Tag: game industry news

Mobile games may be the doom of consoles

| May 14, 2013

Mobile games doom of consolesMobile games have caused a shift in the game industry

The game industry is beginning to shift and that has one of the largest game publishers in the world somewhat worried. Activision, which is second only to Nintendo in terms of revenue, has taken note of the stunning rise of mobile games. These games have proven to be rampantly popular with consumers of all ages and have become a very lucrative sector for the game industry as a whole. Normally, this would not be a problem as more people playing games could be considered a boon for the industry. What has Activision worried, however, is that mobile games may soon cut into the console market.

Activision foresees turbulence ahead

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has been expressing his concerns regarding the console market recently. Consoles are currently trapped in a state of limbo, lingering between old technologies and the emergence of next generation consoles that have yet to hit the market. The current console generation has been successful for the game industry, but many believe that it has lingered too long, creating stagnation in the market and causing consumer interest to evaporate. This problem is being exacerbated by mobile games.

Mobile games expected to cut into console market share

According to Kotick, mobile games are beginning to become a serious issue for the console market. iPhones and Android devices are becoming much more popular and available to consumers. These devices are often used to play games and most of these games can be acquired for free or at a very low price, unlike console titles that typically cost $50 or more. Because of the price and convenience associated with mobile games, Kotick believes that more gamers may soon be inclined to play on mobile devices rather than actual consoles, especially as next generation consoles are expected to come at a high cost to the consumer.

Nintendo takes note of popularity of mobile games as well

Kotick has been using Nintendo’s Wii U as an example of the turbulence next generation consoles are likely to see. The Wii U is the first of this new generation, but has performed poorly in the global market. Nintendo recently acknowledged the lackluster performance of the Wii U and has been considering a foray into bring mobile games to the console in order to make it more appealing to modern gamers around the world.

Bluestacks takes a swing at mobile games with new console

| May 13, 2013

Mobile Games for TVNew console designed to bring mobile games to TV screens

Bluestacks, a software company that garnered acclaim for bringing Android applications to PCs and Macs, has taken its first step into the competitive gaming arena. The company has unveiled GamePop, a new console that is meant to make hundreds of mobile games available to gamers. The console is designed specifically to bring mobile games to the TV, allowing consumers to take advantage of their home entertainment systems while playing their favorite mobile games.

GamePop may breathe new life into home gaming

GamePop comes equipped with a subscription-based service. This service allows users to play mobile games on their TVs rather than their mobile devices. The console is expected to alleviate some of the restrictions that have been placed on mobile games in the past and provide consumers with a new way to experience these games. The GamePop is not likely to encounter any significant competition in this field as it is currently the only other console that offers this access to mobile games, with the other being the somewhat infamous Ouya.

Mobile games continue to be an attractive market

Mobile games represent a very promising market in the game industry. Bluestacks has taken note of the rise of mobile games over the past few years and believes that the time is right to make a strong entry into this market. The company believes that the GamePop will satisfy a need that has not yet been met by the game industry at large.

Subscription service may be attractive to developers and gamers alike

The GamePop is expected to appeal to developers as much as it does to gamers. Developers of mobile games must often resort to extreme marketing and other measures to generate revenue. With the Ouya, these developers have little chance to generate revenue as they are forced to offer their mobile games for free. GamePop’s subscription-based service may provide more flexibility, as part of the funds collected through the subscription will go toward developers and the acquisition of new mobile games.