Phone games have been around even before the birth of touch-screen phones. Games like Bricks & Snake were one of the first few mobiles games that most people played. Today’s tech can offer a lot more in a lot less time and expense.
The fascination with mobile games is here, and here to stay.
The Boom Of Gaming In 2020
The uncertainty in our lives during the pandemic pushed people to boredom and isolation. In this time, mobile applications and games became a frequent download on all phones.
Statistics say that over 33% of all game downloads were on phones. And in the year 2020, almost 51% of the global gaming revenue came from phone games. Phone games are easy to play, do not require any added investments, and are mostly free or freemium.
Most people in the world and India indeed battle a phone addiction. With handsets and the internet becoming cheaper than they ever were, it’s no surprise that everyone today is bending behind a phone.
On the other hand, games have been an excellent distraction in these trying times. We were all inclined to play ludo on our phones at some point during the lockdown. These trends and changes in habits will grow in the coming year.
5 Video Game Genres For 2021
If we look at the evolution of gaming in this generation of phone users, most people started with a computer or television game. Today the phone gaming market is not just for the young, but for people of all ages.
The market is incredibly vast, and there is a type of game for every age group, demographic, and language.
There are five primary types of games that gained a rapid rise when it comes to the gaming market. Here they are:
1. Unplanned Gaming
This genre of gaming is also called Casual Gaming. These mindless and easy-to-play games help pass the time and distract people from daily struggles. They take minimal effort to learn and master.
This genre’s games have grossed over 58% of all mobile games released in the year 2020. These games target people of all ages, and usually do not have a leaderboard or a winner.
They are free from strict rules and as the word suggested, casual. The games usually have simple gestures like swipe, tap, or type. They are always open, and the game-developers depend on in-app ads to generate revenue.
This genre of games is a definite stress-buster. And these apps will remain a success as the times around us turn more uncertain.
2. Puzzle Games
Puzzle games account for the second most downloads in the phone gaming ecosystem. Over 56% of all games downloaded on phones fall under this market. These games are both paid and free, based on their popularity.
Puzzle games include everything like sudoku, crosswords, jumble, and much more. These are games we would call the “newspaper games.” This genre has a very niche market, but one that is religiously dedicated.
Puzzle game makers have taken simple, preexisting concepts and revamped them with add-ons and features. As using puzzle books has turned oblivious to quality, and phones give a better chance of customisation, this trend is here to stay.
A few of the most advanced applications are also turning into hubs for tournaments and leagues. We played them on books and papers for generations; now we cannot keep away from them on our phones.
3. Digital Board Games
Board games have been part of many Indian social gatherings for generations. Games like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders have seen the inside of every cabinet. As phones came into our lives, this trend also followed.
Board games, while they might not have seen this surge around the world, have been a raging hit in the Indian market. Games like Chess, Ludo, and Scrabble became a part of everyone’s routine.
These games are famous for their hint of nostalgia and easy-to-play nature. Most who use these apps are already familiar with the rules of the game and find it easy to relive the moments. Most of these apps are free, with in-game purchases.
Boardgame apps have also succeeded in changing formats to cater to the newer generations. They also come with unique features that make the game hard to resist. If you are yet to try these games, this website should be a good starting point.
4. Action Gaming
Action games on phones are another niche driver game genre that has caught the attention of avid console gamers. These games are not as simple to play and usually require intense concentration.
They are also dependent on a lot of personal skills and training. The need for better hand-eye-coordination, improved reaction time, and excellent reflexes are all a must in these games.
First personal shooter games and story-based action games are top-rated in this genre. Games like PUBG, Call of duty, Fortnite, and much more saw a massive surge of users in the last couple of months.
5. Arcade Games
Arcade games are the other most downloaded format of phone games and here to stay for many years to follow. These games are famous for the same reason board games are. Nostalgia and familiarity play a role of crucial significance.
Games like Angry Birds, Jetpack Joyride, Fruit Ninja, and much more were some of the most famous plays of their time. These games almost paved the path to phone gaming and have had a loyal following since then.
The games are not as simple as casual games, but very easy to learn and master. Over time, the rewards and contestants have forced users to remain on the app.
They mostly have a colourful and engaging interface like those arcade games in gaming parlours. The rules are known to most people or can be learned by reading a single sheet length of information. Old or young, these games are addictive to all.
Final Thoughts
Apart from these, card games and multiplayer online games have also taken the internet and phone-gaming market by storm. The phone games with the glitch-free interface and superior designs have redefined phone-gaming.
If you are looking to use your phone for something fun, instead of just the the endless chatter of social media – these games are an excellent alternative.
