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The newest iPhone 16 is now being released, showcasing a range of new features and cutting-edge mobile technology. Among its highlights, Apple emphasized the gaming capabilities of the iPhone 16, boasting a 30% improvement in gaming performance, an ultra graphics mode for Tencent’s upcoming game Honor of Kings, and enhanced capabilities for triple-A games.
However, the question arises: how significant is all this hardware power in a market that is not solely focused on triple-A experiences, where a wide range of low-end and high-end devices are available?
Our Mobile Mavens provide insights and opinions on this topic.
Tarak Ford
Head of Development
at Kwalee
For most developers, the launch of a new generation of phones has minimal impact, as even the latest iPhone represents only a fraction of the overall market. While players may notice improvements in framerates, stability, and visual quality, the yearly phone releases mean that significant changes are often gradual.
“In terms of raw horsepower, phones have reached the point of diminishing returns.”
Tarak Ford
Phones have reached a point of diminishing returns in terms of raw power, as most players are not seeking console or PC-level experiences on mobile devices. The true value lies in developers’ innovation and creativity, with advancements in AI-based machine learning and VR benefiting from silicon improvements.
Günay Aliyeva
Co-Founder
at Gamelight
Advancements in hardware technology are making it easier to develop unoptimized games for devices with higher CPU and RAM capabilities. This accessibility benefits games that do not rely on high hardware requirements, like high-resolution 3D graphics titles. The future may witness the inclusion of bigger triple-A games on mobile phones, catering to a broader gaming audience.
Christopher Kassulke
CEO
at HandyGames
The evolution of mobile technology has transformed the gaming landscape, with mobile devices now rivaling traditional gaming consoles in terms of power and capabilities. This shift has allowed for immersive gaming experiences on mobile phones, showcasing the progress in hardware advancements.
The market has evolved significantly over the years, offering a diverse array of gaming options on mobile devices without the need for costly hardware upgrades. The emphasis now lies on creating engaging and accessible games for a wider audience.
Mark Greenshields
VP of the Bangalore Studio
at Kwalee
As the industry progresses, the emphasis should be on creating games that are engaging, playable, and accessible to a wider audience. While hardware advancements play a role in enhancing the gaming experience, the focus should remain on developing games that cater to the mass market.
Mobile gaming thrives on compelling and user-friendly experiences, rather than relying solely on cutting-edge hardware. The future of mobile gaming lies in optimizing network speeds, reducing latency, and enhancing user interfaces for an improved gaming experience.
Claire Rozain
Co-Founder
at YouthWave Game Africa
In the context of gaming development in Africa, prioritizing accessibility over high-end performance is essential. Optimizing games for lower-end devices with a focus on efficiency and smooth performance caters to a broader audience.
For developers in regions like Africa, the emphasis is on creating games that work seamlessly on a variety of devices to ensure broader accessibility. HTML5 and YouTube-based games offer lightweight and versatile solutions to reach a wider player base, irrespective of their device capabilities.
Jurjen Biewenga
Senior Backend Engineer
at Metaplay
Apple’s market influence and revenue share have the potential to reshape the gaming industry, particularly in terms of cross-platform releases. The success of such initiatives hinges on capturing the distinct mobile gaming audience.
