by Game Marketing Genie, on 07-Jul-2022 11:46:00
Mobile use is rapidly rising and is a shifting economy that doesn't function the same way it did even one year ago! People are spending an average 4.8 hours on their cellphones per day, according to data from App Annie. The Manifest also shows that 21% of Millennials open an app more than 50 times a day.
Since mobile apps play a huge role in today's smartphone users' lives, you can generate high revenue by creating engaging apps. But before you embark on this endeavor, read this blog. Today, we are giving away ten must-know mobile app trends of 2022 that can make or break your upcoming mobile apps.
1. Artifical intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
A study from Dataprot shows that 9 out of 10 leading businesses have invested in AI technologies. AI and machine learning have been used previously in many industries to automate repetitive processes and reduce the time spent on administrative tasks. The COVID pandemic furthered the use of AI, giving birth to new technologies that reduce physical contact and transmission.
AI and ML have also found their way to the mobile app industry. One of the key advantages of leveraging AI and ML in mobile app development is reduced processing time. AI and ML streamline the app creation process by significantly reducing the time spent developing the app. The arduous and repetitive tasks are automated. Thus, the app becomes faster than when it is created using conventional methods.
Additionally, both AI and ML minimize errors that human programmers can make. To that end, your app is free from bugs and technical glitches, and the players receive an enhanced experience. Lastly, AI and ML can help you create a potentially successful app by better understanding your audience and improving the UX.
2. AR and VR
Figure 1: IKEA virtual furniture try-outs. Source: VRScout
The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) markets are predicted to grow to $209.2 billion in 2022 according to research from Tulane University. Mobile app developers have incorporated AR and VR to stand out in the competitive marketplace and entice their customers. AR adds to the user's real-life experience by morphing the mundane reality and projecting virtual pictures through a phone's camera. In contrast, Virtual Reality simulates the real world and creates an alternate world accessible to all users through computers, sensors, headsets, and gloves.
Using AR and VR has become a standard mobile app trend, giving users an extraordinary experience. VR and AR enhance the customers' learning experience by giving them an improved view of scenarios and objects that are otherwise currently absent. Not to forget, AR and VR ensure the apps don't bore the users but are immersive and engaging. Pokémon Go and virtual IKEA furniture try-outs are two classic examples of AR and VR.
Figure 2: Pokémon Go using AR. Source: iMore
3. 5G
The 5th generation of mobile connectivity is here! And it will enhance your mobile app development and game marketing hugely. 5G is known for its high speed, high bandwidth, and enhanced interconnectivity. It is designed to deliver peak data rates up to 20 GBPs. Another interesting fact about 5G is that its latency is less than one millisecond. This is even faster than a human's reaction time, which is 300 milliseconds! These features can help companies develop apps based on AR, VR, and the Internet of Things in the shortest time possible.
Leveraging 5G will enable you to create apps faster than you usually would. Besides, it'd also allow you to boost the functionality of your apps and create customer-centric apps. And your new game powered with 5G will easily stomp the competition and get you more downloads. More importantly, you won't have to update it as soon as the next technology is released.
4. Blockchain and crypto
Figure 3: A famous blockchain-based app, Algorand. Source: App Mystery
Blockchain and cryptocurrency are not uncommon terms in 2022. We hear about people earning a fortune through NFTs and crypto almost every other day! Surprisingly, blockchain has made inroads into the mobile app development industry, helping devs overcome the day-to-day challenges in app creation.
One of the crucial headaches that blockchain technology alleviates is data breaches. Data breaches have become a more significant concern since they have cost millions in the past. Thankfully, blockchain's primary benefit is data privacy. Apps developed on the blockchain are more secure as the blockchain's encryption technique is invincible. All your data is encoded and saved on the blockchain with a cryptographic hash. Every transactional digital information is recorded, and every transaction bears a timestamp. Therefore, data manipulation is impossible.
Moreover, blockchain technology is based on decentralization. Thus, the decision-making and ownership rights don't belong to a centralized entity but to a distributed network. As a result, there are no risks of third-party apps causing chaos. Lastly, games developed on blockchain offer players abundant earning and trading opportunities. This adds value to your games and entices users to download your app over other apps.
In our blog, The Top Crypto Game Marketing Guide, we cover additional aspects of blockchain and crypto.
5. Cross-platform development
Android and iOS remain the two most popular operating systems and have entirely different ecosystems. So, developers must create a game compatible with iOS and Android separately. But that is a thing of the past now! With the advent of cross-platform frameworks, developers can create games compatible with both operating systems.
Fortunately, developers now only have to code once to create a game for the users of two major operating systems. This reduces marketing and developing costs and minimizes technical hurdles. The most common cross-platform frameworks include React Native, PhoneGap, and Xamarin.
Figure 4: Benefits of React Native. Source: Angular Minds
6. Heightened localization
Figure 5: Clash of Clans localized. Source: Get Social
To make a global impact, create a product catering to a worldwide audience. Creating an app for multiple countries is an incredible mobile game marketing strategy to increase your brand awareness and boost conversions. But how to create an app that engages users worldwide? This is where localization comes into play.
Mobile app localization refers to customizing your app for specific audiences living in different regions and speaking diverse languages. It primarily includes translating the textual content, customizing the code, and adding culture-specific imagery and references. Localizing your app for people beyond your original target audience allows you to create an authoritative identity in the global market. This expands your sales, making your future app launches potentially successful.
Read more on this topic in How to Get More App Conversions With Mobile App Localization.
7. Super apps
Super apps are also in vogue these days. They are a one-stop-shop for users, a closed ecosystem of multiple apps. In plain language, a super app is one app that does the job of ten! It is an all-inclusive app with numerous functions, offering users an efficient and integrated experience. Super apps come with multiple seemingly unrelated services like payments, chat, audio messaging, and whatnot! For instance, Uber is a travel super app as you can not only book a ride with it but make the payment and even send a message to the driver.
As super apps give users an all-encompassing and worry-free experience, you should consider creating super apps with multiple services. Analyze if the mobile game you've created includes social and shopping features. Adding these features is almost mandatory if you plan to make a successful multiplayer and crypto game.
8. Foldable devices
Figure 6: Samsung's foldable smartphone. Source: The Guardian
Though foldable phones still aren’t very common today, there are still avid users. And as brands like Samsung release appealing foldable smartphones to break the monotony of traditional phones, foldable devices can snowball into popularity again. Therefore, you must take action beforehand and ensure your upcoming apps are compatible with foldable devices.
As we know, apps look different on computers than on mobiles. Likewise, the interface will change on a foldable device. You must ensure your audience using a foldable device has no complaints using your mobile app. Therefore, create special app features for such devices and ensure the app is responsive enough to adjust to a new, foldable screen. Besides, creating a game exclusively for foldable devices is also a fantastic video game marketing tactic.
9. Internet of things (IoT)
IoT technology is not new to us. The network of physical devices linked to the Internet skyrockets convenience and offers automated control. Today, IoT impacts us in nearly all aspects of our lives. Google Home and Amazon Alexa are classic examples of IoT. The best part about IoT is that it is indifferent to our location. In other words, we don't have to be present to utilize intelligent devices based on IoT technology. We have control regardless of where we are. We can change our thermostat settings from the comfort of our bedroom or while sitting at the beach!
Creating an IoT-based app will significantly increase your downloads as all customers prioritize convenience. Determine how your app can fit into the world of IoT. Ensure the app is compatible with devices other than the phone or tablet. And don't forget to first identify your app's goal— to entertain, help, or inform people.
10. User interface (UI) and accessibility
Well-known mobile development companies are now creating innovative UI to make their apps stand out. They are leveraging advanced gesture control techniques to boost the usability and functionality of their apps. New interfaces ensure using an app is simple, and users navigate easily and get things done at a faster pace. To that end, voice-based interfaces are also soaring in popularity in 2022.
Note that the sole reason for these new interfaces is not only to make apps more appealing and immersive. Mobile app devs realize that their audience is diversifying. Young and old, everyone is relying on mobile apps. Therefore, creating an inclusive app that caters to all demographics is of utmost importance. For instance, your app should have features that make it easy to use for elderly or differently-abled people. So, create a UI that adapts to the users' needs and is inclusive.
Get on top of your mobile game marketing
Mobile game marketing is your key to success! Make your mobile game's marketing matter with our insider tips in Mobile Game Marketing: Your Complete Guide to Success.
Don't forget...
These mobile game trends may shift or evolve in the coming years, but they won't disappear—they're here to stay! Therefore, you need to consider them to create a game that does well in the market in 2022.
That said, creating an app from scratch is just half the battle. Rightly marketing your game and persuading the right audience are equally important. And when it comes to marketing your next-generation app, Game Marketing Genie is the master!
GMG is a full-service game marketing agency offering bespoke game marketing strategies that boost conversions and help generate high revenue.
For top-notch mobile game marketing services, the team at GMG can help!
