It is probably no surprise to anyone that the mobile gaming is on the rise – but the figures and statistics might prove a bit of a shock!
We use our smartphones for more and more these days, whether it is for video calling our friends on the other side of the world or for ordering our grocery shopping. What is impressive about the modern smartphone, however, is that it is essentially a computer that fits in our pocket, and gives us access to the entire internet, wherever we are. That means that we can play live casino online on Virgin Games while we wait for the bus, or book cinema tickets at work.
In 2022, there were 90 billion phone game downloads globally. Out of the global gaming market revenue of $184 billion, mobile gaming represents 50% – almost double the revenue of console gaming.
The top five gaming genres for mobile (and their revenue for 2022) are as follows:
- Role Playing Games (RPGs) – $20.2 billion
- Strategy Games – $16.3 billion
- Puzzle Games – $9.1 billion
- Casino Games – $8 billion
- Shooter Games – $4.6 billion
So, if you are wondering what games you should be downloading to get the best out of the most popular genres, then look no further!
Best RPG: Raid: Shadow Legends
Raid: Shadow Legends is an example of a freemium game – it costs nothing to download and pay, but you can invest real-world money in it to improve your character and have more chances to win.
Developed by Plarium Games, this is a fantasy-themed gacha RPG, which means that you can spend in-game currency to get a random item, like loot crates.
You enter the fictional realm of Teleria which is being ruled by the Dark Lord Siroth – and you play as a resurrected ancient warrior tasked with protecting the realm and defeating the Dark Lord. To play, you need to create an army and battle.
This is a single-player campaign that is story-driven, but it is also connected with multiplayer battles that help you level up and improve your ranking, each taking it turns to attack.
Best Strategy: Forge of Empires
The main goal of this game is to expand and develop your city, from the basics of Stone Age living all the way through to colonising a moon of Jupiter.
Of course, it isn’t as simple and straightforward as that; you need to research new technologies and create different buildings to get villagers and farmers. You’ll need to train military units and provide cultural buildings to improve safety and morale.
This is a free-to-play game developed by InnoGames, and the creation and expansion of your city depends on earning Forge Points, which is in-game currency that increases over time. As with similar titles, you can boost your Forge Points with real-world money if you are not patient enough to build up your savings.
It is a great time waster game that draws you I, and if you want to keep it casual it doesn’t have to cost you a thing.
Best Puzzle: Royal Match
This game is all over the adverts now – but it is a good, easy to grasp, and fun game.
Developed by Dream Games, every level is a Match 3 game. You’ll need to match three or more of the same symbols to rescue King Robert from various dangerous situations, with the overarching story chronicling the renovation of his crumbling castle.
It is silly and simple, but it is also fun and you won’t want to put it down.
Best Casino: Virgin Games
There is nothing like having your own virtual Vegas in your pocket, and thanks to the live dealer games at Virgin Games you can have that experience yourself.
Alongside the traditional casino games of blackjack, roulette, and poker, you can get involved in the live versions. These are linked using the very latest in HD video technology, and you will be able to interact via the chat box with the dealer and the other players – as close to the real thing as it is possible to get using your mobile.
These live games are available 24/7, and they are an exciting way to spend some time – and even win some real cash!
Best Shooter: Fortnite: Battle Royale
Fortnite has become synonymous with gaming in recent years, and there is always something newsworthy happening on this game.
Originally made for the PC and console players, having cross-platform capabilities means that you can now join in with other players no matter how you are connected.
The idea of this game is to be the last person (or team) standing. 100 of you skydive onto an island, where you need to scavenge for weapons and other items to help you survive. You’ll need to take out the competition and avoid the creeping death of the Storm which reduces the playing area, until you get the ‘winner winner chicken dinner’ notification.
