Mobile gaming has proven to be a big business and a major segment of the video game industry in recent years. According to current industry research, mobile gaming, which is also the fastest-growing video game category, generated more than $90 billion in 2021 and accounted for more than half of worldwide gaming revenues, with the global mobile gaming market expected to reach over $150 billion in sales by 2027. With mobile devices becoming the primary gaming platform in recent years, mobile gaming has attained a new level of popularity.
Games, the most popular category on both the Apple and Google app stores, now account for 10% of all app time spent by users. According to market research organizations, the average US smartphone has at least eight games installed, and users globally play 2 to 5 mobile games weekly on average. With such strong demand, it’s no wonder that developers have moved their focus to the mobile market, consistently providing players with new games and unique gameplay.
With COVID-19 striking the world in the last couple of years, mobile gaming has proven to be a fantastic option for individuals who remained inside to comply with health guidelines and social distance, and the industry has had some of the fastest growth rates of all time. This unusual year witnessed the advent of new iGaming activities, the mainstreaming of self-care games, and the emergence of a plethora of new gaming possibilities for gamers all across the globe.
Nonetheless, mobile games are always evolving as developers continuously push the envelope and strive to create better, more immersive games across many platforms. As we begin a new year, the mobile gaming activities in this article have enthralled billions of gamers over the world, and they are undeniably good choices if you want to discover innovative gaming trends in 2022.
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Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas
MOBAs, or Multiplayer Battle Arenas, have soared in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the success of games such as DOTA 2 and League of Legends, which are now the most prominent MOBAs on PC platforms, being regular appearances at esports leagues and tournaments. These games are a hybrid of real-time strategy and action games, with players controlling a champion or hero with a distinct set of abilities.
Multiplayer Battle Arenas are particularly popular in Asia, and the genre comprised the top three grossing titles in the mobile gaming market in 2021, according to SuperData research. Some of the most popular mobile MOBAs include Arena of Valor, Mobile Legends, and Vainglory, with the former reaching 200 million unique players in 2017.
Live dealer games
One of the hottest trends in the iGaming industry today, live dealer games have been enticing players all over the world with the possibility of playing classic table games like blackjack and roulette with actual dealers – who manage and operate the game in real time and even interact with players – in a new form of gameplay that provides an authentic casino feeling.
These games are broadcast via streaming from studios or land-based casinos, and players can witness the whole gaming operation, instead of just watching automated gameplay with random number generators. Live dealer games include the above-mentioned options, as well as poker, craps, baccarat, and even game shows like Deal or no Deal, Dream Catcher, and Mega Ball.
MMORPGs
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, or MMORPGs, have grown through time as one of the most beloved gaming genres, and with frequent new releases, the genre is constantly reinventing itself. MMORPGs are also among the top grossing mobile games, topping the rankings in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Russia.
Despite the fact that mobile MMORPGs lack the depth and responsiveness of their PC counterparts due to hardware limitations like processing power and display size, some titles, such as the Dungeon Hunter franchise and Arcane Legends are extremely popular with various demographics.
Self-care games
Following two hard years that tested our mental health and fortitude, a new game genre evolved to assist us cope with these challenging times. Self-care games were developed to provide us with relaxation exercises and meaningful experiences by utilizing approaches proved by psychological research to boost our mental health.
#SelfCare is one of the greatest examples in this genre. The purpose of Tru Luv’s game is to just relax in a cozy bedroom surrounded by plants and a kitty. It’s essentially the digital equivalent of allowing oneself to stay in bed all day with a clear conscience. Players go through a number of wellness-related tasks in the game, such as positive word associations, meditative activities like caressing the virtual cat, and even breathing exercises.
