Mobile gaming has become an integral part of our digital lives, offering a convenient escape into the virtual world anytime, anywhere. However, behind the seemingly endless array of mobile games lies a harsh reality: A significant number of mobile games of all genres fall short of delivering a truly satisfying gaming experience. Even with the advanced tech innovation in smartphone software and hardware, mobile gaming still feels underwhelming. In this post, we’ll dive into the reasons why mobile games are bad these days and why they may get even worse.
Why Mobile Games Are Bad?
1. Profit-Driven Development
Profit-driven development is one of the reasons why mobile games are bad these days. Many mobile game developers prioritize profit over the quality of gameplay. Most mobile game developers these days follow the freemium model, where mobile games are free to download but heavily monetized through in-app purchases. This model often leads to a focus on addictive mechanics and manipulative strategies to encourage users to spend money rather than creating a well-balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.
There are a few mobile games that are profit-driven as well as maintain a good gameplay experience. PUBG is a perfect example of that. According to Statista, PUBG mobile has earned nearly $104 million in July 2023 alone. But the problem is that not all profit-driven mobile games are as enjoyable as PUBG.
2. Clones and Lack of Originality
The oversaturation of the mobile gaming market has given rise to a plethora of cloned games. Developers often replicate successful titles rather than investing time and resources in innovative gameplay. This lack of originality stifles creativity and results in a sea of generic games that fail to captivate gamers. One suitable example of this is Candycrush, where users have to match and pop candies. There are hundreds of games on the App Store and Play Store that follow similar gameplay (matching and popping by swiping) with different elements (jelly/fruits/bears/sodas etc).
3. Intrusive Ads and Monetization Tactics
Mobile Games frequently bombard gamers with intrusive advertisements, disrupting the game flow. I have often experienced aggressive intrusive ads on games for each level or for every two minutes which is absurd. On top of that, these ads can sometimes be irrelevant and inappropriate. While in-game ads help developers improve the game and produce better games, excessive ads, and aggressive monetization tactics can drive gamers away, contributing to a negative perception of mobile gaming as a whole. But luckily, there are ways to block ads on mobile games on Android at the source level even before they reach your phone.
4. Shallow Gameplay Mechanics
Due to technology limitations in mobile devices, many games opt for simplistic gameplay mechanics. While simplicity can be a strength, it often translates into a shallow and repetitive experience lacking the depth and complexity of traditional gaming experiences.
5. Lack of Quality Control
The ease of entry into the mobile gaming market has led to a lack of stringent quality control. Many subpar games make their way onto app stores without undergoing thorough testing, resulting in buggy and unpolished releases that frustrate gamers.
6. Short Development Cycles
The pressure to release games quickly often results in short development cycles, sacrificing the refinement of gameplay and overall quality. Rushed releases contribute to a glut of mediocre games that struggle to stand out in a crowded market.
Conclusion
While there are undoubtedly exceptional mobile games that showcase the true potential of the platform, a significant portion falls into the trap of prioritizing profits, needing more originality, and neglecting quality. As players, it’s essential to demand more from developers and support titles prioritizing an enjoyable gaming experience over short-term financial gains. Only by encouraging a shift towards quality and innovation can the mobile gaming landscape evolve into a space that truly captivates and engages players.
