With the advancement of mobile technologies, the market for mobile games has also evolved. It is temptingly convenient to be able to engage in an interesting activity almost anywhere, anytime. This is especially true when you consider how quickly the market for games is developing, attracting users with high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay.
There is a wide variety of games with different themes and features. To be competitive, application developers have to work hard. Recently, there has been a trend to personalize characters and other gameplay elements. It is common for games to include unique items, design elements, and various paraphernalia. After a while, however, this idea ceases to be innovative. Where to find inspiration?
The purpose of this article is to explore how to come up with a unique idea for a mobile game in 2023.
As so many games have already been invented and modified, is it even worth starting? The mobile application market continues to be one of the most profitable markets and is expected to grow even faster in the future. The Newzoo experts presented statistics on the global games market in 2022 as well as forecasts for the future. Mobile games have maintained their position as the most profitable segment ($92.2 billion in 2022). The Newzoo experts predict that the mobile games market will be worth $103.1 billion in the next couple of years. According to Globaldata, mobile gaming revenues will exceed $250 billion by 2030.
So, if you are interested in developing a mobile game, this is a really good business idea. The year 2023 is the ideal time to do it.
Key trends in the mobile gaming industry
It is important to know what genres of digital products exist before you create your game.
- Puzzle. This genre of games focuses on logical problem solutions. Game mechanics is based on the study of certain rules, the establishment of patterns, and the search for combinations to produce a specific result. It requires concentration and logic.
- Casino. Casino is the genre of mobile games that simulate gambling, used in casinos in one way or another. Casino games are intended for adult players and are for entertainment purposes only.
- Strategy. Mobile strategies are successful primarily because they offer short combat sessions. The game allows you to make several upgrades, collect resources, and fight several battles within five minutes of free time. Another factor contributing to the success of such projects is their focus on online gameplay, which allows players to fight on virtual battlefields against real people instead of soulless bots.
- RPG. The RPG genre is preferred by players since such games enable them to identify with the character on the screen, improve his characteristics in every way possible, and follow his progress within the game world. It has become possible to play not only text-based RPGs on mobile devices but also titles featuring colorful graphics and a vast world to explore.
- Simulation. It is one of the most popular and largest game genres. You can simulate almost anything or anyone: an airplane pilot, a bus driver, a taxi driver, or even a chef. A simulator can be developed for any profession, activity, or other factor.
- Shooter. Session shooters seem to be designed specifically for mobile devices. It is up to you to decide whether or not sessions are fast, they do not take long, and the main requirement is that you have Internet access. It is possible to play anywhere.
- Sport. Sports simulations are becoming more and more popular. There is a strong sense of competition in these games.
- AR. Augmented Reality is a technology that has only been around for a few years. It consists of adding a virtual layer to the reality surrounding us, which is viewed through a special device. Although augmented reality glasses have not yet become a widespread phenomenon, smartphones are increasingly integrating AR technology.
- Driving. Mobile device users are particularly fond of racing games. Racing games are in high demand every year, ranging from arcade titles that defy the laws of physics to realistic simulations.
- Arcade. This is a genre of mobile games characterized by their short gameplay, but high intensity. The arcade world fits on one screen. You can play the game endlessly, since you cannot win, you only have to last as long as possible. There are usually many levels, and the gameplay is simple, so even if you are unfamiliar with how to play, you can quickly learn it; the game does not have a narrative.
- Card games. Mobile devices are most suitable for card games of all genres. There is something so comfortable about dragging cards across the screen with your finger that neither a controller nor a mouse can match. It is more similar to playing a card game in the real world.
- Hyper casual. It is a relatively new genre of mobile games, which has gained popularity since about 2017-2018. Their gameplay is the simplest, often reduced to tapping on the screen, they do not require tedious training, and they are intended for a wide audience.
Creative ideas for your mobile game
Here are some mobile game ideas that can help you get started.
- Mobile game ideas for racing
Car racing. There is something compelling about the speed and adrenaline of racing, even when the game is played on a smartphone. Despite the fact that touch control is considered convenient, the device can be converted into a steering wheel. It is possible to come up with many ideas in this regard.
Skateboarding. Mobile phones have become an integral part of this activity that is popular throughout the world. Despite the fact that skateboarding games are a niche interest, they are excellent sports games.
- Action Mobile Game Ideas
Adventure. Would you like to have more adventures and interesting stories in your life? What about getting distracted and diving into virtual worlds? It is fun and entertaining to play adventure games. This is an opportunity for you to let your imagination run wild.
Detective games. Many people enjoy reading twisted stories and solving scary mysteries. By analyzing plot details and solving puzzles, detective games keep you entertained.
- Mobile game ideas for kids
Counting games. Parents use mobile games to captivate their children in order to teach them counting. Children enjoy playing colorful games, and their parents are delighted that their children are learning to count. As a result, such games will always be in demand.
Cartoon game. Cartoons are the easiest way to attract a child to a mobile game. Cartoon characters are attractive to children. Copyrights should be respected.
- Ideas for addictive mobile card games
Poker game. The screen size of today’s tablets and smartphones allows you to fit all of the necessary interfaces. The most commonly asked question by beginners is, “Is it legal to play mobile poker?” The answer to this question depends on your country and its laws. However, these games have some of the highest retention rates.
Rummy. It is a classic card game in which the goal is to get rid of all your cards by making combinations that are either sets, three, or four cards of the same rank.
How to come up with an idea for a game
So you have decided on a genre and are inspired by a great idea. What’s next? Try to play as many other games as possible. But look at them from a game designer’s point of view. If the gameplay is too addictive and you are not able to analyze the game, watch other people play. For every game, you can find videos on YouTube or streams on Twitch. Make comparisons between your idea and other completed projects. Make sure you keep track of industry changes so that you do not miss any important developments. Take a risk. In order to differentiate yourself from other games in your niche, you should come up with bold ideas. Make a list of good ideas. A few sentences about the genre, the main gameplay, and what the project will do for players are enough. Analyze the complexity of the idea, the length of time it will take to implement the idea, what elements of the game should be included in the first prototype, and what can be omitted. The most important thing is to tell your friends about your app idea. There is a possibility that they will be able to notice important points that you may have overlooked. They will appreciate your originality and provide you with valuable feedback. Take a risk and be creative!
