Gamestop invests in mobile games
Mobile games may be having a negative impact on traditional retail stores, but that does not mean that the trend is not something to pay close attention to. Gamestop, one of the leading game retailers in the world, has experienced turbulence in the advent of mobile games. The company is expected to close more than 500 stores in the U.S. in the coming years, but that does not mean that the gaming giant in out for the count. Instead of looking for a way to beat mobile games, Gamestop has decided to invest more into the support of such games.
Kongregate platform gearing to throw more support at mobile games developers
Gamestop does not seem to harbor any ill will against mobile games, suggesting that their rise to fame is just another way the game industry is evolving. The company has a full-fledged mobile gaming platform called Kongregate, which allows consumers to play free games online. The platform has proven successful for Gamestop and has helped many games from independent developers reach a large audience. Gamestop has announced a new initiative that is designed to help fund the development of mobile games throughout the industry.
Gamestop establishes $10 million development fund
Through Kongregate, Gamestop has set up a $10 million game development fund that is meant to help independent game developers create free-to-play games for the mobile space. The fund is tied to the Kongregate Mobile Developers program, which offers assistance for ambitious developers who have innovative ideas for mobile games. The program offers cash advance to cover some development aspects, monetization consulting, and promotion through the Kongregate platform.
Mobile games continue to attract serious attention
Mobile games have become a market that cannot be ignored. Developers focusing specifically on the mobile space have managed to find great success in the past and platforms like Kongregate are examples of this success. Gamestop expects to begin introducing new mobile games that are supported through its new fund program to the Kongregate platform in the near future.
Mobile games gain momentum while consoles begin to lose traction
A storm is brewing in the game industry and everything may come down to a fight between mobile games and consoles. Mobile games have become one of the most favored pastimes that consumers around the world can universally agree upon. The market for mobile games is massive and growing seemingly every day, whereas consoles are beginning to feel the sting of being confined to old technology and their lack of mobility. As the next generation of console gaming approaches, whether consoles will be able to compete with mobile games over the next decade is uncertain.m
Consoles may need to compete with mobile platforms in the future
The future of consoles looks relatively promising, despite the lack of concrete information being released by console titans Microsoft and Sony. Last year, Nintendo releases its highly anticipated WiiU, which features mobile gaming elements and some NFC technology support. Despite some criticisms, the WiiU was generally well received, but consumers have continued to show their preference for mobile games. Both Microsoft and Sony has plans to incorporate mobile gaming elements into their upcoming Xbox 720 and Playstation 4 consoles respectively.
Analysis suggests that 67% of all time spent on mobile devices is devoted to gaming
According to analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center, as well as other groups, approximately 60% of all smart phone and tablet users participate in mobile games. The firm also suggests that 67% of all time spend using a mobile device is devoted to playing mobile games. The traction that these games seem to have among consumers is somewhat higher than that seen with traditional consoles. Many of the tablets on the market today also boast of capabilities that verge on those seen in consoles. While consoles still hold the advantage in terms of technology, tablets are quickly catching up.
Next generation consoles may provide more stability in the game industry
The future of console gaming may hinge on the performance of the Xbox 720 and Playstation 4. That future is somewhat uncertain at present due to the fact that both Microsoft and Sony have very strong interests in the realm of mobile games. Next generation consoles are expected to be well received by gamers around the world, but these same gamers have yet to show any inclination in abandoning mobile games in favor of consoles.
