Xbox turns its sights on the mobile gaming market

The dust has barely had an opportunity to settle on Xbox’s most recent announcement for their latest, power-hungry console, the Xbox Series X.

And, while the new device is ready to offer gamers an unparalleled experience capable of supporting thousands of new and classic titles, Microsoft’s interests are not limited to their newest device.

In addition to enticing fans to buy a new console, Microsoft has turned its sights on yet another platform – one that holds the key to a flourishing and diverse market of dedicated and casual gamers alike: the ubiquitous mobile phone.

So, what do we know so far about Microsoft’s move into the mobile market – and, at a time when a new generation of consoles look ready to transform gameplay, why are they so intent on moving toward it?

A Thriving Industry in its Own Right

The mobile gaming industry has gone from strength to strength with the birth of the smartphone back in the early 2000s; what was once little more than a time-killer, with titles like Snake and Space Invaders limited to a monochrome, two-inch screen and dial-pad controls, is now a billion dollar industry leading the wider world of gaming to new heights.

To a great extent, the continued growth of the mobile gaming industry continues to revolve around the best new online casinos, which represent some of the most lucrative and competitive opportunities for developers in the world today.

These games, many of which are optimised for a fluid experience between PC and mobile, have long held an immutable position at the forefront of the industry, drawing in countless players each and every month for more than two decades.

Other Tiple-A developers have also honed their approach to the video game market. Nintendo’s Pokémon Go and Mario Kart Tour have proven themselves highly popular among fans looking for a more casual outlet, through which they can indulge their love of leading titles when they do not have the time or opportunity to reach for the console.

How Is Xbox Going to Capture the Mobile Gaming Market?

In addition to the release of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft announced a new project for its players: xCloud, or Cloud Gaming, which was released to widespread attention just last month.

With xCloud, players will hold the ability to make a seamless transition between playing on the console, and playing on their Android devices – enabling them to fit their gaming habits around their lives. Rather than leaving their progress at home, players will be able to up stakes and continue on with gameplay wherever they are, and whenever they have a moment or two to spare.

With more than one hundred and fifty games already available through the service, Microsoft’s latest venture into the world of mobile gaming has launched with its best foot forward, and looks ready to rapidly transform our gaming habits, and the ways in which we enjoy our favourite titles.

What is the Future of Mobile Gaming?

Mobile gaming has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, and with the rise of cloud gaming services from Xbox – and, of course, its competitors, such as Amazon, Luna and Google Stadia – it looks ready to continue to go from strength to strength.

A new wave of smartphones optimised for high quality gaming experiences – and, of course, 5G, which will support a smooth, low-latency gaming experience for players on the go – ensure that cloud gaming is supported on all sides, and that we can all look forward to plenty more development and success within the mobile gaming arena.