is almost impossible to imagine a day without seeing someone engrossed in their mobile phone—be it a child in a restaurant, a woman on the bus, or someone waiting in the bank. There is a boy doing it. Mobile video games have woven themselves seamlessly into our daily lives, or at least, our surroundings.
This phenomenon is not surprising as it is one of the fastest growing sectors in recent years. What was once exclusive entertainment for a select few has now become something more mainstream, pervading our mobile devices. Today, we present several reasons for you to consider entering or investing in this dynamic sector. Our goal is to persuade you!
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Evolution and progress of support: from mobile to smartphone
Many years have passed since the introduction of the iconic Nokia Snake game leading up to the release of FIFA 2024. The difference between the two is staggering, and one important factor has driven this change: the development of technology infrastructure. We have transitioned from devices capable of making calls, sending messages and little more, to devices that empower us to perform the same tasks as computers. And, consistent with the pattern seen in the development of any new electronic device, the development has been faster and more significant than that of its predecessor. Let’s check out some data from “The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2023”, a study conducted by GSM:
Number of smartphones
- The number of smartphone users will exceed 7.5 billion by 2026
- More than 3 billion connections in 5G
- 30% 5G adoption
- Other data by country:
Video games and category growth: $30 billion
It’s impossible to discuss smartphones without getting into the apps that have become their quintessential representatives. According to Statista, 255 billion mobile applications are downloaded globally every year.
Now, when we focus on the matter, which app category reigns supreme? The answer is quite obvious: sports.
According to Mobiloud.com , there are more than 3.7 million apps available on the Google Play Store. Of these, there are approximately 500,000 games.
Since the inception of the App Store, games have dominated as the most successful category in terms of both download numbers and revenue. In the following graph, it is clear that the Games category boasts the highest share of active apps , underscoring its immense popularity:
It is estimated that revenues from this category will exceed 2 billion euros in Spain.
We have expanded the target audience from children to women aged 50 and above.
Very few products appeal to as diverse a variety of people as mobile games. While classic video console games typically target a specific audience in terms of both definition and quantity, mobile games disregard these conventions and reach segments of the population with less traditional gaming participation. Additionally, we have games enjoyed by women over 50, games embraced by children, and even games that engage both demographics, as exemplified by the classic case of Candy Crush. The table below classifies these games accordingly:
The nature of the mobile platform coupled with its widespread adoption across the population has led mobile games to venture beyond the boundaries of traditional video games, regardless of gender or age.
Extended Product Lifespan: Users Keep Making Purchases
Mobile games adopt different business models. While it is true that if a mobile game follows a particular “pay per download” model, revenue depends entirely on the initial download payment, and further revenue depends on attracting more users. However, when we consider games that incorporate advertising or in-app purchases (microtransactions within the game) as their business models, the revenue generated from each user turns into a constant and seemingly endless source of income. may develop.
Of course, every product has its own life cycle, and it is rare for a consumer to play the same game indefinitely. However, if a game is captivating enough, it can generate revenue over an extended period. As a result, the consumer interaction does not end with the initial purchase; Rather, the download serves as an entry point for potential ongoing, periodic purchases.
As we have seen, the mobile video game industry remains in vogue and is set to continue its annual growth. That’s why IEBS offers a specialized master’s degree in this field, allowing you to delve into the intricacies of video games and explore the professional opportunities they offer.