Gaming News

Mobile gaming has been a part of mainstream culture since Tetris hit the very small screen in 1994 (bet you thought it was Snake in 1997). Fast forward 27 years and the landscape has evolved to include multi-player experiences, incredible graphics, and epic storylines. But, what’s next?

Here’s a list of 5 things experts expect for the future of mobile gaming.

1. Financially, mobile gaming is projected to grow.

$100 billion – that’s the revenue mobile gaming is set to reach by the end of 2021, according to Newzoo. The 2010’s were a double-digit decade of growth for the industry. With advances in tech and the saturation of iPhones (or Androids, we don’t judge), that number is likely to continue growing into the next decade.

2. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will become increasingly common.

Remember back in 2016 when Oculus VR headsets were all the rage? Well, developers and engineers are continuously working on ways to bring that tech to our phones.

Features like Google AR and those flaw-erasing, super-popular Snapchat filters have made use of this tech already. Over time, experts expect people will become more accustomed to AR and VR, adding new elements to the mobile experience.

3. More devices will be designed with mobile gaming in mind.

Tech companies like Huawei, Asus, and Lenovo, both well-known for making computers, have released phones recommended for mobile gamers. Topping the list of features, they offer include faster refresh rates, gorgeous displays, and dual front-facing speakers.

As graphics and features continue to excel, the devices used to play will follow suit. Food for thought: If Apple made a phone for mobile gaming, would people buy it? Until then, check out TechRadar’s recommended gaming phones here.

4. 5G will make it easier to play in real-time.

One thing that’s created a community amongst console gamers throughout the years is the ability to team-up and play immersive games in real-time. With the emergence of 5G, mobile-first products will increasingly draw in players for this same reason.

Enjoy the camaraderie and instant action on the go? Get ready. Faster download speeds and stronger internet will create seamless playing experiences according to an article from the WSJ.

5. Cross-platform capabilities will continue to grow.

Whether a gamer’s primary console is a PlayStation or a Samsung, developers are making strides to connect them all. Fortnite now allows players from all platforms to compete in its free-to-play battle royale game.

The industry expects to see other companies expanding their cross-platform capabilities to attract new players and reach new markets.

We want to know: what are you looking forward to most? The surge of 5G networks, cross-platform expansion, or the potential for holograms? With the mobile gaming industry on the up-and-up, it’ll be interesting to see what we’re doing with our phones in another 27 years.

Looking for some tips to make your first game in Unity? If you’re like us and have a passion for gaming (if you’re reading this you probably do), it’s possible you’ve come across Unity. In the world of game development, Unity is known as one of the most-used game engines out there for developing games.

Our amazing team of creatives and developers have given us insights on Unity for beginners, and here’s what they had to say:

1. Unity is relatively easy to use

Our Software Engineer David advised, “Unity doesn’t have a big barrier of entry. One of its strengths is that it’s relatively easy to use.”

You might find yourself wondering how exactly something as complicated as game development can be smooth sailing. Here are a few main reasons why:

• The game engine has a straightforward game-building process, especially for smaller and mid-sized games. Unity also provides developers with accessible features, such as an easy animation controller and direct importation of animation and 3D modeling files.
• Correcting missteps is simple. Worried about making a mistake? Not to worry! The platform makes it fairly uncomplicated for developers to correct their blunders in only a matter of minutes.
• If you’re struggling to find the time to put into developing your game, Unity might help. The game engine is faster and less time-consuming compared to other ones out there. This is an extremely helpful feature for people that develop games for fun or have another full-time career.

Now that you know how easy Unity is to use, what will you create?

2. Unity has features for beginners

Our Software Engineer Chuck said, “I wasn’t a game developer prior to this, but learning Unity was fairly fast and easy.”

If you find yourself trying to dip your toes into the pool of game development, Unity can be a great tool for you to learn the process. Unity is an ideal engine for beginners to work with because:

• There are plenty of free assets to get you started. The Unity Asset Store offers a variety of free assets, making it easy for new developers to get started. A few of these assets include 2D hand painted packs, first and third person starter assets, default UI shader with fog, pixel car pack, road system package, along with many more!
• You’ll have access to tutorials. If you’re a newbie to the game development world, you might find yourself feeling a little intimidated. Have no fear! Unity tutorials are here! Unity developers have access to a plethora of helpful online tutorials and step-by-step learning materials. This is an amazing resource for anyone who’s starting their journey out in developing games. The assortment of these extensive resources can help new developers master the program at their own pace and time.
• Unity has an easy coding process that offers multiple languages. This “Unity Script” is straightforward and simple, allowing newer developers to learn the process relatively fast. The availability of premade inputs for coding also makes the Unity coding process smoother and more efficient.
• It’s relatively affordable. For developers that don’t have a big budget to start out with, you’ll be getting a good bang for your buck!

3. You can develop games for multiple platforms and players

Kevin, our Systems Engineer said, “Unity is great at creating games for multi-platforms.” 

Can’t decide what kind of game to develop? Not a problem! Whether you prefer to build a mobile, PC, or console game, Unity has what you’re looking for. 

The game engine supports and incorporates all major platforms, which makes it so attractive to developers across the globe. Mobile developers may find themselves especially drawn to the program. Unity makes it quite easy for them to build games for both iOS and Android software.

Want your game to be played amongst friends? The more the merrier! Unity makes it so that developers can transform their single player into multiplayer games with ease. 

Which platform will you build your game on?

Final Thoughts

If you’re at the beginning stages of developing your game, Unity might be a great resource for you to consider. Now that you’ve heard our side of things, we’d like to hear your thoughts! Developers, we want to know: will you build your first game with Unity?