10 Mobile Gaming Trends to Watch Out For in 2016

We may officially be half way through 2016, but there's still plenty more to look forward to in the mobile gaming world. With technology advancing all the time and the fast-paced evolution of mobile gaming, nothing stays still for long.

Games – and devices – are becoming more sophisticated by the day, and gamers are increasingly craving a more innovative and immersive experience. Luckily for them, developers are only too happy to oblige and create bigger, better mobile games.

As technology drives the industry forward, what are the trends, innovations, and tech-advances in mobile gaming you need to watch out for this year?

1. Simultaneous Game Play

Among the biggest announcements at E3 2016 was Microsoft Play Anywhere. This initiative gives players both the Xbox and Windows 10 copy of a game when they buy either one. You can alternate between the console and online playing with ease, and all downloadable content, achievements and even Gamescore is carried over.

This concept of simultaneous game play between mobile devices and desktops using the same app or game is set to be a huge trend. People already flit between two devices and the convenience of picking up where you left off on a different device will make games more and more accessible and enjoyable.

2. Growth of Mini-Games

In a bid to lessen game fatigue, more and more developers are adding mini-games and secret levels into their apps. These extra or bonus levels boost engagement without the need to download any additional content. This is a huge bonus for gamers, and it's a trend that will grow.

Mini games not also work as a tool for retention and engagement. Players will stick with a game to unlock these bonus levels, and continue to play for longer in order to progress in both the mini and main games.

3. More VR Opportunities

There's been a huge buzz around virtual reality, especially with the impending launch of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. While the headsets – and computers needed to power them – are still on the pricey side at the moment, mobile gaming will undoubtedly get the VR treatment.

Combine virtual reality with both mini-games and simultaneous game play and you've got a hugely immersive, innovative and interactive mobile game that will keep players hooked. Together, these three trends open up huge possibilities and it's very exciting.

4. Much-Improved Graphics

Phone game graphics have come a long way since Snake, today competing with PCs and consoles. As mobile game development grows, these graphics are only going to get better. The overall mobile gaming experience, will only get better.

As mobile developers compete with game studios, gamers will enjoy apps becoming more and more sophisticated. The challenge comes in making sure you're playing on a device that is supped-up enough to support these improved graphics.

5. Indie Developers Come to the Fore

With the market for mobile games growing all the time, indie developers are exploiting the chance to address niche audiences. With the tech more readily available and demand growing all the time, independent games are hitting the market – and they're proving to be a hit.

What's more, developers and gamers are coming together and utilising crowdfunding to bring their new games to the market. Mobile game development is no longer a rich man's game, and that makes it really exhilarating.

6. 3D Touch Capability

When Apple launched the iPhone 6S, they also launched 3D touch which has the potential to revolutionise mobile gaming altogether. Not only does it bring a new dimension to existing commands, but it adds in the option for additional ones.

From tapping the screen to pressing and holding, there are more possibilities and combinations to boost the in-game experience. As 3D touch becomes more commonplace across mobile handsets, expect to see developers incorporating it more.

7. Retro Revival

There's a perfect juxtaposition in the gaming industry at the moment, and it's only a matter of time before it becomes a major trend in mobile games as well. Games are having a nostalgic makeover, and its sending gamers all dewy-eyed.

Crash Bandicoot is the latest video game character making a comeback in console games, news that was met with a hugely positive reception at E3 2016. A big trend in mobile gaming would be these retro characters making the jump to devices. After all, you can download Snake on your iPhone already, this is the natural next step.

8. Freemium Gaming

Games such as Hearthstone and Clash of Clans are hugely popular, and their "freemium" model is only going to be replicated across more apps. "Freemium gaming" is those mobile and free-to-play games where players can purchase in-game content.

This is one mobile gaming trend on the rise, because it's a great way to track audience engagement. Players also love to move forwards in games and get extras and bonuses, freemium gaming offers them this – but only if they want to.

9. Cross-Generational Appeal

Video games have stereotypically been something played by younger people, however the rise of mobile gaming has seen an increase in their cross-generational appeal. Today, anyone with a smart phone can – and does – play games. Older generations are increasingly tech-savvy, and enjoy spending their leisure time playing games on their phone.

2016 looks set to be the year when developers will start to take more notice of the different generations playing their games, and take steps to appeal to them. In reality, this will see more niche games rather than games dulled down to have "mass" appeal.


10. The Rise of Twitch
Twitch and YouTube are taking over in the gaming world, and developers and brands are really starting to pay attention to the "celebrities" – people like PewDiePie – who stream videos of themselves playing online. Mobile game streaming is growing rapidly, and developers are already looking at how they can monetize these so-called "esports" events.

What's the Future?

There are some really interesting mobile gaming trends to look out for in the next six months, many of which are already taking hold in the industry. It's a hugely exciting time, and one thing is for sure – mobile gaming is going to change forever!