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From: JAB <noway@nochance.com>
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Subject: Re: Premium Games On Mobile Don't Work
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:15:36 +0100
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On 24/07/2024 17:28, Justisaur wrote:
> On 7/19/2024 3:43 PM, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:
>>
>>
>> On mobile devices - mostly phones, but tablets too* - there's really
>> two classes of games. There's the free-to-play stuff, which usually is
>> infested with adverts, spyware, micro transactions, and atrocious
>> gameplay that in no way resembles the advertising for the game.
>>
>> And then there are that much rarer breed: premium games. Usually ports
>> or adaptations of games on console/PC, they feature much more robust
>> gameplay, less reliance on MTX, usually no adverts, and come with a
>> hefty price of entry.
>>
>> Also, they don't sell.
>>
>> AT least, that's what a recent article** on GameIndustry.biz claims,
>> partly based on a report the mobile port of "Resident Evil 7" has made
>> less than $30,000 since it was released on Apple iOS. Honestly, I've
>> no reason to disbelieve them.
>>
>> I've a little less confidence in their explanation for these failures,
>> however. The author of the article points out that sales are probably
>> low because mobile gamers are used to free games (so paying is an
>> alien concept), or that the mobile game market is over-saturated with
>> products already, or that premium games are usually ports of
>> PC/console games that people have already bought and played elsewhere,
>> or that there's probably not a huge overlap between people who like
>> mobile games and people who like PC/console titles.
>>
>> All of which are viable arguments. But it ignores a big reason:
>> premium games on mobile aren't fun. They demand an entirely different
>> style of gameplay, and -coupled with the limited interface options on
>> mobile- the end result is not a rewarding experience. Touch-screen
>> controls are fine for quick bouts of "Candy-crush" or "Pokemon Go" but
>> it becomes tiresome controller for more intense games like "Resident
>> Evil 7". Yes, you can play a game like that on a phone, and no it
>> doesn't automatically make the game irredeemably terrible... but it
>> significantly impacts how you play and how much fun you'll have.
>>
>> Premium games on mobile are just an inferior experience. Why pay
>> through the nose for a game you won't enjoy as much? Especially when
>> there are so many free alternatives that... well, they may be equally
>> execrable, but at least you've not lightened your wallet
>> significantly!
>>
>> There are good mobile games available that aren't grindy MTX
>> factories; some even require you to pay up front. But these are rarely
>> grouped in with 'premium games'. The good ones take into account the
>> hardware and gaming habits on the mobile platform. Premium games
>> expect you to use the device like it was a computer or console. Is it
>> any wonder the latter aren't financially successful?
>>
>> There's no indication that we'll see an end to Premium games on
>> mobile; even if they don't sell well, they serve as marketing
>> reminding people that these games exist on other platforms. But
>> honestly, I wouldn't be too upset if they did disappear. They're not
>> worth playing -much less paying for- anyway.
>>
>> What do you think? Is there a market for premium games? Or are
>> companies just throwing their money out the window selling them?
> 
> You can get a controller for mobile.  My wife has one and plays some 
> games on her phone or tablet.
> 
> Personally I don't really see the use of a tablet. If I'm at home I'm 
> playing on my PC, if I'm out, I'm not dragging my tablet with me.
> 
> I've ran across some premium games I really like on Apple Arcade (which 
> my wife has the sub for.) Like the one Teenage Mutant Ninja game that's 
> a semi-clone of Hades.  Unfortunately yes, it feels like a controller 
> would be much better than the touch joystick, I'm not carrying one 
> around to where I'd be playing my phone though, so that invalidates 
> that.  And I'm not going to be playing on my phone much if at all when 
> I'm home and have access to my PC.
> 
> I thought about emulating on my PC to play it, but it's iphone only and 
> couldn't find any good emulation.
> 

I pretty much take mine anytime I go out and I know I'm going to have 
some down time. It's nice to just have a bigger device to interact with. 
As I normally have a book with me, and quite possibly a few other bits 
and pieces - an umbrella may come in handy, I have my small 20L so the 
extra weight of the iPad isn't a problem.