Mobile gaming has come a very long way since its birth in the nineties. What began as simple, pixelated, colorless games have now become highly complex and sophisticated. The development of wireless internet technology has also played a significant role in the more recent development of games and apps. But how did it all begin?
Early Days
Mobile gaming dates back to the early nineties when calculator manufacturers such as Texas Instruments began to support simple, pixel-based games on devices incorporating rudimentary BASIC interpreters, followed closely by native assembly. These received a positive reaction from consumers. So much so, that Nokia decided to integrate one of the games into their mobile devices from 1997: the cell-0hone classic, Snake. Despite its simplicity, Snake was a big hit and its success sparked more interest in the development of mobile games.
Wireless Internet
At this point, software developers started to research the possibility of wireless internet, with multiplayer gaming as a distant vision, which lead to the development of WAP technology.
Games continued to develop into the 21st century, and the development of mobile technology eventually allowed Java-based programming to be executed from mobile devices. This allowed for more sophisticated game programming and therefore a much higher caliber of games. At the same time, color screens on mobile devices were becoming abundant, which further improved game quality. Java games continued to develop steadily for the next few years, until the next pivotal point in mobile gaming history, the launch of the iPhone.
Smartphones
Steve Jobs’ creation of one of the earliest multi-touch smartphones, the iPhone, marked the start of a brand new generation of mobile technology. This innovation represented a step forward like the industry had never seen before. These modern mobile devices, along with early Android devices (and to a lesser extent, Palm and Windows handsets), were more like computers than mobile phones at the time. They allowed a much higher level of programming and had displays which allowed games to have a far superior aesthetic appeal.
Propelling the evolution of mobile games further is the fact that iPhones allowed third-party developers to design apps and launch them on the App Store and the process of designing agame became a much cheaper, accessible, and therefore more feasible task.
Mobile Gambling
Now that mobile internet speeds have reached a stage where users can more or less stay connected, people can connect to real-money casino games without worrying about disconnecting. This has led to the launch of many mobile casinos and mobile bingo sites. Experts on www.bingoonmobile.co.uk claim that mobile bingo is the market which experienced the most rapid growth in the first half of 2013.
If you want to learn more about bingo apps for iPhones, you can visit this page. This industry is absolutely thriving and currently experiencing rapid growth. People can now place wagers and try to win real cash wherever they are. Whether they are on a break from work, on public transport or lying comfortably in bed, they can always have a game of bingo!
What’s Next?
It’s hard to predict what will happen next in the mobile gaming market. Online multiplayer action is continuing to grow, which will open up more and more social gaming opportunities. The development of tilt controls and using connected devices to bridge the gap between mobile gaming and home consoles are both very exciting prospects that are getting serious attention not only from mobile manufacturers and developers, but also from the console gaming giants, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. The next generation appears to promise a mobile gaming experience that is as easy to connect to a home gaming setup as it is to take on the road in your pocket.
