When cell phones started becoming the norm, 20 year ago or so, they were intended to just be, well, phones. Those big and clunky devices were little better than wireless home phones, but at least you were able to use them outside of your house, as long as you could get a signal. Then came smartphones. And although they’re also meant to be phones, it wasn’t long before companies realised that they could be utilised for much more. Think about your own smartphone usage. What percentage is actually allocated to making and receiving calls? Probably a small one. Chances are you use it for a variety of things that don’t directly involve communication, yet you are still connecting with people through outlets such as games.
Whether it is Words with Friends or something a little more exciting, like the new Zenonia S, discussed in a recent article on AndroidHeadlines.com, mobile gaming lets you play with people sitting next to you or folks on the other side of the planet. There are so many options now available, it is impossible to be bored.
Mobile gaming is no longer confined to traditional game companies either. All sorts of folks are getting in on the action. You may have heard about the Kim Kardashian game that came out not too long ago, which proved to be insanely popular. Now more celebs are lending their names to mobile games. According to TheGuardian, Glu Mobile is working on games featuring Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Nicki Minaj. But another songbird has beaten them to the punch.
Shakira has partnered with Rovio Entertainment (of Angry Birds fame) to create Love Rocks, described as a ‘gem-swapping puzzle game’ similar in style to Candy Crush. So what does Shakira have to do with it (aside from her apparent love of gems)? In addition to lending her name, the game is new way to distribute her music. When a player reaches level 12 in the Android version, he or she gets a code for a free download of her She Wolf album. Another download can be obtained if level 82 is reached.
Surprisingly, one of the biggest names in entertainment has only had middling success with mobile games: Disney. However, with new Star Wars and Marvel games recently released and more on the horizon, that could soon change. Chris Heatherly, senior VP of Disney Mobile Games, recently gave an interview with VentureBeat where he talked about Disney’s role in the mobile game world.
While mobile games are always becoming more advanced, sometimes the classics are still the most entertaining. GalaBingo.com recognises this, and that’s why the site has made a favourite childhood game a focal point. If you couldn’t tell by the name, it’s bingo. While still fun, their bingo games have received a modern update and, probably unlike when you played them as a kid, you can potentially win money. The site also has a variety of other mobile games, such as slots, blackjack, and craps.
No matter what you look for in a mobile game, your choices these days are nearly endless—and we’re all pretty much better for it.