In the ever-evolving world of mobile gaming, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for game publishers. As we enter 2024, it's essential to understand the key trends shaping the industry. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in game development to the growing popularity of hybridcasual games, this article will dive into the top 7 developments set to define the year.
The Rise of AI in Mobile Gaming
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing mobile gaming development processes, from ideation and creation to execution and delivery. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney are particularly important for mobile game publishers, as they enable content generation, computer vision, and natural language processing techniques that create more immersive gaming experiences.
AI's applications extend beyond the in-game experience, with 87% of game creators already using some form of AI in their development process. The trend is expected to continue, with generative AI set to grow to at least 50% of game development within the next decade. Moreover, 25% of gamers in the US and UK believe that AI can be a powerful tool for game development when used responsibly.
The Evolution of Hypercasual Games
Hypercasual games once dominated the mobile gaming landscape, but their popularity has been declining. In 2024, this trend is expected to continue as major publishers increase their hold on the market and mobile hardware benefits from enhanced specifications. The rise of hybridcasual games offers a solution, combining the easy playability of hypercasuals with the monetization opportunities of midcore games.
The data supports this shift: hypercasual downloads fell by 15% from 2021 to 2022, while hybridcasual revenue almost doubled in two years, growing from $502 billion in 2020 to $974.6 billion in 2022.
Connected TV Advertising
Connected TV (CTV) advertising is an effective strategy for mobile app developers looking to reach a wider audience. Unity's partnership with Roku is just one example of this trend, as publishers seek to capitalize on the growing popularity of CTV viewing. With time spent watching CTV expected to double by 2024, now is the perfect time for mobile game developers to pivot and connect with their target audience.
Augmented Reality (AR) in Mobile Gaming
Augmented reality (AR) and mobile gaming are a match made in heaven. As gamers need to take their devices out into the physical world to experience AR gameplay, this technology has immense potential for enhancing the gaming experience. With more consumers watching CTV instead of linear television, publishers have an opportunity to pivot and meet them where they are.
Conclusion
In 2024, mobile game publishers must stay ahead of the curve by embracing AI in their development processes, adapting to the evolving landscape of hypercasual and hybridcasual games, and leveraging connected TV advertising. By understanding these trends, developers can create more engaging gameplay experiences and deepen relationships with players.