Why Mobile Games Are Still Popular
The mobile gaming industry is one full of heartbreak and betrayals. It’s a general rule of thumb that any mobile game that isn’t Angry Birds will eventually shut down with little more than a month or two warning, ripping beloved titles from players’ hands and leaving them to mourn their loss. But some games have lasted for years, building a dedicated audience and continuing to grow, often with impressive download numbers.
Mobile gamers are always on the move, so their gaming experiences must fit seamlessly into their dynamic lifestyles. Whether it’s for a quick entertainment break during commuting or queues, or to help pass time when relaxing on the sofa, they need short, accessible and engaging gaming experiences that don’t require a major learning curve or long-term commitment.
This is why mobile gaming games have been designed to be hyper-casual and easily accessible, with no initial cost barriers and minimal upfront investment. This has resulted in an influx of easy-to-pick-up games with addictive gameplay mechanics that have been designed to keep players coming back for more. Hyper-casual games like 8 Ball Pool and Temple Run have enjoyed enormous success, proving that simple, intuitive and entertaining gameplay experiences can attract significant audiences.
Meanwhile, multiplayer and competitive games have surged in popularity as players seek out new challenges, interactions and rewards. Popular titles like PUBG MOBILE and Free Fire show that lightweight, accessible battle royale games can appeal to wide audiences, while user-generated content platforms like Roblox have proven that games built around social interaction can also drive massive engagement.
Many of these games also encourage social connections between players, allowing them to challenge and compete against friends or complete strangers across the globe. This helps to form communities and promote growth within the gaming world, providing a sense of purpose and community that can support psychological well-being.
In fact, a recent study found that playing mobile games for 2 h each day is positively associated with feelings of well-being. This indicates that mobile gaming has the potential to promote positive mental health and well-being, even when used in moderation (Yang and Gong, 2021).
While this is good news for the industry, there are concerns about the effects of excessive gaming on young children. In addition to the potential physical harm caused by overexposure to violent video games, research shows that excessive gaming can lead to negative behavioural outcomes. Those who spend an excessive amount of time playing digital games can become aggressive and irritable, disengaged from their family and classmates, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their peers. These effects are particularly harmful for young children, as their minds are still developing and they may lack the critical thinking skills needed to make informed decisions about risky behaviours. It is important that parents understand the risks of over-gaming and are vigilant in monitoring their child’s mobile game use. The latest smartphones come equipped with sensors that can monitor and limit a child’s exposure to these games.