Why game developers are shifting towards mobile in droves

Just a few short years ago, the mobile gaming industry consisted mostly of Tetris and Snake, with few people ever predicting it would overtake console gaming as a form of popular entertainment. Well, that is exactly what is happening now, with mobile games now making up close to 40% of the entire global gaming market, equivalent to $37 billion in annual revenue and a proportion that is set to rise significantly over the next couple of years.

Such a dramatic shift has not just affected consumers, but producers. Game developers from some of the biggest console gaming companies in the world, such as Ubisoft and Rockstar, have taken notice, and are flocking to kick-start new careers in the mobile sector. They clearly see mobile as the future - here's why.

Follow the Money

As mentioned, the mobile gaming industry is growing exponentially. Mobile phone gaming is now worth more than Hollywood, despite the fact that only 5% of players actually spend money on games. Those kinds of returns cannot be found anywhere else within the gaming industry.

It means that mobile game producers can offer their devs some seriously attractive pay packets, with starting salaries around the world now averaging at around £60,000 for a standard mobile developer.

With revenues from mobile gaming continue to rise, spurred on by mega-hit such as Pokemon Go! and Clash of Titans, salaries will rise with them.

More Creative Freedom

Mobile gaming almost certainly appeals to a certain kind of developer who wishes to flex their creative muscles and produce a wider range of content. Mobile games differ from console games in that devs aren't locked into one major project for five years at a time.

Just take a look at some of the biggest mobile game platforms to see what kind of variety is on offer. For example, Europe's favourite online casino, CasinoEuro, features hundreds of unique mobile slot games, as well as dozens of live casino games including roulette, blackjack, and "wheel of fortune"-style games.

This means that developers working for these mobile-friendly casinos can work on a hugely diverse range of projects at a time, developing their skills and their career.

A New Frontier for Gaming

Perhaps unsurprisingly, many developers believe that mobile gaming is simply where all the interesting stuff is going to happen over the next few years. We've already seen how mobile has been the most successful platform to adopt emerging technologies such as augmented reality and live-stream gaming.

Console and PC gaming appears stagnant in comparison, with little improvement beyond the realm of graphics, which mobile devices are already able to match them on. Mobile gaming is much more accessible and enjoyed in much, much greater numbers than console and PC gaming, meaning that the industry is much more likely to embrace innovation and disruptive technologies.

If you're a developer who wants to be a part of the next big thing, you'd be wise to hedge your bets on mobile gaming.

The rise of mobile gaming in 2019 seems unstoppable. Even popular computer titles such as Runescape are now being re-released as mobile games. It's clear which way the wind is blowing.