2024 Mobile Gaming: What to Expect

Every year the gaming industry evolves and brings players new features that improve their user experience. Every gaming trend is always focused on user-friendliness and high performance for game publishers. Various factors influence the trends in the gaming industry, which changes marketing tools, as well as the actions of game developers. If you decide to develop a new game, you should be aware of the game’s trends in 2022 and take them into account to create a real boom.

Before you start developing your game, it is worth asking a few questions. What game genre is popular this year? What game mechanics do modern players prefer? What are the latest game features that make the game interesting and successful? After you analyze the latest news and technologies, it will be much easier for you to find a game idea that people will definitely like. The most important thing is to know what interests people at the moment and satisfy their desires and needs. Today’s in-depth article is going to be useful for many game developers. 

AAA Mobile Gaming 

Many game experts believe that an increasing number of AAA video games will be produced by independent companies with the vision and flexibility to innovate and reach new audiences. Still, games based on existing TV series and blockbusters aren’t going away anytime soon. Mobile AAA games will be especially popular, as Genshin Impact shows us, which became very popular and earned $150 million in revenue in the first months. We expect AAA mobile gaming to become even more demanded, especially games from Chinese developers. All that makes Chinese AAA games popular is cute gameplay and pleasant visual effects. In 2024, games lovers will be able to enjoy a huge variety of quality AAA games with fascinating graphics, available not only on PC or console but also on mobile. 

For now, we will not see any changes or innovations in AAA games, only if the developers decide to implement the next-generation graphics that are already being developed. High-quality AAA virtual reality games will also take place in 2022 and promise players to experience new emotions and incredible sensations. The most demanded AAA games expected to release in 2022 are Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, Dying Light 2, Call of Duty 2022, God of War: Ragnarok, and many others.

Hyper-Casual and Puzzle Games

The hyper-casual genre of games, which was especially popular in 2024, attracted players with its simplicity, short game sessions, and did not require the latest devices. This trend gained significant momentum in 2024: dozens of casual games were released every day, instantly becoming top downloads. These were typically free applications with simple mechanics, addictive plots, and intuitive controls, contributing to their wide appeal – from schoolchildren to adults. Cloud mini-games that didn’t need downloading and had low hardware requirements were equally popular, actively shared on major social networks worldwide. In terms of monetization, RPGs claimed the leading position, with creators earning 22% more revenue in 2024 compared to 2023.

Puzzle games were another major trend in 2024. The growing popularity of games like Homescapes, Gardenscapes, and Candy Crush was evident. These games became immensely popular because developers introduced unique features and storytelling elements, setting them apart from other puzzle games. The simplicity of gameplay, intuitive interfaces, and fast-paced levels created high demand for puzzle games. They provided an enjoyable and relaxing experience without being overly demanding. The popularity of puzzle games was expected to grow even further in 2024.

Some of the top puzzle games in 2024 were:

VR Technologies 

Virtual reality games began to become very popular due to quarantine restrictions when people could not go outside. Virtual reality games are a great replacement for real communication with other people and allow us to have a good time. At the moment, it is not known what will happen in the world with the pandemic, but there is a great risk that the quarantine will return. And this means that it is time to release new virtual reality games that will definitely be in demand. Many developers are now working on the development of new-generation graphics, which in 2024 will give people the opportunity to experience all the delights of new VR games.

Some of the highly anticipated new VR game releases in 2024 included:

1. Half-Life: Alyx – The flagship VR game from Valve, set in the Half-Life universe.
2. Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond – A VR war shooter from Respawn Entertainment.
3. Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – An action-adventure VR experience set in the Star Wars universe from ILMxLAB.
4. Population: One – A battle royale VR shooter from BigBox VR.
5. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – A visceral VR zombie game from Skydance Interactive.
6. Iron Man VR – A superhero VR game that lets you suit up as Iron Man from Sony.
7. Low-Fi – A cyberpunk VR game with an emphasis on exploration from IRIS VR.
8. Asgard’s Wrath – An epic VR role-playing game set in the Norse mythological realm from Sanzaru Games.

With impressive graphics and immersive gameplay, these new VR titles aimed to transport gamers to incredible virtual worlds during the continued pandemic situation.

Popularity of Streaming

In recent years, game developers noticed a significant shift in how people consumed gaming content. An increasing number of players preferred watching gameplay streams and videos by bloggers and influencers on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and others, rather than playing the games themselves. Streaming became much more accessible and gained even more viewers in 2024. This trend was driven by several factors – people enjoyed observing other players’ experiences, reactions, and assessments of games from a different perspective. Additionally, the inability to play demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 on older or less powerful devices led many to opt for vicarious gameplay through streams.

This changing consumer behavior had significant implications for game developers. Mobile game studios, in particular, had to rethink their development strategies to cater to this emerging audience. In 2024, there was a growing emphasis on creating games that were more accessible and had smaller file sizes, as many viewers couldn’t play resource-intensive games due to outdated devices or limited storage.

Some key trends in mobile game development in 2024 included:

1. Cloud Gaming Integration: More mobile games began incorporating cloud gaming technologies, allowing players to stream and experience high-end games on their mobile devices without the need for powerful local hardware.

2. Bite-sized Gaming Experiences: Short, snackable gaming sessions became increasingly popular, with developers focusing on creating engaging, pick-up-and-play experiences suited for on-the-go consumption.

3. Emphasis on Spectator Modes: Games featured dedicated spectator modes, providing optimal viewing experiences for streamers and their audiences, with features like picture-in-picture commentary, interactive overlays, and more.

4. Streamlined Downloads: Optimized download sizes and delta updates became a priority, ensuring games could be easily installed and updated on devices with limited storage capacity.

Some notable examples of mobile games that catered to this streaming-focused audience in 2024 included:

– Apex Legends Mobile (cloud gaming enabled)
– Rocket Royale (bite-sized battle royale)
– Stream Legends (built-in streaming tools)
– Tiny Titans (under 100MB download size).

By adapting to the changing consumption patterns, mobile game developers in 2024 were able to reach a broader audience, including those who primarily engaged with games through streaming platforms.

Storytelling

To create an immersive and captivating gaming experience, storytelling played a crucial role in video game development in 2024. Almost every game had its own narrative, conveyed through various means such as cutscenes, character dialogues, environmental storytelling games, and more. An interesting and well-crafted story not only made a game unique but also attracted and engaged players on a deeper level. In 2024, game developers placed even greater emphasis on incorporating compelling narratives, understanding that a strong plot could be a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.

One notable example of successful storytelling in games was the long-running Candy Crush franchise and other popular match 3 story games. In addition to their engaging and dynamic puzzle gameplay, these titles introduced character dialogues and narrative elements, allowing players to become invested in the characters’ journeys and motivations. This narrative layer added depth and meaning to the gameplay, fostering a stronger emotional connection with players.

Other examples of games that excelled in story telling games for adults in 2024 included:

1. Horizon: Call of the Mountain (VR) – Set in the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon, this VR adventure game featured a captivating story driven by rich characters and stunning visuals.
2. Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunners (Mobile) – A mobile spin-off of the popular Cyberpunk 2077 universe, with a gripping narrative inspired by the acclaimed anime series.
3. Genshin Impact: Sumeru – The latest expansion for the hit open-world RPG, introducing a new region with its own intricate lore and cultural influences.
4. The Last of Us: Endure and Survive – A narrative-driven survival game set in the universe of the critically acclaimed The Last of Us series, emphasizing emotional storytelling and character development.

To create these collaborative storytelling games, modern storyteller developers in 2024 often collaborated with professional storytellers, scriptwriters, and narrative designers. These experts helped craft compelling plots, well-rounded characters, and meaningful themes that resonated with players. As the demand for narrative-rich gaming experiences grew, the role of storytellers in the game development process became increasingly significant.

More Social Experience 

The ability to play with other real players and be part of an online community became an increasingly important element for modern gamers in 2024. Due to the lingering effects of the pandemic and limited in-person communication, multiplayer games provided a vital means of social interaction and connection. Consequently, multiplayer games experienced a surge in popularity and demand all around the world in 2024.

The widespread adoption of 5G technology allowed the mobile gaming industry to offer high-quality multiplayer experiences on par with those found on PCs and consoles. Moreover, cloud gaming solutions enabled players with lower-end devices to connect to remote servers and enjoy seamless multiplayer gameplay without compromising on performance.

People engaged with multiplayer games for various reasons. Some played primarily to compete and experience the thrill of victory, while others sought to maintain social connections and interact with real people in virtual environments. Both motivations were understandable and catered to by the diverse range of multiplayer games available in 2024.

Here are some of the most popular multiplayer games across various genres in 2024:

With the combination of advanced networking technologies, cloud computing solutions, and a diverse range of multiplayer experiences, gamers in 2024 could easily find their preferred way to connect, compete, and socialize with others, transcending physical boundaries.

Hybrid Casual Is Replacing Hyper Casual

In 2024, a new genre of mobile games called “hybrid casual” gained significant traction, gradually replacing the traditional hyper-casual genre. Hybrid casual games mixed two or more different genres, combining the accessibility and addictive nature of hyper-casual games with engagement and monetization features typically found in mid-core games.

The most popular meta features incorporated into hybrid casual games included character collection, level progression, social clans or guilds, and resource management systems. The goal was to create a game that was easy to pick up and play like a hyper-casual title, but with deeper mechanics that drove player retention and provided more opportunities for monetization, similar to mid-core games.

Developers were attracted to this genre because it allowed them to reap the benefits of both worlds – the broad appeal and virality of hyper-casual games, paired with the higher engagement and revenue potential of mid-core titles. As a result, hybrid casual games were slowly but surely replacing traditional hyper-casual games, which often suffered from low player retention rates.

According to industry reports, in 2024, there were a staggering 6.2 billion downloads of hybrid casual games worldwide, and this genre earned more than $2.1 billion in revenue, a significant increase from previous years.

Some notable examples of successful hybrid casual games in 2024 included:

1. Merge Empire – A merge/idle game combined with city-building and resource management elements.
2. Coin Raid – A simple endless runner with RPG character progression and loot collection.
3. Pet Ranch Odyssey – A match-3 puzzle game with a virtual pet simulation and farming components.
4. Gear Lords – A casual RPG with hero collection, gear upgrading, and turn-based combat.
5. Clash Royale Blitz – A fast-paced spin-off of the popular Clash Royale, incorporating deck-building and real-time strategy gameplay.

With their broad appeal and potential for long-term engagement and monetization, hybrid casual games were undoubtedly shaping the future of mobile gaming in 2024.

Cloud Gaming Goes Mainstream in 2024

In 2024, cloud gaming finally became popular and widely used. Cloud gaming lets you play high-quality games without needing an expensive gaming computer or console. All you need is a basic laptop, tablet or even a smartphone.

The major cloud gaming services driving this shift were PlayStation Plus Premium, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, and Google Stadia. These services allowed people to stream and play games over the internet without installing them on their devices.

Industry reports showed the cloud gaming market was growing rapidly, expected to increase by over 57% every year from 2021 to 2027. This growth was helped by faster internet speeds, better online infrastructure, and people wanting to play games on any device.

Some top cloud gaming services and costs in 2024:

• PlayStation Plus Premium: $17.99 per month
• Xbox Cloud Gaming: $14.99 per month
• Amazon Luna: $9.99 per month
• Nvidia GeForce Now: $9.99 per month
• Google Stadia: $8.99 per month

Cloud gaming had many advantages in 2024. People didn’t need expensive gaming PCs or consoles. Games worked on different devices and operating systems like Mac, Linux and Android. You could instantly start playing without long downloads or updates. It was easy to watch game streams and esports events. And massively multiplayer games could have players on various platforms.

With faster internet and more bandwidth in 2024, streaming games became an enjoyable experience for millions worldwide. No need for updates and device freedom made cloud gaming very appealing that year, truly changing how people accessed games.

Blockchain Gaming and NFTs in 2024

Blockchain technology allows for secure and transparent digital record-keeping across a decentralized network. In 2024, this innovative technology found widespread use in the gaming industry through blockchain gaming and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Blockchain gaming refers to integrating blockchain to turn in-game digital assets like collectibles or cosmetic skins into real-world assets in the form of NFTs. NFTs are unique crypto tokens that represent ownership of digital items. The gaming industry was well-suited for this shift, as gamers were already familiar with concepts like virtual item ownership and trading.

From a niche market just a few years prior, the blockchain gaming industry exploded to over $65 billion in 2024, driven by free-to-play and play-to-earn models. These innovative monetization strategies attracted over 2.5 million diverse gamers globally.

Investment in the space also skyrocketed, with blockchain games receiving over $2.5 billion in funding in the first quarter of 2024 alone, according to DappRadar data. This dwarfed the total $6 billion invested in 2023.

Some of the most popular blockchain games in 2024 included:

CryptoKitties: One of the pioneering games on Ethereum blockchain, allowing players to breed, buy and sell digital cats as NFTs. By 2024, rare CryptoKitties sold for millions.

Axie Infinity: A play-to-earn game built on Ethereum where players battle cute creatures called Axies (NFTs), earning crypto tokens. With over $8 billion in NFT trading volume, it became a phenomenon.

Illuvium: An open-world RPG where players capture and battle NFT creatures across a vibrant landscape, with an immersive story-driven campaign.

Decentraland: A virtual reality platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to buy land plots as NFTs and build/monetize apps and experiences.

With real-world value attached to in-game assets via NFTs, players could truly own and profit from their time invested in these blockchain games. While controversial to some, this model caused a seismic shift in how games were played, monetized and perceived in 2024.

The Bottom Line

In 2024, eJaw proved itself as the coolest gaming company around. Their innovative titles redefined gaming with cutting-edge tech and captivating stories. eJaw’s passion for bringing amazing experiences to gamers worldwide was unmatched. They built an awesome community of fans through epic events too. If you want to be part of the future of gaming, join eJaw’s movement today. Play their mindblowing games and connect with the coolest gamers on the planet. The revolution has begun – don’t get left behind!