Almost one-third of people in the U.S. over 13 play
mobile games monthly, and the number of gamers in older demographics more than
doubled since 2007, according to Parks Associates.
The international research firm’s new report
Mobile/Portable Gaming: Market Updates finds the user base for gaming
has expanded into nontraditional segments.
These changes will also force creation of new business
models to generate revenues, with in-app purchases currently the most
successful. This model provides the game for free and creates revenue streams
by selling expansions or enhancements, which helped Rovio reach over $70
million in revenues for Angry Birds.
Traditional game companies have expressed concerns about
mobile gaming devaluing the market, but in reality, mobile gaming has increased
the overall user base and attracted new demographics,” said Pietro
Macchiarella, Research Analyst, Parks Associates.
“The broad appeal of mobile games such as Angry
Birds, Fruit Ninja, and Words with Friends and increasing
ease with which people can download them have attracted less traditional
gamers, including a growing number of older players and females,” Macchiarella
added.
Penetrations of smartphones and tablets, competition in
app marketplaces, and better payment methods have also fueled growth. The
challenge for next-generation portable consoles, the Nintendo 3DS and the
PlayStation Vita, is to appeal to this larger audience.
By Telecomlead.com Team
