Ever since the pandemic, mobile gaming has continued to thrive, even reaching unprecedented levels. Most experts say the rise in female gamers, production of advanced smartphone processors and gaming communities have significantly influenced growth.
In fact, EY predicts that in 2025, the entire gaming industry will rake in $211 billion, and mobile gaming is tipped to contribute more than half of that figure with $116 billion. This article examines some of the trends that will characterize this uptick in the next year.
The Contribution of Smartphone Processors to Mobile Gaming Advancement
In October 2023, Qualcomm announced the release of its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, in what has been deemed a move that will revolutionize online gaming on mobile devices. The processor boasts an 8-core chipset coupled with immensely high frame rates and a top-notch GPU that makes it perfect for games.
Closely competing with the Snapdragon is Apple’s 6-core A17 Pro chip, famous for its 3-nanometer manufacturing technology. Now, while Apple’s chipset is exclusive to its iPhone 15 series, the Snapdragon processor features on several high-end smartphones including the S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Pro and the OnePlus 12.
These super-strong processors can only mean one thing: the capabilities of mobile gaming will grow exponentially in the coming years. And of course this would set the pace for possible trends, starting in 2025.
Mobile Gaming’s Four Next Big Moves
Below are some of the most important trends to look out for in the year 2025.
Emergence of Cloud Gaming Technologies
Since bursting onto the tech world in the early 2000s, cloud computing has continued to take the entire world by storm. At the peak of cloud technologies, users can access files stored in the cloud or online drive from any device anywhere in the world and at any time.
In the context of mobile gaming, it is expected that dependence on heavy hardware will drastically reduce as players can connect to games directly over the internet. Besides, cloud gaming eliminates the need to download software apps, without compromising on the possibility of real-time multiplayer activity.
Even better, gamers can start a game on their smartphones and pick up from exactly where they stopped on their console, PC or other devices. This is thanks to automatic progress saving and interconnected servers on the cloud.
Integration of Blockchain Technology into Gaming
Blockchain doesn’t start and end with cryptocurrencies. It extends far into security technology, transparent financial transactions and fixed ownership of digital content. Soon, in-game purchases will be hosted over the blockchain, enabling players to own tradeable digital assets.
Recently, cheating through aimbots and speed hacks have become widespread in games like Fortnite. Traditional technology is usually incapable of stemming the tide of these unethical practices. However, blockchain and the transparency it affords make fraud easier to detect while also preventing manipulation. The entire ecosystem also encourages monetization by both players and developers.
Proliferation of Augmented and Virtual Reality
AR and VR are some of the trending issues in the gaming community. And the pretty recent introduction of Metaverse has only amplified discourses on the subject. Looking into 2025, more game developers will leverage the popularity of VR devices like the Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro and Sony PlayStation VR to deliver more immersive player experiences.
While most VR headsets are still heavily reliant on smartphones for now, it is projected that in 2025 and beyond, they can become stand-alone mobile gaming devices. Games like Pokémon Go have also tapped into the AR/VR vision with digital NPCs and its Lightship Visual Positioning System which offers augmented reality maps featuring real-world locations.
Further Adoption of Hyper-Casual and Social Games
When Netflix introduced Netflix Games, many commentators thought that the innovation was a waste of effort. However, as seen in 2024 and as expected to continue in subsequent years, hyper-casual games will become even more popular. These games bypass the steep learning curve of regular titles and focus on social interaction among players.
Moving forward, developers will channel more energy to hyper-casual games as they attract more players in the long run. Hyper-casual gaming also has the potential for extensive adaptation beyond console, PC and mobile platforms to areas like casinos.
Some iPhone casinos now have a ton of slot-style social games with easy gameplay features and high rewards. Known for their app security and game audits, the iPhone’s new chip and better battery life now make it the perfect hub for free casino games.
Bottom Line
Overall, the mobile gaming industry is poised to exceed expectations in 2025 and beyond. The advancement of artificial intelligence is also going to contribute significantly to the growth of games on mobile devices through faster development strategies. So, as you prepare for a wonderful gaming year in the next few months, stay conscious of the amazing revolution that is to come.
