While some investors have grown skeptical about mobile gaming’s sustainability, the market continues to thrive—generating nearly $30 billion in acquisitions in Europe alone over four years. Emerging trends are reshaping the industry, creating opportunities for new leaders to emerge. Here are the five most impactful mobile gaming trends of 2017 that investors and developers should watch closely.
1. The Rise of Synchronous Multiplayer Gaming
Mobile gaming is evolving beyond solitary experiences. The next generation of players—primarily aged 16 to 25—demands deeper social interaction. Unlike passive leaderboards or asynchronous gameplay (think Candy Crush), real-time player-versus-player (PvP) mechanics will dominate top-grossing charts. While casual single-player games still have their place, expect a decline in match-3 and idle clicker dominance as immersive, synchronous multiplayer takes center stage.
2. Spectator Gaming: The Next Billion-Dollar Frontier
Game streaming, once exclusive to PC and console titles, is gaining traction in mobile gaming thanks to hits like Clash Royale and Vainglory. However, the real opportunity lies in creating games that are as entertaining to watch as they are to play. This hybrid model could revolutionize the industry by:
- Reducing marketing costs: Players generate free promotional content through broadcasts.
- Unlocking new revenue streams: Monetizing both players and spectators.
- Reshaping game design: Traditional top-grossing genres (e.g., match-3) may struggle to adapt, opening doors for innovative newcomers.
3. Mobile Esports: A New Competitive Era
Games like Vainglory and Clash Royale have proven that mobile esports can thrive—but success requires native mobile design. Ports from PC or console won’t cut it. The next wave of mobile esports will feature:
- Fast-paced, intuitive gameplay tailored for touchscreens.
- Short, engaging sessions perfect for on-the-go competition.
- Unique monetization strategies beyond traditional ads or in-app purchases.
4. Brand Building as a Competitive Edge
Most mobile gaming companies lack strong brand identities—except for giants like Supercell and King. In 2017, expect studios to invest heavily in branding to:
- Boost player loyalty: Recognizable brands reduce churn.
- Improve discoverability: Stand out in crowded app stores.
- Expand beyond gaming: Top publishers will diversify into broader entertainment (e.g., TV, merchandise).
5. Surge in M&A Activity
2017 will see aggressive mergers and acquisitions, driven by:
- Mobile incumbents: Acquiring profitable studios to strengthen pipelines.
- Traditional gaming giants: Companies like EA and Ubisoft entering mobile for growth.
- Non-traditional players: Toy manufacturers and media firms diversifying into digital gaming.
The Bottom Line
Mobile gaming isn’t slowing down—it’s evolving. From synchronous multiplayer to spectator-driven experiences, these trends will redefine the industry’s future. Developers and investors who adapt early will seize the biggest opportunities.
Alex Brunicki is a partner at Backed, a London-based VC fund investing in European seed-stage startups.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: Star Trek: The Original Series Crew Cats Mouse Pad
Image: Premium product showcase
Professional-grade star trek: the original series crew cats mouse pad combining innovation, quality, and user-friendly design.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge technology integration
- Streamlined workflow optimization
- Heavy-duty construction for reliability
- Expert technical support available
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: Broan 10′ Flue Extension – AEEW48BLS | Extension de conduit Broan de 10 pi – AEEW48BLS | AEEW48BL
Image: Premium product showcase
Professional-grade broan 10′ flue extension – aeew48bls | extension de conduit broan de 10 pi – aeew48bls | aeew48bl combining innovation, quality, and user-friendly design.
Key Features:
- Premium materials and construction
- User-friendly design and operation
- Reliable performance in various conditions
- Comprehensive quality assurance
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 3: Broan 21″ Custom Range Hood Power Pack – PM400SS | Module de hotte de cuisinière encastrable Broan de 21 po – PM400SS | PM400SSS
Image: Premium product showcase
Advanced broan 21″ custom range hood power pack – pm400ss | module de hotte de cuisinière encastrable broan de 21 po – pm400ss | pm400sss engineered for excellence with proven reliability and outstanding results.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading performance metrics
- Versatile application capabilities
- Robust build quality and materials
- Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
