The days of smartphones simply being used as a means of communication are long gone. Today, these devices are whole entertainment centres in your pocket that can let people listen to endless amounts of music, watch the latest blockbuster movie in 4K and even support interactive gaming in a way previously confined to game consoles or high-end PCs.
The evolution in this technology that has come at lightning speed makes smartphones ideal candidates to be the forerunners in the next generation of interactive entertainment, such as iGaming.
With mobile devices becoming ever-more advanced almost constantly, could they really be the first port of call for gamers and replace the tried and tested portable consoles of the past? The key partnership of power and performance might indicate that they could.
The Growth of Mobile Gaming
Very few people have missed the boat on mobile gaming sensations such as Candy Crush or Angry Birds over the past few years. These games benefitted from being hugely satisfying to play but also relatively simple, meaning not much processing power was needed for them to run smoothly and successfully. Even since then, the industry has progressed massively, and high-end processors and graphic capabilities in the newest smartphones rival those of traditional game consoles.
This has provided quite an exciting shift for players looking for these real-time gaming experiences, as intricate gameplay and multiplayer modes can be accessed on the go with the convenience of next-generation smartphones.
Why Smartphones are Ideal for iGaming
Smartphones could be particularly well suited to iGaming for several reasons.
Portability and Accessibility—the obvious advantage of smartphones is their portability. Where traditional game consoles and PCs need players to sit in front of a TV or a monitor, smartphones can have you playing absolutely anywhere.
This flexibility for play on the go is particularly important for the iGaming world as players can play a variety of games, encompassing all genres, on the go.
Advanced Hardware Capabilities—a generation of players remember the joys of trying to beat their high score in Snake, but the days of simple 2D puzzles or arcade-styles games have also fallen by the wayside.
The technological capabilities of current smartphones, with their powerful processors and ever bigger, hi-res displays, allow for a much more engaging and complex gaming experience that is more like what players are used to from their high-end gaming PCs or consoles.
The technology in next-gen smartphones also allows players to enjoy live gaming experiences, such as sitting at a casino table from the comfort of their own home or wherever they happen to be, without worrying about performance.
Interactive Touchscreens—traditional game consoles simply can’t match the touchscreen technology on smartphones for interactivity. This interface has helped popularise many iGaming titles in categories such as poker, slots, and live dealer games, many of which offer impressive bonuses like the ones found at askgamblers.com/online-casinos/countries/in/bonus. Whether it’s tapping, swiping, or dragging, players can make their moves and play to their heart’s content in a far more direct and engaging way than having to make do with a controller or keyboard.
This technology also provides opportunities for game developers to include unique game mechanics that would be impossible to replicate on traditional controllers.
Connectivity & Multiplayer Opportunities—one of the key features of iGaming is the ability to play in real-time with others around the world. Smartphones have been at the forefront of the technology that’s been developed to allow this to happen. 4G and 5G networks, coupled with vastly increased Internet speeds, have brought seamless online multiplayer experience and real-time game streaming to players globally.
Longer Battery Life—no doubt one of the biggest concerns for mobile gamers has been battery life. Next-gen smartphones, however, are fitted with larger and more efficient batteries, giving players the chance to enjoy longer gaming sessions without the need to recharge. Advanced power-saving technology also ensures games won’t drain the device’s battery needlessly.
This is crucial for iGaming, where playing for as long as you like is central to the fun. Without the worry of phones dying mid-game, players will be able to game exactly the way they want to.
How Next-gen Smartphones are Enhancing iGaming
The boundaries of iGaming have been pushed, with the technology on offer from next-gen smartphones. But just how are the features of these phones influencing the gaming landscape?
High Refresh Rate Displays—the fluidity of gameplay has been significantly enhanced thanks to one of the newest features in many smartphones, a high refresh rate display. These can reach 120 Hz, or even 144 Hz, which allows players smoother motion and better visuals to enhance their gaming experience, whether they’re simulating sports or sitting at a fast-paced table game.
5G Connectivity—5G technology will no doubt be one of the driving forces for change in the world of mobile gaming. Much faster download speeds and significantly less lag, thanks to the enhanced connectivity of 5G, make life much easier for the mobile gamer. High-quality games can be streamed with ease while players can enjoy real-time multiplayer modes without waiting for their devices to catch up. This can prove pivotal for players looking to enjoy the fun of live dealer games.
Virtual Reality Integration —while virtual reality is still an emerging technology, it is one really starting to make headway in the world of mobile gaming. Smartphones are already offering VR support through headsets, which can transform iGaming into an even more immersive experience. VR might still be in its infancy on mobile, but its integration is sure to be at the cutting edge of the future of iGaming.
Will Smartphones Replace Gaming Consoles?
Smartphones no doubt offer many advantages for players in the modern age. However, there are still some limitations when it comes to traditional consoles or PCs. While mobile gaming might give more experienced players a lack of screen size, depth of controls, or complete immersion that they are used to, iGaming enthusiasts are already seeing the benefits that smartphones have brought to the industry.