Mobile gaming

We've all been there . . . incredibly bored with nothing to do. But wait . . . you downloaded a new game on your smartphone! A perfect time-killer. Games such as Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, and Words with Friends are on the top of the download charts. The popularity of games such as these is causing a shift in the mobile app industry and have also increase sales in other industries. Not only that, but they also impact our social lives.

According to a March 2012 CNN article, "with more than 60% of users regularly playing games on their mobile devices, games have clearly emerged as a core part of the mobile user experience." Since games are so important in the smartphone world, it is important for developers to create unique games that will draw in new players. A 2012 Wired article talks about the importance of having "buzzworthy" apps that people will talk about. 

One of these games is Angry Birds. As the top paid iPhone app for the year of 2010, Angry Birds gained national attention and drew in many users. For those who haven't played before, the user throws birds in order to try to break the green pigs' castles. Why? View the cinematic trailer for the game to the left for an explanation. The game uses logic and points to keep the player interested and, let's face it, addicted. 

Another game featured at the top of the download lists, and my personal favorite, is Fruit Ninja. This game allows the user to "slice" fruit to gain points and avoid bombs that will end their game. One bonus for Windows Phone owners is the ability to earn gamer points and achievements through Xbox Live. According to a 2011 everythingwm article, "Fruit Ninja has grossed over $150,000 on the Windows Phone 7 Platform."

Another popular game that is taking over the app world is Words with Friends. This game is much like Scrabble, allowing you to face off against friends in order to earn points and bragging rights. This game has been especially popular on my college campus, with some friends sitting in the same room playing the game together instead of talking to one another. 

These smartphone games are so popular that the companies are able to earn more profits by selling associated merchandise. These include shirts, plush, accessories, and also other game setups. For instance, Fruit Ninja now has a Xbox Kinect version that has reached one million downloads as of March 2012 as well as a larger version of the touch game at popular restaurant and arcade Dave & Busters. Angry Birds has plush birds and pigs that can be thrown (and even make the noises) just in case you want to recreate the game in real life. 

While these apps have been popular on smartphones, their popularity has been transferred to other devices and accessories, allowing avid fans to show their allegiance to a certain game. But what are these games doing to relationships? Making us play games against one another rather than talking to each other? I must say that I love playing games on my phone . . . but I would rather play these games when there is nothing else to do. Spend quality time with your friends . . . spend bored time with your apps.