Why is mobile gaming such a success?

September 27th, 2013, 00:01 Posted By: wraggster

Over 133 new studios opened within the UK in the last 18 months. 80 per cent of these are working on games for Apple’s iOS platform, and over 70 for Google’s Android operating system. These are games built specifically for tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices.
Vast install bases, open distribution channels and the rise of digital have all been identified as key factors behind this mobile blitz.
But what do UK studios working in the market have to say? And what of the industry’s bigger publishers looking to get their share of the mobile space?
“Mobile gaming simply offers the lowest barrier to entry and ease to take to market,” says Team 17 MD Debbie Bestwick. “It also has the largest and most diverse audience to aim for. It’s no surprise that so many new studios have opened, the real test will be how many succeed.”
It’s a view shared by many studios working in this burgeoning market for mobile games. The popularity of smart devices amongst not just core gamers but wider consumers and casual players presents a golden opportunity for developers to strengthen their relationship with their fan bases.
“It feels like a gold rush sometimes when it’s phrased in that way. The allure of a more direct relationship with gamers has a lot of bearing, and there’s nothing like being free from outside influence when you’re creating something,” says Phil Gaskell, creative director of Ripstone.
“The empowerment that self-publishing on mobile presents is attractive, as is the sheer number of devices currently in use around the planet.”

“It’s because the devices themselves
are so popular. If Sony and Microsoft
could sell 800 million consoles, we’d
be making games for them.”

Barry Meade – commercial director, Fireproof Games

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