Lets dive into the ire of the video games industry….Mobile Games
Mobile games have come a long way in recent years since the release of Nokia’s legendary Snake in 1997. Then came Angry Birds, Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, which put a spotlight on the potential of mobile phones in the gaming sphere. The rise of high tech smartphones and powerful consoles have laid more options at the feet of gamers, giving them the luxury to decide how and what to play their favourites on. However, this has also led to the birth of heated debates between console and mobile gamers.
While the console gamers believe those who play mobile games should not be placed on their level because mobile gaming can not be compared to console gaming, the mobile gamers believe the games they play is an evolution of gaming that offers accessibility and innovation. So, which side holds the truth? Are mobile games nothing but money siphoning schemes or are they the future come to stay? Let’s find out.
The Console Gamer’s Perspectives
Do you remember how the pure bloods in Harry Potter treated the half bloods? That is how I picture the console gamers treating the mobile gamers. I can not recall the number of times I’ve heard the statement “no one should call themselves a gamer if they play mobile games”. Here are some reasons the console gamers give for seeing mobile gaming as nothing but money stealing schemes:
Pay-to-win mechanics: Console games are structured in such a way that your skill in the game determines your success. You could respawn at the same place hundreds of times until you upgrade your skill and defeat the hurdle keeping you there. This is not the same for mobile games, where you could purchase in-game advantages, which will be a disadvantage to those who do not spend money during gameplay. Examples of these are Clash of Clans and Game of War.
Little Depth In Gameplay: Games like Temple Run, Subway Surfers and Candy Crush have simple game mechanics that do not have the depth and compelling storytelling that make console games exciting.
All up in your face ads: Mobile games like Subway surfers usually interrupt gameplay with a lot of ads.
Limited Hardware capabilities:Games like PUBG and Call of Duty on Mobile seem to be watered down versions of their console counterparts, as the processing power of consoles allows for high resolution graphics while mobile phones are limited in the same scope because of hardware limitations.
Touchscreen controls: For games like Call of Duty and PUBG, precision is vital to get rid of enemies. Console gamers berate the touchscreen of mobile phones for not having the precision that the console provides, hence making it more difficult to be accurate with your aim.
The Casual Gamer’s Perspective
Just like half bloods, casual gamers seem to have a foot in both the world of gamers and non-gamers. They enjoy having easily accessible entertainment either alone or with friends for the following reasons:
Accessiblity and Flexibility: Mobile gaming has a few range than the consoles, without spending half as much getting consoles or a gaming pc. Anyone can play games once they have a smartphone, which also allows them to play as and when they please; a feature that is absent in console gaming.
Social Connectivity: Mobile games such as Call of Duty and Clash Royale have in-built social features that allow for effortless team play without spending so much on hardware.
Casual gameplay: Mobile gaming is an alternative and more approachable lotion for those who are not hardcore players. Designed to be easily downloaded and played or uninstalled if unwanted, mobile games gives a more variety of games to choose from at low cost.
Rise of Mobile Esports competitions: The Esports Association of Ghana has included national championships for mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends Bang Bang. This gives testament to how far mobile gaming has come.
Continuous updates: Mobile gaming frequently get free updates – which require internet data to download – constantly keeping the game fresh. Updates in console gaming require paid DLCs and or paid sequels or one is stuck with the version they have.
Finding Common Ground
In spite of their differences, mobile and console gaming stand proud in the gaming industry because they satisfy their consumers’ needs. The industry as a whole is still evolving and the lines between console and mobile gaming are gradually becoming blurry.
Final Verdict
As is the case of everything we know, mobile gaming has its perks and disadvantages. There are high quality mobile games such as CoD that rival console experiences just as there are console games that are highly exploitative. Are mobile games just money grabbing schemes or should mobile gamers take a seat with the console gamers? The choice is yours.
TCh
There’s no need for that comparison, the way a console gamer thinks they’re great at console games, the same way I’ll smoke em when it comes to mobile gaming. They got nothing on us honestly.