Mobile gaming is on the rise. With easy smartphone and internet access, mobile games may generate $315.90 billion worldwide revenue in 2023. Market volume might expand to nearly $420 billion by 2027.

Between 2020 and 2021, revenue increased from $203.90 billion to $256.20 billion. That period represents the most significant increase in a Statista analysis between 2017-2027.

In 2017, the average revenue generated per mobile game user stood around $100. In 2023, it’s now $164. The COVID-19 pandemic decidedly impacted the gaming industry for the better.

Games like PlayersUnknown’s Battleground (PUPB) and Fortnite drive market growth along with traditional developers embracing mobile apps. Mobile games allow users to win or buy skins to customize characters and give them enhanced traits.

How does the psychology of in-game shopping relate to the growth of mobile gaming?

Gamification of Shopping

Retailers and software developers may use “gamification” to increase brand awareness to help boost sales. For example, a rewards program may cause consumers to buy certain products.

In a highly competitive market such as mobile games, in-game shopping creates extra revenue for gaming companies. Even something as simple as playing online bingo for free attracts customers to an app or gaming platform.

Once the player runs out of coins or boosts, they must buy more. That creates a psychological desire to continue playing games for fun in a social setting.

The gamification of shopping may also include quizzes, surveys, badges, riddles, redeemable points, and loyalty programs.

These methods create an exciting customer experience, giving them a reason to shop and return with repeat business.

Social Media Influencers

One of the significant impacts on modern society today comes from social media influencers. Mobile game influencers seek to attract new users, generate revenue, and enhance a company’s marketing strategy.

The basics of social media influence derive from “peer pressure.” When users see that a person maintains a large social media following, it appeals to a general audience.

Gaining new followers means increasing your chances of earning a profit. The process includes the following:

• Defining goals and a target audience.
• Choosing a gaming influencer.
• Implementing a budget.
• Monitoring the results of your campaign.

Supercell, the developer of Brawl Stars, enacted a marketing campaign that allowed ten YouTube influencers to show live streams of themselves playing the game. It led to five million people registering for the game before its launch.

Addiction and Impulse Buying

Online compulsive buying is generally related to smartphone addiction. Younger generations growing up with smartphones may be more likely to get addicted to buying games.

The stimuli reaction associated with winning a game relates to a dopamine release. Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that causes feelings of euphoria. Once the feeling dissipates or goes away, users may constantly chase that feeling.

Some people struggle with addiction issues related to particular impulses. Social responsibility is essential for gamers and gamblers to enjoy mobile apps.

Responsible Gaming in the gambling industry is a collaborative effort among gambling companies and regulators to educate and prevent addiction.

Online casinos continue to grow in popularity, along with sports betting legalization. Top casino games include roulette, blackjack, slots, and video poker.

It’s imperative upon consumers to find reputable options by researching the best casino games at Las Atlantis or how to maintain their bankroll correctly.

What Makes Mobile Games So Popular?

One thing that makes mobile games so popular today is their accessibility. Traditional video games require consoles, controllers, and TVs. Mobile games only necessitate a smartphone and an internet connection.

The games are also easier to publish and distribute to Android and iOS users. Developers can put their games on Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

Some of the most popular mobile games get hundreds of thousands of downloads, if not millions.

Technology also improves with time, like more storage for faster data processing. Enhanced graphics keep players engaged. Players spending lots of time on apps means more opportunities for ads and in-game shopping.

Top Mobile Games

Fortnite is among the most popular mobile games. With nearly 130 downloads, the game has generated almost $2 billion in revenue on Google Play and the App Store.

Even more popular is the well-known mobile game Candy Crush. As the first game to generate over $1 billion in revenue, Candy Crush maintains over 250 million monthly users after 2.7 billion downloads.

Leading publishers in the industry include China’s Tencent for iPhone users, Supersonic Studios, and VOODOO for Android.

The Future of In-Game Shopping

In-game shopping in Fortnite includes cosmetic bundles and questlines for V-Bucks. Players also buy a season battle pass, earn skins, and seek extra challenges. The avid popularity of Fortnite incentivizes an in-game currency.

Candy Crush’s in-app purchases include items to achieve a higher score or Gold Bars to buy boosters and extra lives.

With billions of mobile gamers worldwide and online shopping becoming standard, even luxury fashion brands seek to create in-game content.

The future of shopping online may intersect with mobile gaming and advertising in ways that transform and reshape our daily lives.