Quick definition:A video game designed to be played on a mobile phone or tablet, usually controlled through a touchscreen and often downloaded from an app store.
Meaning
A mobile game is made for devices that people carry with them, mainly smartphones and tablets. Controls are built around touch, with taps, swipes and on-screen buttons, and some games also use motion sensors, cameras or location data to create different forms of play.
Because players often have only a few minutes at a time, many games are built around short sessions, simple rules and progress that is saved automatically. Genres range from puzzles and card games to strategy, racing and role-playing, and some offer experiences close to those on consoles and computers.
The dominant business model is free-to-play, where the download costs nothing and money is raised through advertisements or in-game purchases. This approach has drawn criticism when it encourages excessive spending, and regulators in several countries have examined some of its practices, especially where children are involved.
Origin:Simple games appeared on mobile phones in the 1990s, usually small puzzle or arcade titles built into the handset. The market changed in the late 2000s, when touchscreen smartphones and online app stores let anyone publish and download games easily. Since then, the phrase has covered everything from tiny casual games to large, graphically rich titles. Example:On a long train journey, Imran opens a puzzle game on his phone and plays three short levels, swiping to match coloured gems. When the train stops, he closes the app without worrying about saving. Later that evening, the game sends a notification offering a free reward if he logs in again, which he ignores.
Did you know?Mobile games are widely reported to make up a very large share of the global games market, and many of the most downloaded titles are free. Their earnings usually come from advertising and optional purchases, rather than from an upfront price, which has shaped how they are designed.
