn, can increase the demand for mobile games. In addition, increasing smartphone users and easy availability of high speed internet in India can contribute to regional market growth in the coming years. Moreover, launch of new and attractive products can gain traction among consumers. For instance, Nintendo announced its new game for smartphones named “Dr. Mario World”. Users can download the game for iOS and Android operating systems. The company is likely to launch it soon in 60 regions across the globe. Similarly, Tencent announced the release date for PUBG Mobile Season 5. The game is quite popular among smartphone users. They can interact with each other while playing with the help of in-build speakers or mic of their devices.
North America is expected to emerge highly lucrative in the years to come owing to growing adoption of smartphone gaming. Presence of leading market players in the region, including Zynga, Activision Blizzard, and Electronic Arts Sports, can augment regional market growth. These companies are likely to develop advanced and attractive mobiles games for consumers. For instance, Zynga introduced Legends update for CSR Racing 2. The update is the company’s biggest feature release so far. Business strategy behind these updates is to keep the existing players engaged and bring back those who have stopped playing.
The market in Europe is expected to expand significantly in the coming years owing to increasing number of players using portable devices. Presence of market players, such as Supercell, Rovio, Wooga, and Socialpoint, can boost regional market growth. These companies are the designers of popular games, including Angry Birds, Hay Day, Clash on Clans, and Candy Crush. Launch of innovative products are likely to gain traction among players. For instance, IGG launched Mobile Royale for both Android and iOS operating systems. Consumers can download it from Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free.
Some of the leading companies operating in the mobile games market are Nintendo, Electronic Arts Sports, Activision Blizzard, Zynga, and Ubisoft.
