The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. It’s no surprise considering the wide penetration of cellphones around the world and the primary demographic for video games (youth and young adults).
Mobile-phone gaming is the fastest growing segment of the video game industry. It’s worth over 8 billion in consumer spending and has become one of the most profitable sectors of the industry. There are several specific advantages that mobile gaming offers over desktop or console-based games.
First and foremost, it’s convenient. With its portable nature, it’s easy to grab a moment to play a few rounds on the go. Mobile games are also relatively inexpensive compared to their PC counterparts, making them accessible to a larger audience. Moreover, the technology behind them has evolved significantly over the years, with modern phones achieving the same processing power as a high-end computer. Furthermore, incorporated social features in mobile-games have a tendency to draw players in and keep them hooked.
With a little moderation, mobile gaming can be a fun way to pass time and keep the mind sharp. However, it’s important to remember that excessive playing can be detrimental to your health, both mentally and physically. It can lead to sleep deprivation, which in turn can cause health problems, mood swings and reduced productivity during the daytime. Additionally, mobile games can distract you from your surroundings and make you miss out on real-life opportunities.
When it comes to mobile-game addiction, there are several warning signs to look out for. Besides the previously mentioned, some of them include a lack of interest in everyday activities, excessive screen time and frequent irritability. A good way to avoid such pitfalls is to set a reasonable gaming time and stick to it. It’s also advisable to choose the right type of mobile-game that suits your individual personality and preferences.
There are many different genres of mobile-games, from casual games like word or puzzle games to action and strategy titles. Some of them are even educational, such as games that teach coding or improve hand-eye coordination. Others, like the highly popular augmented reality Pokemon GO, are designed to bring people together.
RPGs (Role-Playing Games) are a sub-genre of mobile games that allow the player to assume the role of the protagonist and complete the main storyline or side quests. They can feature a variety of character classes, with the player choosing which one to play depending on his or her skill-set and preference.
Another type of mobile-game is the simulation, which mimics the gameplay of a particular scenario or environment. For example, a mobile game called GRIS, which is one of the most downloaded free games in the App Store, lets players explore a landscape and collect flowers and other natural items. The game’s visual style and melancholic nature evoke an emotional response from players. This genre of games can also feature multiple levels, which increases the replay value. Likewise, some of them feature a marketplace where players can purchase and sell their collected items.
