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EA Mobile: In Three Years You Won't Recognize Mobile Games
At the "Myths of the App Store" panel at D.I.C.E. this afternoon, Travis Boatman of EA Mobile debunked a few common myths surrounding the mobile market.
Myth #1: Mobile players are always on the run.
This is further believed in some advertisements that depict people gaming against their friends on the bus or while on a skateboard. This is simply not true. Most people play mobile games in their home. Boatman breaks down the stats of where people play on mobile devices:
Home: 47 percent, Work: 14 percent, Commute: 12 percent, In line: 10 percent, Restroom: 7 percent, Other: 4 percent, School: 3 percent, Airport: 1 percent.
In realizing that mobile gamers aren't all that mobile, this opens up the platform for longer, larger, more engaging experiences that it can provide as exemplified with the recent release of Dead Space.
Myth #2: Mobile games are largely casual.
Taking a look at top games on mobile platforms such as Angry Birds or Scrabble, it's safe to make that assumption. However, there are also games like Infinity Blade. More engrossing experiences can be provided, and Boatman says core gamers are underserved on mobile platforms.
Myth #3: One size fits all.
With the way mobile platforms have evolved from flip phones to iPhones, developers need to learn to take advantage of each platform's size and capabilities. An iPad version of one game could be different and thus better served than the iPhone version because of the bigger screen. Boatman encourages unique experiences for each mobile platform.
Myth #4: Brands don't matter.
As mobile gaming started taking off, publishers were able to secure more top licenses. Turns out these well-recognized licenses top the charts as a result of user recognition.
Myth #5: This is as good as it gets.
Boatman says there's plenty of room for growth. With young developers who are most familiar with the technology entering the creation space the platform has a bright future. "In three years you won't recognize mobile games," he said.
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