The gaming world has spawned some huge hits through the decades, but few titles can claim to have reached the heights that Fortnite has enjoyed in recent years.
Now, further new research has analyzed the game’s move into the world of mobile and suggested that it has paid off in a particularly big way.
A huge success
Sensor Tower Store Intelligence has issued new figures which suggest that the mobile version of the game has now generated a total of $1 billion of spending through the App Store and Google Play since its launch two years ago. The US was found to account for the vast majority of the revenue, with players in the country spending more than $630 million on it.
In contrast, second-placed Great Britain generated just $38.2 million, while Switzerland was responsible for just over $36 million in third. It was also noted that the game had enjoyed its best monthly performance in over a year during April, with spending on it reaching $44.3 million across the period. An in-game concert featuring Travis Scott and the title’s launch on Google Play were thought to be factors behind the strong showing.
The power of mobile
Such findings are perhaps further clear evidence of how crucial mobile technology has become in all of our lives. Earlier this year, research by App Annie revealed that consumers spent on average three hours and 40 minutes a day on smartphones and tablets in 2019, with that figure marking an increase of 35 per cent from two years earlier. It also found that total spending across all app stores reached $120 billion last year.
Put simply, we reach for mobile devices and use apps related to so many different things every day. For example, the Bank of America outlines how it offers money management tools via apps for Apple, Android and a host of other operating systems. Picking up your phone to purchase goods from retailers like Amazon is also now second-nature for many of us, while mobile has had a big impact on the entertainment world too. Beyond material goods, mobile has also infiltrated various entertainment formats.
The online casino industry has really embraced it. Betway developed a responsive app and optimized mobile site in order to offer access to online casino gaming on the go. According to their website, the driving factor is to increase the flexibility available to users in terms of where they access roulette, blackjack or slots. Streaming the latest films and TV shows has also become a big part of life for many.
Disney+ has also made its streaming service available through an app which has been installed on over 10 million Android devices (from a total subscriber pool in excess of 50 million). Not to mention communication apps: from traditionally text-based communications apps, such as Whatsapp and Facebook messenger, to traditionally conference call-specific software like Zoom, all these companies seem to be responding to consumer demand and expanding their video call offerings for mobile.
A gaming powerhouse
However, if mobile has excelled in one area above all others, it is probably the world of gaming. While initially it became famous for more casual forms like Candy Crush, there has been a real shift in recent years with Fortnite being one of a number of major brands to move onto smartphone and tablet. Arguably the most notable example is Mario. The iconic plumber is best known for appearing in a range of games on Nintendo devices through the years, but Super Mario Run marked a sea change as he joined the mobile revolution. Further titles have followed as well, with Mario Kart Tour notably launching last year. Call of Duty has also made the leap from consoles into mobile too, while eSports favourite League of Legends is expected to join the action later this year thanks to Wild Rift.
Further growth to come?
So, does this mean that mobile is ultimately the future of gaming? Could it even potentially bring an end to other forms of the pastime? While some might draw that conclusion, it is fair to say that many other forms of technology like consoles and PCs may still have a major role to play for some time to come. However, the recent Fortnite figures and other studies certainly seem to suggest that mobile gaming is in a strong position – and all of the signs hint that its dominance may only grow in the years ahead.
