At least some form of mobile gaming has existed since the first mobile phones. However, if you could go back in time to tell people that modern mobile games would be closer to computer or console games than they are to their primitive predecessors, not many would have believed you.
But, not only that, but this is one of the fastest-growing markets in the gaming industry. It’s not just the revenue that’s growing, either, but the number of available genres, as well. With that in mind and without further ado, here are the top five game genres you should check out to see just how rapid and impressive this expansion really is.
1. MOBA
MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arenas) are competitive multiplayer games, usually involving two teams of five members trying to destroy each other’s base. While the genre originated on PC, today, it’s present on every platform available.
The most prominent gaming elements are battling enemy champions, crafting items, and completing short-term objectives that will get you stronger (so that you can complete long-term objectives).
These games can be incredibly immersive and hard to leave. There’s always something fun to do, from challenges, all the way to seasonal events.
Just keep in mind that MOBAS can be incredibly competitive and anxiety-inducing. In fact, the majority of LoL and DotA 2 veterans would argue that they’re the primary reason for people wanting to quit video games for good (or, at least, take a break). Some people just can’t handle the pressure and toxicity, and if you’re one of them, this might not be the genre for you.
2. MMORPG
Unlike in MOBAs, where every game is a story for itself, with MMORPG, you assume the role of a single character, and all your progression with that character sticks. All the levels you gain, all the equipment you acquire, and the consequences of the quests you finish are there for everyone to see.
This is why people love MMORPGs, and this is what has made them so popular to start with.
This genre was mostly popularized through PC games like World of Warcraft and Guild Wars; however, today, it’s available on every single platform, including mobile. RuneScape, Black Desert Online, and Albion Online are all available to mobile users.
3. Casino apps
A lot of people just love casino games, but going to a casino would be too time-consuming and potentially too expensive. Fortunately, there are so many apps available in the US where you can play all your favorite casino games without ever leaving your chair.
With more and more states legalizing online casinos and some games allowing casino sites that are not hosted locally, there are so many opportunities for anyone passionate about luck-based games.
Just keep in mind that not all of these sites are made the same, so check for odds, bonuses, and online reputation of the site/app before you give them a shot.
4. Card trading games (card strategy games)
TCGs are games where you collect cards to make your own deck and compete with other players with their decks. In a way, they’re similar to the way Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, or Pokemon card games used to work. In fact, all of these games have their modern digital version.
Other than this, there are popular games like Hearthstone and Gwent, set in the worlds of Warcraft and The Witcher, respectively.
The thing is that the developers of these games dip into the power of nostalgia and the fact that these playable cards were popular long before personal computers were ever a thing. Today, with the availability of the internet and modern rigs, the power of monetization and game customization make this incredibly lucrative.
There are so many games out there, and it’s up to you to find your own aesthetic.
5. Puzzles
We’ve started out this list a bit heavy. Namely, the majority of mobile app gamers are casual gamers. This means that they’re not interested in video games that are hard to master and understand.
They don’t care about following professional builds, min-maxing, and following meta. All they want is to have some fun.
Now, does the fact that they’re “casual” gamers mean much about their dedication? Absolutely not. In fact, chances are that all these MOBA players put in fewer hours in their MOBA of choice than an average Candy Crush aficionado.
Mobile gamers can be incredibly dedicated and even go as far as to spend quite a bit of money on microtransactions, boosts, and in-game currency. Needless to say, the number of these puzzle games is quite vast, and you definitely shouldn’t underestimate their appeal unless you’ve tried them out.
With so many games available, you’ll never run out of options
There’s a reason why there are so many genres in the first place. Different people have different inclinations. With almost 80% of humanity owning smartphones, mobile games will inevitably pick up on this. So, pick your genre and start looking for games you might like!
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