The Benefits of Mobile Games
Mobile games can be played on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablet computers. They are often characterized by their short gameplay sessions and simple user interfaces. Aside from the entertainment value of gaming, mobile games also have a number of benefits, such as increasing social interaction, improving cognitive functioning and providing a stress relief outlet.
Mobile gaming is a relatively new activity, and its popularity has surged alongside the increased use of smartphones. The launch of Apple’s App Store in 2008 established the iPhone as a standard platform for mobile games and prompted developers to experiment with monetization models, with the early success of titles such as Angry Birds and Cut the Rope utilizing a free-to-try model with in-app purchases.
While the convenience of mobile gaming can offer an escape from daily tasks, it can also have negative effects on a player’s well-being. Researchers have found that playing a mobile game for more than 2 h per day leads to lower levels of well-being, especially in areas of relationship and gratitude. However, these results are tempered by the fact that playing a mobile game for shorter periods can also lead to improved well-being.
The most popular mobile games tend to be quite straightforward, as smartphone processors are not able to support complex computer-style gameplay. Bejeweled and Candy Crush are examples of this, with their simple color-matching mechanics, while other mobile hits like Crossy Road and Pokemon Go are hyper-casual games that rely on short gameplay sessions and social interaction to attract players. Likewise, the mobile version of Call of Duty, which blends the fast-paced action of the iconic franchise with real-world location-based augmented reality, is a good example of a high-quality but highly accessible video game.
Mobile games can also improve a player’s cognitive functioning, as they require a high level of hand-eye coordination and reward practiced repetition. This makes them a useful tool for people with poor hand-eye coordination caused by a physical malady or mental illness. Moreover, a number of studies have demonstrated that video games can be used as an effective form of cognitive therapy to help treat disorders such as dementia and depression.
While there are many factors that can influence the success of a mobile game, the most important factor is the user experience. This includes how the game feels to play, whether it’s responsive and intuitive to control, and whether it crashes or freezes frequently. It’s also a good idea to test the game on a range of devices with different screen sizes, resolutions and processing power, to identify any device-specific issues. Lastly, testing the game in different scenarios is also important, to see how it behaves when battery levels are low or other apps are running in the background. By doing this, you can ensure that the game will work on a wide range of hardware and operating systems. In this way, you can avoid disappointing and alienating players who are unable to play your game.
