The world of gaming has undoubtedly changed massively in the past decade or so. While it has taken a number of years for the pastime to be accepted and embraced by a large number of people, in recent years it has well and truly hit the mainstream.
A development which has undoubtedly played a role in this has been the emergence of mobile gaming. While you once needed a powerful PC or console to enjoy the best quality titles, smartphones and tablets have now rewritten the rules on what is possible.
So many possibilities
A huge number of different gaming experiences are now available on mobile, from classic puzzle games like Candy Crush to more strategy-based titles like Clash of Clans.
The emergence of augmented reality technology has also led to the development of games like Pokémon Go, while everyone’s favourite Italian plumber Mario has even taken the leap onto small screens through the likes of Super Mario Run and Dr Mario. Finally, casino gaming has also embraced gaming on the go too, with sites like Paddy Power offering access to a range of online slots based on TV shows and other themes via a mobile site and an app.
According to research published earlier this year by market intelligence organization Newzoo, games are among the most-used app types in the world, and an estimated 2.4 billion people are expected to play on them this year alone. But what are the key mobile gaming trends in India at the moment, and how is the country embracing the concept?
Fascinating findings
A new survey by CyberMedia Research has provided an interesting update on the state of play in relation to mobile gaming in India, with one finding being particularly surprising.
According to the study of 2,000 smartphone users, 95 per cent of women regard themselves as very active mobile gamers compared to just 86 per cent of men. Furthermore, it was also revealed that women spend more time on such games when compared to their male counterparts.
Source: Pexels
In terms of what women are playing, the research found that PUBG Mobile, Candy Crush and Clash of Clans were the top three most popular games in India. Examining the reasons behind the habits, it also found that women felt the convenience of playing anywhere was a benefit of mobile gaming, while many of those surveyed felt it helped to relieve stress and boost their mood.
Speaking to BGR.in, CyberMedia Research’s Prabhu Ram said the findings broke “some of the most common notions” linked to mobile gaming and added that it highlights a “significant opportunity” for gaming developers to consider.
A fundamental part of gaming
While the options for gaming on your smartphone were once extremely limited, a combination of better data connectivity and improved technology has opened such devices up to a whole new range of possibilities.
Mobile gaming is now a fundamental part of the gaming world, and it is fascinating to see how women in particular are playing a key role in pushing the concept forward in India. With developments like augmented and virtual reality only likely to create even more mobile gaming opportunities in the future, it will be fascinating to see how this area grows in the years ahead.
