Mobile Games vs. Other Options in the UK: Genre-Based Differences

The UK is home to the largest gaming industry in Europe, and mobile gaming is the most popular option, with 34% of gamers in 2024 playing their games via smartphones. Improving smartphone technology has made it possible for game developers to offer consumers an excellent range of titles without compromising quality. As well as taking the top console titles and creating mobile versions, online casinos have also been able to bring the top casino games to players at home and on the move.

High-speed internet access has helped this shift towards mobile gaming, with players able to enjoy games without fear of lag. The best online slots provide players with immersive gaming experiences and the opportunity to win big, and these games can now be played in most locations across the UK, with wi-fi and 5G coverage improving constantly.

Mobile Gaming

The mobile gaming revolution can be put down to technological developments and convenience. The early days of mobile gaming touched on the addictive nature of titles like Snake. The simplicity of these types of games made them perfect for mobile devices that didn’t have the same capabilities as they now do.

As mobiles developed, so did the games and titles like Flappy Bird, Candy Crush, and Angry Birds used relatively simple concepts to gain popularity. Developers understood the limitations of the device and worked within them to ensure gameplay was as good as it could be.

Now we find that the latest smartphone technology and high-speed internet connections mean that more impressive games can be created. Top console and online titles are being transformed to suit mobile devices, and the implementation of AR and AI has transformed everything from simple platform games to mobile casinos.

Mobile gaming peaked in 2020 when it made up 39% of all gaming in the UK, which represented a 16% growth in just one year. It then dropped to 37% in 2021, 36% in 2022, and has levelled out at 34% since then.

It is estimated that over 94% of UK consumers over the age of 16 use a smartphone, and with this level of market penetration, it was inevitable that gaming apps would benefit. The large number of free-to-play games also makes it an attractive option, with people able to pass their time on their commute or at home by playing mobile games.

Mobile gaming has also been great for the online gambling industry, with some of the top operators creating mobile apps to enhance the experience.

Tablet

Tablet gaming is significantly less than mobile gaming, making up 14% of the UK’s total gaming penetration. This is due to there being similar titles available on tablets as there are on mobile devices, but not as many people carry a tablet around with them. Their size is a significant factor for a lot of games, which can be played more easily on smaller devices.

The types of games that suit tablets have more complex controls, rely on strategic depth, and have more detailed graphics, as these all suit the larger screen. Strategy, simulation, and RPG games are better for tablets as they allow for a more immersive game where the player is able to see more of what is happening.

Gaming PC

Gaming PCs make up just 11% of the UK’s gaming community, but these are the more serious gamers who have invested a lot of time and money into building a setup that suits their preferences and provides the ultimate gaming experience. Depending on how much a consumer is willing to spend, they will be able to create a gaming experience with incredible graphics, smooth gameplay, and fast load times.

In-depth game titles that allow the player to enter other worlds can benefit from being played on gaming PCS, but the quality of many game consoles is now beginning to close the gap.

Console

Game consoles that connect to TVs are the second most popular gaming option in the UK, with PlayStation and Xbox dominating the market. Game consoles that could be attached to TVs came to the fore in the 1980s with Atari, Commodore, and Spectrum models before Nintendo and Sega took over in the ’90s.

Consoles have come a long way since then, and the latest models can provide players with high-quality gaming sessions that are connected around the world. Online gaming has been a huge boost to the industry as players can meet and take on other players from all over, and there are even ways to enjoy real-world value through trading rare items and earning digital assets.

Others

There are a multitude of other emerging technologies that have started to make an impact on the gaming world, including VR headsets. While virtual reality is nothing new in gaming, the technology that allows it to be seamlessly integrated into games is.

This type of tech previously resulted in clunky gameplay and was more of a novelty than anything else. However, now that tech has caught up, VR headsets are beginning to create the immersive gaming experiences they set out to.

Hand-held consoles are another option that appears to be making a strong comeback thanks to the popularity of the Nintendo Switch. This hybrid option allows players to enjoy handheld gaming, or it can be connected to the TV, giving consumers the best of both worlds with a wide selection of entertaining and educational games.