Mobile games have maintained their relevance and chokehold on gamers in 2022! Looking at some of the most downloaded games in 2022 are filled with familiar names, with Subway Surfers hitting 82 million downloads and Garena Free Fire hitting 75 million downloads, amongst others.

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If your top app from Google Play Store in 2022 is Books, might we recommend some games as well for you?

What is it about mobile games that bring us away from the mundane aspects of life even for a short period of time? That's what game developers have been searching for as the next Holy Grail in game development. For example, in an online survey, the reason behind Apex Legends’ popularity could be their inclusion of “it” factors. This includes fast and clear action play, teams and the socialisation it brings, adaptation and play-by-play moments, competitiveness and a large community.

Enough about the past! As Weyrdworks embraces the new year, it’s time to have a look at what’s popping up in the mobile game development service industry. Considering the introduction of the 5G network, which provides higher processing power and lower latency levels, we can expect great things. Will we finally have a fully immersive mobile gaming experience, ala Jumanji? Well, not quite there, but you’d be surprised how close we are!

Top Trends in 2023 for Mobile Game Development Services

eSports Gaming

While not exactly a novel idea, the popularity of esports gaming has only been rising ever since the pandemic. Considering how more users begin to engage with these competitive mobile gaming experiences, developers will need to focus on creating new features that enhance gameplay and improve the overall user experience. In fact, in-game app development is expected to be influenced by eSports in the future years

Wearables

Remember what we said about Jumanji? Well, wearable gaming instruments are how we are going in that direction which includes rings, wristbands, and smartwatches. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, wearables are a staple nowadays. With this in mind, game developers are looking to integrate them into mobile games, especially in role-playing games creating a more immersive experience.

It also creates opportunities for developers who want to create new digital experiences tailored specifically for these devices.

Cross-platform games

Cross-platform allows players to play games with anyone they choose on any device. Where's the fun in playing games alone, right? The best part about playing games is calling your friend a noob and proceeding to berate them (in a respectful manner, we hope). Cross-platform gaming used to be complicated due to the differences in various systems. However, these days more and more mobile game development companies support games that are inclusive of various platforms.

You and your friends can now channel your hidden frustrations with each other regardless of platform!

AR and VR Games

Despite it being talked about almost at all times, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are still highly sought after in the mobile gaming industry. After all, who wouldn't play a game that virtually erases the boundaries between real and virtual worlds. AR and VR can make this dream come true, combining sounds and visuals to create an exhilaratingly immersive experience right in front of your eyes. Forget about sparse gaming spaces when you’re already surrounded by opportunities - these games bring the action directly into reality, ready for play on computers, tablets or even just smartphones. With cutting-edge tech like gyroscopes & cameras all part of the mix, the future of mobile game app developers is looking pretty fun.

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“Look, honey, I’m in a universe where you pay attention to me.”

5G games

Three points; better gameplay, game streaming and cross-platform integration. This is precisely how the 5G network can help mobile game developers. As we mentioned earlier, its lower latency gives you higher peak data speeds no more making you the black sheep that's always AFK. 5G is giving us the power to take gaming from a handheld console and lift it up into the clouds! It's like playing games on an entirely different level, leaving behind the processing limitations of physical devices. Let your imagination soar - 5G has made cloud gaming possible for all!

Watch Out for Weyrdworks in 2023.

Whether it’s through innovative game modes or through better integration of social media into these games, developers who want to stay ahead of the curve in 2023 will need to focus on bringing gamers together at every level.

At Weyrdworks, our year has been nothing short of amazing! Keeping up with our passion for developing games for Malaysians, we are about to release Monster Nest. This monster fight pit simulator game allows you to breed depraved monsters of your liking and even to join a community of breeders sharing tips on raising the best monster. We’re also proud to unveil our new title that’s scheduled to go live early next year - Weyrdlets! This desktop virtual pet simulator allows you to have an oddball Tamagotchi-esque pet roam around your desktop while balancing Excel sheets for your bosses at work. Talk about playing games at work.

Think of a level, yeah, no, think higher cause that's where Weyrdworks plans to go next year! If you're a brand looking to create a more interactive website or you have the next big idea in gaming, contact us for a free consultation and be a witness to our passion for creating games that are fun, immersive and interactive!