We know social gaming is huge. But mobile gaming is certainly catching up too. According to eMarketer, the US gaming industry is expected to generate $850 million in revenue this year. Based on estimated CAGR, revenue might soar pass the 1 billion mark next year and hit $1.5 billion in 2014.
The rise of mobile gaming is certainly catalyzed by the boom in smartphones adoption rate.
We often can see several games, which used to be only accessible through Facebook are also now available on smartphones. Farmville, for example, allows its gamers to access on both platforms.
Game makers’ sources of revenue are mainly from sales of ads space, the game app and virtual goods while gamers are hooked on it. It is apparent that ad-supported games are least popular among game makers as revenue is generally smaller.
The trend in mobile gaming is also exploited by several brands; for example, Volkswagen has a racing game in the app store. The app allows gamers to request for a test drive, search for a dealer, receive brochure on a particular car and most importantly, purchase it from the app. The app combines fun with information but it is still a mystery if such advertising tactic works.
