In today’s fast-paced, always-on lifestyle, we’d all likely be hard-pressed to remember a time when mobile phones weren’t essential. Always at hand when you need to check your work emails or tune into a business meeting via Zoom while on the go, they have become even more indispensable since the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic began, keeping us connected with friends and family and allowing us to socialise online rather than off when would otherwise be unable to do so.
It’s not just the important stuff our smartphones are there for us for though, as they also provide numerous different ways to help us relax and wind down. With all of those extra hours to spare as we are continuously instructed to stay at home, more people than ever are indulging in one particular pastime. The world of mobile gaming it seems, is now booming – and it’s a trend that is on the increase. With all of your favourite games now more accessible from your smartphone than ever before, more and more people are reaching for their mobile devices to play some of the biggest name games on the block.
The gaming industry in the 21st century
Throughout the 21st century, we have seen the gaming community begin to shift their demand from traditional console games to the newer form of gaming PCs. With many now leaning on super-fast computers to play popular games such as Flight Simulator, Rocket League and more, this new way of playing with friends offers a completely customisable experience, and has seen increasing popularity over the past twelve months as a result.
Whilst the industry has taken a turn towards PC gaming, there has also been a huge increase in the number of people opting to play on the Xbox Series X, PS5 and the Nintendo Switch, with all of them sold out for months on end due to increased supply and demand. This, perhaps, might come as no surprise, since they have long enjoyed a cult following and fanbase – but over 2020, as the need for at-home entertainment increased, the numbers continued to rise, and in 2021, they show no signs of slowing down.
The accessibility of mobile devices
As well as the growing trend towards gaming computers, there has also been a shift in the market into the world of mobile gaming. With over 14 billion mobile devices in the world and a projected number of 17.72 billion mobile devices in the world by 2024, we’re increasingly relying on our mobile devices more and more – and today, that goes far beyond simply keeping in touch with family and friends.
Not only has the accessibility they offer allowed for apps such as Candy Crush, Homescapes and many more to reach a huge number of players around the world, but the implementation of both 4G and 5G networks also now allows for players to continue their favourite games on the go, wherever they happen to be.
Faster running speeds of mobile phones
Though mobile phones have been around for many years now, several people would credit the invention of the modern-day smartphone to Apple, and the release of its iconic iPhone, in 2007. This paved the way not only for the bigger and better iPhones we now see constantly being released each year, but also the invention of several other competing touch-screen smartphones, too. These have allowed for applications and games to be created for audiences all over the world, making them more accessible than ever – and as mobile phones allow for large scale applications as well as apps for popular kinds of websites such as online casinos and clothing stores, everything you need is never any more than a simple click away.
Mobile phones, it seems, are becoming more versatile than ever, offering a one-stop-shop for all of our personal and professional needs. No longer are they simply a handy gadget when it comes to work matters, but an essential item for our downtime, too.
Samsung and the partnership with Xbox
With phones now offering the capability that allows users to play several triple-A titles, it will come as no surprise to many that Samsung has signed with Xbox to create a truly unique experience on all of its mobile devices. With the inclusion of the Xbox Game Pass when buying any of the brand’s flagship devices, you can now play all of your favourite Xbox games without ever having to reach for your console controller, connecting with friends all over the world for as long as you have an internet connection.
This is fast becoming a new way of gaming that has proved to be highly popular thus far, and it’s a trend we can expect to see continuing to grow in 2021.
The introduction of Google Stadia and Apple Arcade
Alongside the introduction of the Game Pass on Samsung devices, Google Stadia is now available on all mobile devices, including IOS. Apple Arcade, meanwhile, is Apple’s premium subscription gaming service that lets users download and play included games for one monthly fee with no added costs. This form of cloud computing has made online gaming more accessible than ever, with huge numbers of players opting to take advantage of it in another burgeoning trend we’re seeing flourish this year.
The bottom line
Whichever way you look at it, there is no denying that both the gaming and mobile phone industries are undergoing a shift, and we can expect to see further integration of the two over the coming year and beyond. Gaming, it seems, has officially gone mobile – and unlike the early days, this time, it has gone all in. With playing directly from your smartphone more accessible than ever, it could one day eclipse consoles and gaming computers all together – moving further still to becoming the one gadget we rely on the most.
