A definitive shift from desktop to mobile phone and tablet use has changed, for many of us, how we live our lives. Whether it’s shopping, socialising or entertaining ourselves — the ease with which we can now carry out day to day tasks is often down to our mobile device and the array of apps waiting on our home screens. It’s no surprise therefore, that this transition has also had a profound effect on the online gaming industry, with the switch from desktop to mobile placing a realm of new possibilities straight into the palm of the player’s hand.
Access to more games than ever before
First and foremost, this shift means players now have more games than ever before at their fingertips. As well as the number of gaming apps growing significantly every day, app developers are also creating innovative ways to bring technological advances like augmented reality into app play. Gamers have everything from simple puzzles to augmented reality apps — like Pokemon Go — available at the touch of a button (or waiting for them on the App or Play stores). What’s more, hobbies requiring specific equipment or travel can also now be fulfilled through the enormous range of apps available for download.
App gaming is the most convenient way to play
App gaming means players are no longer confined to their home or tied to one spot. While gamers have been able to hook up their laptops to the nearest wifi for decades, app gaming means even more flexibility thanks to smartphones that house them. Your favourite mobile game can now be played pretty much anywhere, depending on whether it requires an internet connection or not, with millions of gamers enjoying their favourite activities on the move. Whether they’re into solving puzzles, exploring new dimensions or playing free mobile slot games, they can now do so during their commute, in the doctors’ waiting room or relaxing in the great outdoors.
Apps make gaming more social
Mobile gaming apps have also revolutionised the industry by enhancing the social aspect of online play. Some of the most popular app games that exist today rely on allowing players to interact with one another within the game play. Some multiplayer apps for both Android and iOS feature built-in voice chat, so players can communicate with each other and work as a team through their smartphones. While many apps don’t support or, in many cases, require this advanced technology, there are plenty of other ways in which they encourage social play and human interaction. Many gaming apps feature community areas and leaders boards through which players can communicate with each other. Some gaming apps, like Words With Friends, also house built-in messaging features to encourage players to discuss their tactics and engage in conversation while the app is in use. Others, like House of fun can be played through Facebook. The fact that mobile apps can be accessed wherever and whenever a player feels like it only increases their capacity for encouraging this social interaction.
