In the world of gaming, there is no question that mobile esports are on the rise. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, it’s easier than ever for players to access a wide range of games on the go. But is mobile gaming really the future of esports? To answer that question, it’s important to consider both the opportunities and challenges that mobile gaming presents for the industry.

Advantages of mobile esports

One of the main advantages of mobile esports is its accessibility. Unlike traditional esports, which often require specialized hardware and high-end PCs, mobile gaming can be played on a wide range of devices.

This makes it easier for players to get involved, regardless of their budget or technical expertise. It also opens up the potential for new audiences, such as casual gamers or those who may not have considered esports before.

Another key benefit of mobile gaming in esports is the convenience factor. With traditional esports, players often need to be in the same physical location to compete, which can be logistically challenging.

Mobile gaming, on the other hand, allows players to compete from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for players to fit esports into their busy schedules and for organizers to set up tournaments and events.

Peak viewership in mobile esports

These are the top 10 mobile esports games for 2021 by peak viewership;

1. Free Fire – 5,415,990 peak viewers
2. PUBG Mobile – 3,801,998 peak viewers
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – 3,191,404 peak viewers
4. Arena of Valor – 879,481 peak viewers
5. Battlegrounds Mobile India – 537,849 peak viewers
6. Brawl Stars – 172,586 peak viewers
7. Clash Royale – 106,314 peak viewers
8. Call of Duty: Mobile – 97,475 peak viewers
9. Summoners War – 68,244 peak viewers
10. League of Legends: Wild Rift – 62,855 peak viewers

Let’s see how this compares to 2020;

1. Free Fire – 2,566,046 peak viewers
2. PUBG Mobile – 1,153,865 peak viewers
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – 1,387,047 peak viewers
4. Arena of Valor – 670,768
5. Battlegrounds Mobile India –  N/A
6. Brawl Stars – 258,446
7. Clash Royale – 112,578
8. Call of Duty: Mobile – 38,083
9. Summoners War – 98,471
10. League of Legends: Wild Rift – 130,411

Standardisation in mobile gaming

However, there are also challenges to consider when it comes to mobile gaming in esports. One major issue is the lack of standardization across different devices. While there are a few mobile esports games that have been specifically designed for competitive play, most mobile games are not optimized for tournament play.

This can create challenges for organizers, who need to ensure that all players are on a level playing field. It can also be frustrating for players, who may feel that their performance is impacted by the quality of their device.

Another challenge is the relatively small size of the mobile gaming market compared to other platforms. While mobile gaming is certainly popular, it’s not as big as console or PC gaming. This means that there are fewer players and potentially less interest in mobile esports, which could limit the growth of the industry.

The future of esports?

Despite these challenges, many industry experts are bullish on the potential for mobile gaming in esports. According to Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen, “There’s no doubt in my mind that mobile esports will be bigger than PC or console esports within the next few years.” Paananen points to the huge number of mobile players and the growth of mobile gaming as a spectator sport as key factors in this prediction.

So is mobile gaming the future of esports? While it’s impossible to predict the exact trajectory of the industry, it’s clear that mobile gaming has the potential to become a major player in the world of esports. With its accessibility, convenience, and growing popularity, mobile gaming is well positioned to take advantage of the growing interest in esports and bring new players and audiences into the fold.

Getting into esports can be an absolute minefield, with as many organisations folding as there are successes. Partnering with a premium esports marketing agency, such as Rix.Digital is one way to make sound decisions in this arena.

Get in touch today for a free consultation on how you can get into esport