Mobile gaming has quickly become the most favoured form of gaming worldwide. Since 2017, over 50% of the world’s population have access to a smartphone device. This means that the mobile gaming industry can target literally billions of potential customers, so it is no wonder that so many people now choose to play games on their smartphones and tablets. Interestingly, when it comes to iPhones, it is China which occupies the number one spot for most users, with the USA coming a close second. Despite its communist government, China is the number one importer of Apple products.
With many iPhones users hailing from China and the USA, mobile game developers are doing their utmost to market their games to two entirely different audiences from a culturally perspective. With that being said, what the US and China do have in common is shown in their younger generations. Both US and Chinese 18–24-year-olds are technologically savvy, and it is this audience who mobile gaming and app developers look to market their products to.
Is Mobile Gaming Superior?
Certainly, the stats regarding mobile gaming give the view that it is the most superior form of gaming. According to TechCrunch, 45% of the profits from the mobile gaming market come directly from mobile games. Two years ago, mobile games accounted for one third of all app downloads as well as a massive 74% of consumer spend. In 2021, over 50% of mobile app users play games, ensuring that mobile gaming apps are as popular as music apps such as Spotify and are second only to social media apps, Twitter and Facebook. In both the US and China, time spent on mobile and tablet devices has outpaced that of television and will continue to grow.
Whilst most mobile games are free-to-play, almost all of them utilise in-game micro transactions, which is how the companies behind the apps profit. Is mobile gaming superior? It’s certainly the most popular type of gaming.
The Best Free-To-Play Mobile Games
The Apple iStore is the number one place for gaming on your iPhone. Users have access to thousands of games on the store, some of which are free-to-play whilst other require a one-time payment or monthly subscription. The team here at iGeekPhone have picked out five of the best games for your mobile phone. We have done our best to pick from a wide variety of niches in the hope that you find one which may peek your interests!
1. Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times
Based on the popular Warhammer miniatures, Warhammer Quest 2 is a turn-based adventure game which pits four hero characters against evil creatures lurking in dungeons. The aim of the game is to progress and upgrade your heroes by vanquishing your enemies and finding the gold hidden in the deep depth of the dungeons. Unlike the first game in the series, The End Times is 3D which really helps to bring all the encounters to life. Players get the opportunity to play through the 10-part Warhammer campaign.
The End Times was released in 2018 and still offers huge opportunity for fun. We expect a third game in the series to come out within the next few years too.
2. The Simpsons: Tapped Out
One of the most played mobile games ever, The Simpsons: Tapped Out is a must-play for all fans of The Simpsons. This is the sort of game which you must play every day, so be aware, it is pretty addictive! The aim of the game is to build your very own Springfield which is done by collecting donuts which allow you to build new building and purchase new characters which will roam your streets.
The Simpsons: Tapped Out is constantly updated with fresh content. The only slight downside to the game is that it will take you a long time to purchase even 25% of the total buildings and characters if you do not purchase donuts in-game with real money. However, there is a shorter way, on Facebook, there are variety of groups which use game hacks which allow hackers to transfer millions of donuts to other accounts.
3. Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO was a ground-breaking free-to-play mobile game when it was released and although the popularity has somewhat died down recently, Pokémon GO remains one of the most frequently played mobile games. One of the main positives of this game is that it helps to get players out of the house and exercising. In order to catch Pokémon, players must visit different real-life locations, this promotes exercise which is certainly not a common component in most video games!
Just be aware to stay safe whilst playing. Don’t visit any unsafe areas and pay attention to roads!
4. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is widely regarded as the number 1 mobile game in the world. Trevor, Michael and Franklin are the three main characters as you make your way through the notorious San Andreas area. Even on mobile, GTA V remains a simply incredible game. If you don’t fancy completing the missions, you can simply drive around the games incredible landscape which ranges from mountainous and desert regions to the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.
The game continues to be updated too with new online features released every month. If you are unsure which mobile game to play, you won’t be sorry by downloading GTA V.
5. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1/2
Voted as two of the greatest RPGs of all time, both Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic games can be downloaded on tablet devices. Released in the early 2000s, both games centre around the Star Wars universe and rely on players to make their way through the immense storylines which take players to several different planets in the Star Wars universe.
There was supposed to be a third game in the series, but for whatever reason, one has not ever been made. Fans of the series are still hoping that one day their dreams of a third will come into fruition, but its unlikely now. Neither games are free to play, however, you are not required to make any in-game purchases.
The Best Mobile Slots
Mobile slot games are extremely popular in their own right. Although they are a little different to conventional mobile games, they rank among the most widely played types of mobile games in the world. Slots can be played on your iPhone via an app or simply within your iPhone’s internet browser. Gamers can get access to the newest mobile slots via their mobile phones from wherever they are, which is why mobile casino gaming is now more popular than any other form of casino gaming.
We have done our best to pick out for you the top three mobile slot games available. Although US audiences are limited, UK mobile gamers can get access to all of the following mobile slots.
1. Rome: The Golden Age
Based on ancient Rome and the gladiators, Rome: The Golden Age is a new slot which was released this year. Offering a gigantic potential payout of 100,000 times the players bet, it is easy to see why slots players decide to spend their time and money playing. Like most newly released mobile slots, the game has been designed by extremely efficient and impressive game designers. Rome: The Golden Age, thanks to its graphics and music soundtrack, truly makes you feel as if you are sitting in the audience of a Roman amphitheatre watching two gladiators battling it out.
2. Dead Or Alive 2
The wild west is the setting for the incredibly famous slot, Dead or Alive 2. Although over 10 years old, Dead or Alive 2 can be played at almost every mobile casino and slot website. Its popularity is due to all of its features which create a ton of excitement and offers plenty of opportunities for players to win money.
The expectation is that, one day in the future, there will be a third game in the Dead or Alive series.
3. Extra Chilli Megaways
The Megaways engine was a game changer for the whole of the online gambling industry when it was first used in 2016. Developed by Australian slots company Big Time Gaming, Megaways increased the number of ways that players could win. Fast forward to now, and some slots which have the Megaways engine allow players hundreds of thousands of paylines. To put this into perspective, before Megaways, the majority of slots had no more than 20 paylines!
Extra Chilli Megaways is one of the best, with a fun theme, lots of features and the potential to win up to £250,000, it therefore has to go down as one of the best mobile slots of its time.
Your Best Mobile Games?
We would like to know which mobile games you play the most. There are literally millions of games which you can play via your iPhone, so if you know of any niche games which you feel aren’t widely discussed enough, then please do not hesitate to get into contact with us!