The mobile gaming industry is constantly and quickly evolving, with new trends and technologies shaping the landscape. As we look ahead to the second half of 2023 and beyond, it’s interesting to see new mechanics and market emerge.
As part of a fast-paced industry, producers, developers and gamers must stay informed about the latest developments that will drive the future of mobile gaming to stay ahead of the game.
From the rise of hybrid casual games to the impact of blockchain technology in games’ economies, there is ton of information to take in.
Below we explore the most significant trends and predictions for the second half of the year. Let’s dive in!
New Technologies
AI Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the gaming industry, enhancing both gameplay and player experiences. AI-powered systems can create more realistic and challenging opponents, personalize gameplay based on player behavior, and even generate content dynamically.
In 2023, we can expect game developers to leverage AI technologies to create more immersive and engaging gaming experiences. Intelligent NPC behaviors, adaptive difficulty levels, and personalized game recommendations are just a few examples of how AI is transforming the gaming landscape. As AI continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more innovative applications in game development and player engagement.
BlockChain Technology
Although Blockchain technology is considered on the decline at the moment due to failure of big titles and the complexity of it’s economy integration, it has gained significant attention in recent years, and its impact on the gaming industry is becoming increasingly evident. Despite the reticence of some players to trust crypto economies, a significant amount of investors and players are still driven toward the financial possibilities of play-to-earn models and the appeal of owning assets. It also makes sense to think that hard core gamers, who have a strong bond to their favorite games and characters – and that already invest significant amount in games – will be thrilled if they can both own what they invested in, and potentially earn from it.
A good and encouraging example to look at is The Sandbox, who had a rocking Q1 this year. They started 2023 incredibly strong with an impressive number of assets created and sold (via VoxEdit) as well as incredible results regarding the sales of LAND. In fact, a massive 24×24 ESTATE XL was sold for 750,000 USDT, making it the largest ESTATE NFT transaction of 2023 so far.*
Looking closer at the gaming world, other titles are to be followed and expected to grow in 2023 including Decentraland, Tamadoge and Splinterland just to name a few. Even Binance released a mini game allowing users to win points.
There is still a huge potential for blockchain to rock the gaming world. Crypto gaming communities are constantly growing and game developers will surely continue to explore the potential of blockchain and NFTs, creating new opportunities for players and content creators.
New Experiences
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a game-changer in the industry, allowing players to stream games directly from remote servers without the need for powerful hardware. With a reliable internet connection, players can access high-quality games on any device. In 2023, we can expect cloud gaming to become more prominent, especially with the rollout of 5G networks and improved internet infrastructure.
Cloud gaming offers several advantages, including instant access to a vast library of games, cross-platform compatibility, and reduced hardware costs for players. As more gaming companies invest in cloud gaming platforms, we’ll see a shift towards subscription-based models and a more accessible gaming experience for players worldwide.
Hybrid Casual games
One of the most prominent trends in mobile gaming is the rise of hybrid casual games. These games combine the easy-to-understand gameplay mechanics of hyper casual games with mid-core and casual meta features. The result is a game that appeals to a wide range of players, offering both simplicity and depth.
Hybrid casual games have gained popularity due to their ability to engage and retain players long-term. They provide a high-quality game experience while improving opportunities for monetization. In 2022, hybrid casual games generated over 5.1 billion downloads and $1.4 billion in revenue. This indicates a growing demand for this genre and its potential for success in the mobile gaming market.
Improved Mechanics
Live ops and events
Live Ops, which includes in-game events and regular content updates, has become an essential feature for mobile games. Games that release events periodically experience increased engagement, retention, and revenue. For example, Marvel Snap saw significant revenue surges with the release of each event.
In 2023, we can expect more game developers to focus on implementing Live Ops solutions early in the development process. This strategic approach ensures that players have fresh content and experiences, leading to higher engagement and longer play sessions. As a result, developers can drive monetization and create a more sustainable gaming ecosystem.
Meta layers – The reign of character customization
Meta layers, or additional game features and content, have become essential in mobile gaming. Among these meta layers, character collection has emerged as the most dominant feature. Several games have successfully incorporated character collection, driving engagement and monetization.
According to research, character collection was the most dominant meta feature in 2022, with 70% of top games utilizing it. This feature is particularly popular in mid-core games, with 88% of top mid-core games relying on character collection. The success of this meta layer highlights the importance of creating a compelling and collectible character roster to drive player engagement and monetization.
Social Gaming and Co-operative play
Co-operative gaming experiences are set to make a resurgence in 2023. Titles like It Takes Two, Overcooked, and A Way Out have demonstrated the appeal of co-op gameplay, where players can team up and play together. Major AAA games like Redfall, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, and Minecraft Legends will further popularize co-op gaming and offer a social alternative to competitive multiplayer games.
This trend presents an exciting opportunity for brands to create targeted advertising campaigns that cater to couples, families, or friendship groups who enjoy playing together. Real-time, hyper-personalized activations can enhance the shared gaming experience and create memorable moments for players.
Expected Growth
Emerging markets
While the mobile gaming market has experienced a slight decline in some regions, emerging markets like India and the Middle East are expected to drive significant growth in 2023. With the increasing number of smartphone users in these regions, there is a vast untapped market for mobile games.
In India, mobile game adoption is particularly high, with the country accounting for 17% of all mobile game downloads in 2022. The Middle East and Africa, as well as Latin America, have also shown steady growth in mobile gaming revenue. This presents a lucrative opportunity for game developers to cater to these markets and localize their games to appeal to a diverse player base.
Streaming platforms
With more than 24 million game downloads in 2022, the Netflix giant entered the industry by offering games that are available for free to all subscribers, with no ads, in-app purchases, or additional costs. Taking the subsciption-based model to another level, they offer their customers exclusive access to their games.
The most interesting part about this concept is that the developers don’t even have to worry about monetization, they can just focus on creating engaging game content providing their users a way to play as they please, without interuption or the need to spend on IAP.
Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass operate on a similar subscription model, offering their subscribers access to exclusive games, including puzzle, arcade, and simulation games.
Based on the potential of this model, it would not be surprising to even see more game developers cooperate with platforms like Netflix, as it appears to be a safe option and a good way to earn for both parties.
Mobile gaming remains the dominant force in the gaming industry, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down. With the increasing accessibility of smartphones and tablets, more people than ever have access to mobile games. In 2023, we can expect developers to focus on creating mobile-first gaming experiences, optimizing gameplay for touchscreens, and leveraging the unique capabilities of mobile devices.
As the mobile gaming market continues to expand, brands have an opportunity to tap into this vast audience and engage with players through targeted advertising, in-game collaborations, and branded content. Mobile gaming offers a versatile and accessible platform for brands to connect with consumers and create memorable experiences.
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