Mobile games are hugely popular—and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. Last year, the mobile gaming industry raked in around $184 billion in global revenue. That’s a massive uptick from the previous decade when mobile games were starting to take off. 

So, what’s behind the surge in popularity? Though mobile gaming has blossomed thanks to concerted efforts, game developers didn’t exactly have their sights set on mobile to transform the industry. In the early and mid-2010s, there was a greater focus on the potential of VR, eSports, and handheld consoles. 

But that’s changed radically. While VR, eSports, and handhelds have all taken off in their own right, mobile gaming still stands tall in terms of usage, revenue, and scope. Let’s dig a bit deeper to explore what makes mobile gaming so popular. 

Diversity of Games

There’s a mobile game for every single interest. From power-washing simulators to competitive FPS games to virtual poker, you can find something that tickles your fancy. This has been a huge coup for the mobile gaming world, as players traditionally can’t access every title on their standard hardware.

Console players, for example, can’t usually access online poker. But a mobile player can access dozens of unique poker opportunities thanks to mobile apps. That includes competitive tournament play, guides that explore poker rules, and even quick sit-and-go games. With just a few taps, they can switch over to an FPS or a casual simulator—which is an unprecedented level of diversity. 

Expanded Networks for Global Gamers

There’s one fundamental reason why mobile gaming took off as quickly and as permanently as it did: mobile piggybacked on the roll-out of 5G networks. Though 5G hasn’t been without its hiccups and rampant conspiracy theories, new and expanded networks paved the way for mobile gaming. 

Boosted connectivity has allowed players from around the world to access casual, competitive, and even educational games. Thanks to 5G networks, these players have a better gaming experience with boosted loading times and less lag.

Accessibility of Smartphones

Along with better internet connections, players around the world also have greater financial access to smartphones than ever before. Samsung devices, in particular, are a bit more friendly toward gaming and are cheaper than most Apple products. That means that the average person in just about any country can find a smartphone that’s equipped for gaming. In the past, though mobile phones were accessible, they didn't necessarily have the right features for a satisfying gaming experience. 

Novel New Approaches

Mobile games aren’t quite as complex, advanced, or vast as some PC and console counterparts—but that’s changing rapidly. Mobile game development has traditionally been less costly and time-consuming than PC and console games—which means developers are more interested in experimenting. 

This has led to highly innovative new projects. Let’s take a look at two examples. The first is Pokémon GO, which helped put AR games on the map. This groundbreaking new project helped spur interest in mobile games. Since then, indie developers have started to put their own spin on mobile gaming. 

Hits like Journey and Monument Valley generated interest in casual and visually stunning puzzle games, helping put this new genre on the map. Rather than force players to navigate dangerous or high-stakes situations, they gave mobile players the chance to relax. They paved the way for a new generation of gamers—one with a greater interest in satisfying downtime rather than competitive glory. 

Rise of Competitive Mobile Gaming

That being said… mobile gaming is steadily becoming more and more competitive. Once again, the reason behind this is boosted connectivity and increased accessibility of smartphones. Players who were barred from competitive console or PC gaming can now flex their skills and gain global attention. 

There are a handful of highly competitive mobile eSports leagues running this year. These include Clash Royale League, Hearthstone Championship Tour, Vainglory Championship Series, and Call of Duty Mobile Championship. As these leagues grow in popularity, so will the reach of mobile gaming.