What Are Mobile Games?
Mobile games are played on portable devices such as smartphones or tablets and can range from simple to complex. Gameplay may involve interaction with other players or characters, a storyline or plot, puzzles or riddles and even combat. They are popular with people of all ages, including children and the elderly. Some mobile games are designed to help with specific tasks such as learning, and some have social or health benefits. Others are simply for entertainment.
There are over 3.2 billion active smartphone gamers worldwide, according to the market research company Newzoo. The growth in mobile gaming is partly due to the rise of social media platforms and augmented reality, which allows users to share their game play with friends. Many of these platforms also allow users to compete against other players and earn rewards.
In the early days of mobile gaming, arcade games like Space Invaders became hugely popular. As mobile phones and operating systems evolved, developers experimented with different genres. The introduction of the App Store in 2008 made it easier for developers to publish and market games to a larger audience. Games developed for tablets with their larger screens can be a good way to reach the older generation, especially the elderly who may not have the dexterity to use a mobile phone.
A mobile game’s user experience is very important, as are the controls and visual design. Colour is a powerful tool, and developers should use it to guide the player’s eye and create a mood or atmosphere. Graphics should be optimized for performance on mobile devices, which typically have limited processing power and memory. It is also important to test the game on different devices and in different environments, as mobile users can have varying network connections and screen resolutions.
Multiplayer games have become increasingly popular amongst mobile gamers. Whereas multiplayer games on consoles or PCs could be a hassle with slow online access, mobile games make it easy for players to connect and play with their friends anytime, anywhere. Mobile gaming is a great way for family members to stay in touch with each other, especially grandparents who might live far away from their grandchildren. Games such as Words with Friends 2 and Scrabble can bring the family together, helping to maintain and strengthen relationships.
While some parents worry that mobile gaming can lead to addiction or cause kids to be antisocial, moderate mobile game play is actually beneficial. It can improve reflexes and hand-eye coordination, and it can boost cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and memory. It is important for parents to monitor their children’s gaming habits, however, as excessive playing can be detrimental to well-being. Some governments have already started to regulate this aspect of mobile gaming, with Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture recently enacting a law that limits game play to 60 minutes per day.
