However, I’ll simply say that “successful” esports players just head towards a career in the same field, not as a player. They make themselves fit in other roles such as casters, analysts, and coaches, or create an esports organization. I’ll try to explore the behavior that is why these players shift to the most preferable position, which is becoming a content creator.

Esports players serve only for a marginal period, a long career is uncertain

Esports players cannot choose a long career even if they want to. To stay at the top of any title, the players need to practice constantly. But the focus, speed, and quick thinking don’t increase over time.

After a certain age, these abilities start to decrease and this is when a player comes to understand the reality. Besides, there’s always a fear that games will come with any update that could tweak the game in a way that certain specialties of a player just vanish. They need to relearn the role again. Current players also struggle because while they’re playing, the benched players are always breathing on their shoulders to outperform them.

Even if it happens, the running ones cross the thought that they’re done and the skills are outdated. This puts immense and constant pressure, fluctuating their mental health as well. “There are always other players who are hungrier in the scene“, said Amirul “Feekz” Amir, an ex-MLBB professional player for HomeBois.

We need to know the factors for which a player couldn’t make a long esports career. The very first factor that will cross this discussion will be the reaction time. Esports need players to react super fast, make quick decisions, and related things. As Business Insider wrote, “Professional video gaming is a young man’s game.” After a player crosses his 20s, “their reaction time slows and the game’s mechanics become more difficult“, says Diego “Quas” Ruiz, a professional League of Legends player from Team Liquid.

So, the players are always in search of a more stable career. It can be content creation if the stage is set. Pro players who have been top-tier athletes are likely to have this advantage. So, shifting to content creation is not a trend after all.

There’s limited money as a player, the opportunity is higher for creators

Even the top-tier esports players couldn’t save enough for the rest of their lives. It’s always a concern to do something to make a living. Moreover, when the prime time of a player’s career hits, most of the players need to leave study, and college behind. Thus, academic life also becomes very uncertain whether to return or not. Everything then leaves a few choices behind for any player.

So, it become neither a trend to shift towards content creation but rather an obvious choice. There are other professions as well to take the career path but all of the other options are centered on esports. The other choices except content creation are such as joining as a caster, forming an esports organization, becoming a coach or analyst, etc.

This is where the popular faces stand out. Using the community that they managed to build over their esports career, they got a boost in their content creation role. Besides, most organizations are hunting for content creators to build brand awareness and value. Adding a popular streamer and content creator is a must to continue competition in the industry.

So, the players become either creators or join as the same in any organization. These streams are free to watch, provide entertainment from the regular gameplay, include challenges, feature other players and industry insights, inside news, etc.

The list of ideas never ends as something is going on in the online world. Utilizing these, the creators always stay on top of any issues. Even if there are no events to join, creators can earn a lot by running ads, gaining sponsors, selling merchandise, and receiving donations from the audience.

Many go back to their studies and the rest are separated among different opinions. As we are exploring the backstory for the trends to become a content creator after a successful esports career, we’ll stick to that for now. A few primary reasons for choosing a career as a content creator would be the following.

Easy to shift your career to content creation after esports with the existing audience

Any popular player in esports who is active across several social media channels would have a lot of followers, subscribers, etc. Being a leading pro made the base and brought the audience to the social channels. So, it is already an existing platform for the player who is searching for a career after esports. using the followers, it is easier to continue in this genre rather than going out to explore other opportunities.

We got a few examples to cover here. Naman “MortaL” Sandeep Mathur will be the prime example of this. Existing as one of the best players during his prime, the player crossed millions of followers on his social media channels. The Indian esports scene, where it stands today, is no wonder backed by Mortal along with a few other figures.

The presence of the gaming industry has its history and roots way before the mobile esports scene broke the internet in India, but the boost it got is undoubtedly from the rise of battle royale titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Free Fire.

And with the presence of a huge community craving for more esports, the choice is easy to become a content creator. This is happening in almost every corner of the world as new esports players showcase some extraordinary talents, the crown is following the trend.

The run after popularity and influence

This is correlated with the previous point. Once players get the taste of popularity and fame, they just cannot ignore it. But this has little to do with plans as popularity won’t get them money rather using the popularity will get a huge stack of cash. Still, popularity does have some impact on the players to shift towards a career in content creation.

Most of the players see content creation as more sustainable than an esports career as a player. “Content creation gives me an alternate route that keeps me within the mobile esports scene. It has also allowed me to continue to engage with my fans and supporters and has brought in new followers too who appreciate my post-retirement content“, Feekz answered when I asked for his opinion on picking content creation after esports.

The influential power of a creator is huge. The games even come up with custom-themed in-game items featuring creators. Little focus has been given to the players in terms of what they invent behind a content creator. Besides, with the backups from a vast number of followers, creators are always more effective for any game to spread the branding.

Building a personal Brand as a content creator in esports

There’s little chance for players to rise as a brand while playing in any team. Everything they do went under the organizations mostly. But in content creation, the self-branding is always on top of anything else and the opportunity to rise as a solo brand is way more sustainable rather being under else’s roof.

Games are also more focused on spreading branding via the creators than the tournaments. It’s easier to reach more people via content creators than organizing events and also it is less costly. The manpower a title needs to put in to make an event successful, the strategy, the marketing, etc. cost way more than what a content creator would take.

Thus, players are often focused on content creation. However, no one will sponsor a creator without an audience. Thus, after spending countless hours and efforts on esports to become a top player, the next focus these players put is on creating a loyal fanbase or even trying to create a number to back them in the future.

Freedom to work at will

While life as an esports player is contractual with the teams, there is less opportunity to enjoy or manage time for oneself. Players have to go by the contractual rules while content creation is more of a job with much freedom in it. There is no hard and fast rule for practicing as content creators do not need to be top-tier players, the job is to simply entertain the audience.

Content creation is vastly widespread. Not only does a creator need to stream games but the topics can be so many. For example, making vlogs, reels, community meetups, event hosts, etc. are other roles where a content creator can spend his time as well as create content out of everything that goes on with his daily life. This is not possible for a player. Thus, the freedom is another key factor. With a higher amount in the account and freedom, it is no fool’s choice to make a career in content creation after esports.

Passion for esports drives to become a content creator after an esports career

The final point of this issue where we took a peek at the esports players who shift to a career in content creation is the passion for esports. Well, the passion is not for any certain title rather it moves around several games. Focusing on a particular game will not be effective as new titles are always breaking in and taking the audience. Thus, the passion lies in the overall esports scene, not focused on any specific game.

Without having a passion for something, the job will become a burden for anyone engaged in that field. So, the presence of passion is also there otherwise, the players would not be able to spend more time and effort on the titles. They did what they loved, and now they’re making money out of it. There’s another factor that drives players to content creation, mental health.

The pressure that players have to go through is unparalleled. Little efforts are made to keep a good environment regarding mental health. United States National Library of Medicine also emphasized the need for promoting mental health in esports.

As I talked to Feekz, he said, “Executing their targets, keeping the fans happy, and the pressure within the tournament scene combine to put a lof more pressure than content creation.“ “Mental health awareness is an area that I believe the esports scene should focus on more; I definitely would have benefitted from it during my time as a professional athlete“, he added.

Most of the players once engaged in esports shifted to content creation. But it is also a tough world out there. Only the popular faces could survive. But this has the opposite side as well. Being a popular esports player doesn’t bring success to mark a step as a successful content creator. The streaming world is also difficult as this field needs constant research for what the audience may want to watch. Besides, not everyone can manage the hype, and create a charismatic profile to retain the audience.

After all, the shift to becoming a content creator is obvious for most of the players. The esports players are called “athletes” for a reason as they cannot sustain themselves as a player for long. Thus, it is easy for the players to become creators and go on with the life of a content creator.

Do you like our editorial? Check out the other editorials here:

• How misleading mobile game ads are hurting the industry
• The Mobile Gaming Disappointments of 2023
• Why AAA Studios hoping to make quick bucks on mobile might not succeed

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After spending several hours playing the game and writing a review and a beginners guide, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to other anime-like games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, many of which rely on gacha-based monetization. In these games, acquiring desired characters or items often requires luck, money, or extensive grinding. However, Ex Astris stands differently because purchasing the game grants access to its full content.

Did Ex Astris set a new trend as a premium game over gacha titles

Opting for a one-time purchase in Ex Astris unlocks all its content through dedicated gameplay and grinding. This model distinguishes it from other anime-style games where character acquisition often relies on in-app purchases or resource grinding. In these games, you may face tempting yet frustrating scenarios where you must either spend real money or invest significant time to unlock desired characters.

In contrast, Ex Astris offers a wide choice of characters, allowing you to freely choose and experience various gameplay styles without artificial restrictions or time-limited events. This approach provides a more inclusive and rewarding experience, emphasizing gameplay depth over the allure of in-app purchases.

While it’s possible to play other gacha games for free, you’ll encounter limitations on characters and resources, leading to more time spent grinding rather than enjoying the game. Progression depends on your level of investment and how much you want to advance, but as a free-to-play player, you’ll always face restrictions on premium features.

For instance, acquiring skins for characters like Diluc and Keqing in Genshin Impact requires purchasing them, with no option to earn them through gameplay. In contrast, Ex Astris offers cosmetics like outfits completely free of charge.

Ex Astris gameplay quality is comparable to other well-known titles

Ex Astris stands out in mobile gaming because it matches up to well-known RPGs in a few important ways. First off, its story and world-building draw players in just like other top RPGs do. Exploring Allindo feels like a grand adventure, full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

However, where Ex Astris truly shines is in its combat mechanics. Unlike traditional turn-based games, it introduces a dynamic system that allows players to string combos seamlessly between character actions. This strategic depth injects a level of excitement and engagement that’s often reserved for real-time RPGs, setting Ex Astris apart as a refreshing and innovative addition to the mobile RPG landscape.

I approached Ex Astris without high expectations regarding its quality, considering its lack of widespread hype or recognition compared to more prominent titles. However, knowing that it came from the creators of Arknights, I anticipated a certain level of polish and gameplay depth.

Surprisingly, Ex Astris exceeded my expectations, delivering a compelling experience that rivals established games in its genre. This unexpected quality showcases the developers’ expertise and dedication to creating a standout mobile RPG, proving that sometimes, the most unassuming games can offer the most enjoyable surprises.

Unlike typical turn-based games, it mixes in real-time elements, making battles more dynamic and exciting. You can switch between different combat styles and pull off strategic moves, adding thrill to every fight. Plus, the game lets you customize your characters and progress in satisfying ways.

Premium Games vs Gacha Games

Premium games and gacha games offer distinct experiences in the gaming world. Premium games typically require a one-time purchase or subscription fee upfront, granting you access to the full game without additional microtransactions. These games often focus on providing a complete and polished experience from the start, with no need to worry about in-game purchases hindering your progress.

You can enjoy the game at your own pace without feeling pressured to spend more money on essential features or content. On the other hand, gacha games follow a free-to-play model but rely heavily on in-app purchases or “gacha pulls” to unlock characters, items, or features. While you can access the game for free, your progression is often tied to luck or spending real money to obtain desirable items or characters.

Gacha games may offer a wide range of content and events to keep you engaged, but they can also create a pay-to-win environment where players with deeper pockets have a significant advantage. Ultimately, the choice between premium games and gacha games boils down to your personal preference regarding payment models and gameplay experiences.

Comparison with other Premium Games

Ex Astris offers a premium RPG experience on mobile with a one-time purchase, providing players with all its content without microtransactions or gacha elements. Similarly, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions stands as a premium tactical RPG, featuring complex gameplay, strategic battles, and an engaging storyline in a fantasy world. These games prioritize quality content and fair monetization, ensuring players can enjoy immersive narratives and engaging gameplay without constant spending or grinding.

Adding to this lineup is Chrono Trigger, a beloved classic RPG known for its time-traveling narrative, memorable characters, and deep gameplay mechanics. It offers a complete experience without relying on in-app purchases or luck-based progression, catering to players who appreciate intricate storytelling and strategic depth.

While Ex Astris offers a modern gaming experience, it’s worth noting that games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, might feel a bit outdated in terms of graphics and mechanics. However, their timeless storytelling, deep gameplay, and lack of microtransactions make them enduring classics that continue to attract players.

In an official statement shared to GamingonPhone, Gryphline team meantions “As different monetization models, Gacha and Premium games offer players diverse gaming experiences. For Ex Astris, opting to develop a premium game is about exploring various monetization possibilities. We aim to provide varied gaming experiences with Ex Astris, the one-time purchase allows players to continuously enjoy all game content without any additional costs, experiencing a cool blend of turn-based gameplay and fast-paced action. We will be working on optimizing the game content to enhance the player experience”.

Final Thoughts

When deciding between premium games and gacha games, it’s essential to consider your gaming preferences and budget. Premium games offer a complete experience upfront without additional purchases, ideal for players looking for a polished and immersive gaming journey. On the other hand, gacha games provide free access but may require spending money for desirable content, catering to players who enjoy collection mechanics and ongoing events.

What are your thoughts about Choosing Ex Astris as a Premium Game over Gacha Games? Do let us know in the comments!

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Netmarble unveiled the official website for Solo Leveling: ARISE in March 2023. Additionally, you can use redeem codes to unlock exclusive rewards and access important resources such as the beginner’s guide, reroll guide, element guide, class guide, hunter tier list, artifacts guide, team composition guide, and Gacha system guide, all of which are essential for starting your adventure. My customer support guide is also here if you want to address your issues about the game. Lastly, don’t forget to read my first impressions of the game and the roadmap unveiled for 2024.

How did Solo Leveling start and gain popularity

Solo Leveling debuted its serialization on Kakao’s digital comic and fiction platform KakaoPage on July 25, 2016, before being officially published by D&C Media under their fantasy fiction label Papyrus. Over the years, since its inception in 2016, the novel has amassed a readership of 2.4 million on KakaoPage.

In 2018, Solo Leveling leaped webtoon format, with Jang Sung-rak bringing the story to life through his dynamic illustrations. The webtoon’s premiere on Kakao’s platform further expanded its reach, drawing in a massive viewership per chapter. Its popularity transcended borders, captivating fans not only in South Korea but also in countries like the United States, China, and Indonesia, solidifying its status as a beloved series with widespread international appeal.

The webtoon adaptation of Solo Leveling, also known as Only I Level Up, began its serialization on KakaoPage on March 4, 2018, with illustrations by Jang Sung-rak. The first season of the webtoon concluded on March 19, 2020, and the second season ran from August 2020 to December 2021. D&C Media has compiled the individual chapters into nine volumes as of August 2023, and the webtoon has been licensed in English by Yen Press.

Solo Leveling Anime series and Korean drama

The Solo Leveling series has certainly skyrocketed to new heights, expanding its universe across various media formats. From January to March 2024, fans were treated to an anime series adaptation produced by A-1 Pictures. The adaptation brought the action-packed narrative to life, captivating viewers with its stunning animation and faithful adaptation of key story arcs.

As a fan, experiencing the series in anime form was a thrilling journey, showcasing the intense battles and character development in a visually captivating way. The success of the anime series further fueled the excitement among fans, leading to the announcement of a second season titled “Arise from the Shadow.” This continuation promises to delve deeper into the storyline, offering fans more of the thrilling world of hunters and dungeons that they’ve come to love.

But that’s not all, the Solo Leveling phenomenon doesn’t stop there. A Korean drama adaptation is currently in development, which opens up another avenue for fans to explore the rich narrative and intricate characters in a live-action format. Additionally, a spin-off webtoon titled “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok” is set to premiere in 2024, expanding the lore and introducing new elements to the series.

Overall, the series’ immense popularity has paved the way for these exciting developments, providing fans with a diverse range of content to themselves in the captivating world of Solo Leveling.

Solo Leveling: ARISE is a promising game for 2024

The Solo Leveling: ARISE action role-playing game announcement has fans buzzing with excitement, as the game is based on the popular Solo Leveling series. Imagine getting to play as Sung-Jin Woo, interacting with the game’s systems just like in the series. The game’s journey started with teasers on their website, followed by an early access launch in Canada and Thailand earlier this year. Now, the game is open for global pre-registration from Netmarble.

I’ve been playing Solo Leveling: ARISE and loving every moment of it. They’ve done a fantastic job with the team compositions, classes, elements, and artifact sets, all inspired by the series. The character designs and voice acting, especially for Sung Jin-Woo and other S-rank hunters like Choi Jong-In and Baek Yoonho, are top-notch.

Even though it’s still in early access, the game has become incredibly popular worldwide. Fans are eagerly playing it, even using VPNs to access it if it’s not officially available in their country. This shows just how much love fans have for the series and the game. We recently got a sneak peek at the 2024 roadmap for Solo Leveling: ARISE during a media showcase, and the game is set for its global release in May 2024.

Final Thoughts

Solo Leveling’s evolution from a web novel to an anime, Korean drama, and action RPG game is a testament to its widespread appeal. It started on KakaoPage, gained global popularity as a webtoon, and now delights fans across different platforms. The game Solo Leveling: ARISE is particularly promising, showcasing the series’ enduring success and engaging gameplay. Overall, Solo Leveling continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its captivating story and characters.

What are your thoughts about how Solo Leveling started as a webtoon into a game? Do let us know in the comments!

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Introducing Genshin Impact: HoYoverse’s Shot-Up to Succession

In September 2020, Genshin Impact made its debut amidst skepticism within various online communities. Initially dismissed by some as a mere imitation of another prominent RPG, the game defied expectations and soared to unprecedented success.

Its player base skyrocketed, accompanied by a surge in sales for upcoming limited banners. This dramatic rise can be attributed in part to its unexpected release timing amid the pandemic that occurred around the time when many found themselves with plenty of free time at home.

Genshin Impact swiftly became the crown jewel of HoYoverse, generating significant revenue for the company. While its peak popularity may have been observed during 2021-2022, the game has since established itself as a foundation of stability, with a devoted fan community to back it up.

The enduring appeal of the game lies in its captivating storytelling, intricate world-building, diverse character design, and engaging gameplay mechanics. As HoYoverse’s flagship title, Genshin Impact shows no signs of slowing down. Its combination of immersive gameplay elements ensures its continued prosperity in the gaming industry.

Honkai: Star Rail maintained HoYoverse’s successful run

With the resounding success of Genshin Impact, HoYoverse found the push they needed to branch out and delve into the development of more games. Among these successfully launched projects came Honkai: Star Rail, a game that is seamlessly integrated into the Honkai-verse lore. Anticipation ran high among fans with such a release of a game, as it’s evident in the pre-registration numbers that far surpassed even Genshin Impact’s initial figures.

The fervent support from the fanbase translated into a swift embrace of Star Rail upon its release. Despite its departure from the real-time mechanics of Genshin Impact, being a turn-based game, fans were drawn instead to its captivating storytelling, striking character designs, and the appeal of playing a fresh new HoYoverse game.

The timing of Honkai: Star Rail’s launch in April 2023 couldn’t have been more fitting as Genshin Impact faced a content drought. Many of the fans expressed feelings of burnout and a lack of enjoyment. This circumstance further propelled fans toward Star Rail, providing a welcome alternative.

Fan Community Concerns: Genshin Impact vs. Honkai: Star Rail

Let’s take a deep dive into the Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail comparison many fans have expressed.

1. End-Game Content

In Honkai: Star Rail, players are treated to an array of engaging endgame content, ensuring ample replayability. Despite its relatively young running time of just under a year, the game consistently rolls out challenging combat-focused content tailored for mid-to-late-game players. Notable examples include the Simulated Universe with Gold and Gears and Swarm Disaster, along with the Memory of Chaos.

On the other hand, Genshin Impact, having matured over the past three years, finds itself predominantly inhabited by many veterans who started around 2021-2022. Many of these players have expressed a desire for enhancements to the existing endgame content such as the Spiral Abyss.

Players expressed a desire for fresh new combat-focused challenges where their meticulously curated roster of characters can truly shine in the field. However, disappointingly, there has been a noticeable absence of updates or announcements from the developers regarding any new additions to satisfy this growing demand.

QoL System

The Quality of Life (QoL) improvements in Honkai: Star Rail has consistently outshone those in Genshin Impact with each patch update. While Genshin Impact introduces new characters, regions, and boss fights, the continuous influx of content can make farming for materials and artifacts feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Honkai: Star Rail offers a more relaxed farming experience, thanks to its QoL updates that have been consistently rolled out each patch.

For instance, players can convert their character material, re-roll all released Relics, and engage in the same boss battles up to three times without hassle. However, a major concern among Genshin Impact players remains, which is the Resin system. Locked at 160 resin for years, with a maximum of 5 condensed resin only made, it constrains gameplay and resource management.

In stark contrast, Honkai: Star Rail introduces Trailblaze Power, its equivalent of Resin, which has been generously increased to 240. Furthermore, the game features Reserved Trailblaze Power, akin to condensed resin, allowing players to accumulate excess TP beyond the cap. This affords a more leisurely gameplay experience, as players can let resin accumulate without fear of waste.

Leniency in Obtainable Characters

Moreover, Honkai Star Rail offers a more player-friendly approach to obtaining characters and light cones compared to Genshin Impact. In Honkai: Star Rail, players can secure a guaranteed Permanent 5-Star character from the Beginner’s Banner after 50 pulls, along with the flexibility to select a 5-Star character of their choice from the Standard Banner after 300 pulls.

One particular note is the Light Cone banners, which deviate from the conventional 50/50 chance distribution. Instead, Honkai: Star Rail adopts a more favorable 75/25 chance ratio, significantly increasing the likelihood of obtaining the limited Light Cone featured in the banner.

Even if players miss out on this opportunity, they are assured of obtaining the guaranteed Light Cone in their next 5-Star pull. This stands in stark contrast to Genshin Impact’s Weapon Banner, where players must endure two losses in the 50/50 chance scenario to secure the guaranteed 5-Star limited weapon.

Balancing Criticism: Over-reaction or Justifiable Concerns

There is an obvious power system at play in both games, characterized by the different types of Elements and the game mechanics at play. However, a notable criticism voiced by fans revolves around the perceived abundance of in-game currency, such as Stellar Jades in Honkai: Star Rail, and Star Rail Special Pass (comparable to Intertwined Fates in Genshin Impact), in contrast to Genshin Impact’s reward system.

While it’s tempting to envy Star Rail’s generous reward system, players mustn’t draw direct comparisons with Genshin Impact. The fundamental reason lies in the ever-evolving META of Star Rail, which introduces two new limited 5-Star characters and one 4-Star character with each patch released.

This rapid character release schedule often overwhelms players, making it challenging to keep pace with acquiring the latest additions to their roster. Consequently, older characters risk becoming overshadowed by their newer counterparts.

In light of this dynamic environment, the provision of such a hefty reward system serves as a compensatory measure, giving the players the ability to obtain the newly released characters.

This approach acknowledges the inherent volatility of Star Rail’s META and seeks to alleviate the pressure on players striving to play the endgame combat-heavy content in the game (Simulated Universe, Memory of Chaos, etc.). Thus, while the disparity in reward quantity between the two games may seem glaring, it reflects the unique demands posed by each game’s gameplay and setting.

Final Thoughts

The fan community finds itself deeply divided over HoYoverse’s disparate treatment of its games. While a significant portion of fans directs heightened criticism towards Genshin Impact, particularly in light of the contrasting generosity displayed in Version 2.1 of Honkai: Star Rail for its first anniversary, it’s essential to recognize the fundamental distinctions between the two titles.

Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail offers unique gaming experiences, each characterized by distinct combat systems, narrative arcs, and mechanics. Attempting to scrutinize and compare them under the same lens proves futile and ultimately detracts from appreciating their merits.

Check our other editorials on Genshin Impact here:

• How Genshin Impact treats the male characters
• The State of 4-star characters in Genshin Impact
• Genshin Impact vs Tower of Fantasy: Is ToF really the Genshin Killer

What are your thoughts on the Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail comparison? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

For more Mobile Gaming news and updates, join our WhatsApp group, Telegram Group, or Discord server. Also, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Google News for quick updates.

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Besides, several other things like a new mode, a new map, and other changes are here. I took a deep look at the new features and here are the thoughts regarding the latest update.

New State Mobile February 2024 Update brings a New State era of Battle-Royale: Jeta

The game teased this new mode a few days earlier. The new mode is named New Era where a new map is introduced namely the Jeta. This is a small map sized 1km X 1km where you will always feel that eliminating others is the only option to sustain here. This battle-royale map will take only 40 players but this will feel packed up as the map size is even smaller.

New Era will let you choose characters with different abilities

The biggest flex of New Era mode is that you will jump into the action with distinct characters who possess several sets of skills. Before you jump onto the JETA map, you can check the status of the characters to know what they are capable of.

So far, I know that 8 characters will be there to choose from. The mode has several battle assist features. Characters have their passive and active skills as well. Some have high damage-taking capacity and healing while another has higher speed and marksmanship.

To meet faster combat, the New Era mode also has an enhanced aim assist feature. A “First Shot Correction” feature has been added that will make the first shot fired within the aim assist range guaranteed to hit the enemy. To help players with faster looting, the JETA map has JETA boxes where you will find a diverse set of loot.

A revamped and thoughtful overhaul for New State Mobile

Everything you can obtain and use has five levels and they are marked with color. You can pick them up based on your need. The minimap has a few improvements as well. You will know the location of footsteps, jetpacks, gunshots, and other things in the minimap. While fighting with an enemy, you will see the damage you’re dealing with, the health that the enemy has left, and everything attached. But it won’t appear while the opponent is using a smoke.

After the end of a season in New Era, you will be awarded Prestige Coins and titles based on what you did in the game. There are additional features added in this mode. You can hide your special attachments so that you can focus more on the game while enemies will be able to watch them.

Battle Royale is now more challenging, promising, and astonishing

New Era has a new map that I mentioned already, JETA. Besides, it has faster farming and easier controls so that players can get a top-notch experience. The mode has almost every battle royale feature similar to the other maps. You can enjoy it with your squad and also re-drop and a care package is available.

However, this mode doesn’t have the Red Zone and Drone Store. The characters are equipped with a jetpack, so you can move faster. Your jetpack will get charged every 8 seconds, there are two gauges to use alternatively or you can use it at the same time.

While using the jetpacks, you can only use guns in third-person mode, and cannot use the trowables. You will have plasma shields to protect your characters. These shields have different levels and can be found from looting random places, Jeta Boxes, etc. This shield will protect you from other players but based on which weapons your opponent is using, the damage will be accordingly done.

The weapon system gets a fair change in the latest update

To bring fighting experience in a more optimized way, the weapon balance has gone through a change in this update. Shoulder fire spread has been reduced in this game for SMG, AR, LMG, SR, DMR, and SG. Besides, MP-155 Ultima also now has the Dragon Breath customization that will use the incendiary rounds when C2 customization is applied.

Auto Fire has been added as well. Auto fire delay is reduced now, quick zoom button has been added. Besides, the prone option, movement, and gunfire sound overlapping have been fixed. Autofire speed for DMR and sniper rifle is increased, so do the reload and others.

New State Mobile New Era mode turns the game perspective in a positive way

As the competition is on the rise for mobile titles, players always look for the experience. Most of us would want a very short but rapid adrenaline release. So gamers are taking this very seriously and irrespective of their genres, they are providing what they can in this very short period.

So, New State Mobile also does the same by bringing this new era mode. The battles will be 10 minutes long, there will be intensity as a small map is packed with 40 players. The other effects are hidden in the game mode features, and map locations.

Such as the JETA map is built in a way that there are more barriers throughout the entire map which makes you sneaky and careful at the same time. The urge will be there to be attentive always which you cannot in other modes where matches are 30 minutes long.

Coming back to the point that this update will take the game to, I will consider a few factors. Players are always looking for sounds, graphics, game mechanics, great game physics, unmatched server response, and everything related to the experience. While all the titles are working on this, the leading thing will be doing something new.

What New State Mobile has done is just the beginning, but this has a great impact on the future. From what I saw in the latest update, will change the game very positively. This will make the players rethink for stay engaged for a long time. Besides, players will enter the game more frequently now. Moreover, other similar titles will also want to cope with

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While promotional advertisements serve as a means to attract players and generate interest, deceptive practices in advertising can lead to a serious lack of trust in the developer, however good their products might be. Sadly, there is an increasing number of such ads derailing the purpose of advertisements, and plenty of players falling for the trap and repenting for it too.

Mobile game ads and their frequency of it

Well, we might be familiar with the mobile game ads served down our throats aplenty on almost, every platform. These advertisements serve a crucial purpose in enticing potential players by offering a concise yet enticing overview of the game’s content and gameplay, making it easier for them to understand what the game is all about.

Additionally, due to their ability to provide quick glimpses into the game’s features and mechanics, these ads play a pivotal role in rapidly attracting a large audience. As the gaming industry continues to grow exponentially, developers and publishers recognize the significance of crafting compelling ads that can make a lasting impression on their players.

Game developers often rely on ads as an additional source of income, integrating them into the game as a means to recharge or obtain in-game resources, which is okay, but when an ad gets in between your gameplay experience, say every interval of a football game or a game of chess, it becomes highly frustrating for players. It just takes out the essence of the game, but what’s worse is that they are not presenting what’s supposed to be factual.

The recent ads with deceptive videos have spiraled out of control

In recent times, an increasing number of mobile games have integrated ads with deceptive videos, misleading players about the actual gameplay experience. These ads often showcase content that is unrelated to the game’s real mechanics, graphics, or features, leading to false expectations among potential players.

To begin our exploration of their weird ads, let’s delve into some examples, starting with the game called Days of Empire. It is a strategic build and battle type of game which is pretty huge, with over 5 million downloads under its name. There are no complaints about the gameplay, but the ads are miserable, even involving stuff that is NSFW.

There are so badly distributed that some guy on YouTube has made a compilation of the ads that have been presented over time, give it a watch, and you’ll get to know how fake they are. Their official Facebook page has enough of this content filled as well, which is an extremely disappointing approach to showcasing their game as it truly is. Homescapes is yet another example, where they have been popularly sharing fake ads of their games, which were previously banned for misleading content.

Well, there might be an argument that this game isn’t popular, so let us take out the big guns. Supercell’s popular title Clash of Clans is a clean experience in-game without ads, however, they have caught community heat for a woeful-looking sponsored gameplay video that is truly misleading if you are a new player. The players voiced strong opinions in criticizing the video, but that didn’t stop them from churning out a few more of such content.

Not only the fake ads but there are instances of escalating misogynistic content that has been observed from various small-scale developers, who resort to using such filth to attract an audience in a standard not appreciable. This approach is not only offensive but also reflects poorly on the gaming industry’s standards and values.

The industry is suffering due to misleading ads, and here’s how

Good ads are a savior for many games, but ads like those mentioned above are a dark patch on an industry that is rapidly expanding. With ads, you are looking forward to keeping the experience clean and engaging the community into offering a product you present. However, if misleading content is employed, you are breaking the trust of consumers.

Honest and transparent advertising is vital to foster trust and build a strong and loyal consumer base. User retention is something that is valued a lot in the industry. A good brand of ads followed by the promised quality of games is a must, is essential to keep players engaged and coming back for more. A distrust is easy to earn more than a good opinion.

This not only affects the developers sharing such ads but also the legitimate and honest creators in the industry. If there’s a great-looking game matching the visuals of the advert they have released, they might be labeled a false advertiser too, if the user hasn’t played it. Negative reviews and word-of-mouth publicity can be a huge factor to consider and are damaging in many instances.

Because of the misleading content shared, a lot of players aren’t looking forward to trying out new games. This kills out the potential developers trying to create something new. As consumers, we get caught in a loop where we have to put in extra effort to find trustworthy games amidst the sea of fraudulent ads peddlers.

The community needs to avoid false ads, and the developers should too

As a community, what we can follow up is action by voicing our opinions against these ads. The most effective step we can take is to report any misleading or unsafe ads whenever we come across them. By doing our part and following up on such reports, we can collectively contribute to creating a safer and more honest gaming environment for everyone.

Developers, on the other hand, should refrain from going beyond the game’s context in their ads. Their advertisements should not only avoid catering to specific groups of people but also strive to represent the gaming community as a whole. Overall, they should look forward to having a clean experience on the platforms we share apart from the ones they represent. It might take time to cleanse the existing mess, but the measures can be a major plus.

Do you feel that misleading mobile game ads are hurting the industry? Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of these misleading game ads on mobile? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!

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Revival of Indian Mobile esports scene: En route to becoming the new powerhouse

The Indian mobile esports scene is undoubtedly centered on Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). The title has faced several ups and downs in the country since its release. However, being one of the biggest markets of PUBG Mobile, the publisher KRAFTON decided to take action and revive the game again after the last ban in July 2022.

A year later, the publisher announced that the game was returning to India. Millions of fans and players were delighted not only to get the chance to play the game but also to watch their favorite players competing on the stage. Finally, as the game emerged in the stores again after the announcement regarding the unban last May, it shook the whole esports scene in India.

Just after a few days, several big events took place starting with the BGMI Masters Series Season 2 on August 2023 where Gladiators Esports emerged as the champion. After that, BGIS and BMPS took place. In between, fans get to watch intense action between the best teams from India and Korea in the India – Korea Invitational. There were a lot of debates and fans were hoping to watch any Indian teams making it to the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2023 by getting an invited slot. However, that could not be fulfilled but the most important thing is India is on the ship that sailing to unveil more in 2024.

So, while talking about the pro scene of mobile titles in India, there are a few teams whose names are a must to include. We witnessed new powers rising and several controversies with the teams as well. Not only in the BGMI scene, rather, the rise of the Indian teams is spotted in other titles like Brawl Stars, and Call of Duty Mobile (CODM) as well.

Revenant Esports became the India Circuit winner and qualified for the LCQ stage of Brawl Stars Championship (BSC) 2023. We took an interview of the team captain as well to hear his view on the future of Brawl Stars in India. Apart from these, new controversies were spotted when Luminosity Gaming‘s player ‘Vague’ initiated hate speech after losing against GodLike in the CODM World Championship 2023 semi. For any Indian team so far, reaching the grand finals of the World Championship was exceptional and shows the might that the Indian teams are getting day by day.

Finally, as the Indian mobile esports scene is going to make a huge impact in the coming years, the teams and players started to get recognition as well. Team Soul got the sponsorship of iQOO a few days ago. This points to the height and possibility that the mobile esports scene of India can climb.

Mobile Legends on the ladder to climb a new height after completing a successful year in 2023

Mobile Legends started this year with its biggest event the M4 World Championship. Though the event was to warp up the 2022 esports year, it featured 16 teams just like the old format. Then the title decided to introduce the Wildcard stage and for the first time, it made its presence in the M5 World Championship where 22 teams participated as contenders. AP.Bren became the champion of the M5 and the event set a record for the highest peak viewership for any MLBB event.

Along with these two, the Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2023 was another great event to remember. Blacklist International, ONIC Esports, and APBR were the most dominating teams in 2023. However, the title has already announced the M6 World Championship’s homecoming to Malaysia. Though a lot of things are yet to be revealed in 2024, we can hope to watch and experience the current pace to grow a lot bigger.

We were invited to a majestic showcase of the recently held Mobile Legends (MLBB) M5 World Championship 2023 and got a chance to witness the action live, it is a different experience, and the fun of being there is something else. As a live viewer of the event, we learned a few lessons from the event as well as had an exclusive talk with the Bigetron CEO and the Head of Esports at Saudi Esports Federation who shared their views on mobile esports in the coming days.

GamingonPhone’s mobile esports Year in Review 2023: PUBG Mobile gathered the world together

After the end of the pandemic, PUBG Mobile planned to secure a stable esports year in 2023. The title, in doing so, decreased the prize money and other facilities for a few events. But, there weren’t any backdrops while organizing the events or assembling the whole of its esports ecosystem. The game has a wide range of esports ecosystems divided into regional leagues, country leagues, and other events.

In 2023, there were two grand events apart from the Chinese and Japanese tournaments. Though the highest amount of prize pools are featured in those leagues, the global events gathered all the other organizations and players from around the globe under the same roof to fight the others. However, we saw that the PUBG Mobile World Invitational (PMWI) 2023 was featured in the Gamers8 event in Saudi Arabia. It shows the global recognition of PUBG Mobile as a leading esports title.

We already mentioned the pro scene of PUBG Mobile and the esports sector’s rise in India. So, the coming days will throw a challenge to the title’s authority that organizes the events on whether India will remain as a separate entity in the game’s global arena or the country will have a chance to enter into the global scene. India is deprived of any events other than invitationals in the global esports scenario (so far what we have seen). Will this scenario remain in the future or it will change subject to the concerns of PUBG Mobile’s authority?

Let’s head back to where we were before. The game organized its biggest esports event in a calendar year, the PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2023. There were no changes in the format and the team numbers remained the same.

However, the game decreased the prize pool by a million dollars. After a lot of drama and action, IHC Esports became the champion of the event. The title already announced its esports roadmap for 2024 where we’ll see some major changes along with new events in Brazil and change in formats. We’ll say that PUBG Mobile is on the right track but the game needs to get more attention as the craze is now for MOBA titles. So, to prevail in this competitive industry, new thoughts, and features are a must.

New Games to spread its wings, Battle Royale titles spent a decent year

Battle Royale titles like Free Fire spent a decent year in esports in 2023. It organized its biggest event in esports, the FFWS 2023, and completed it successfully. On the other hand, Call of Duty also went through a good year indeed.

But to increase the competition, Farlight 84 is making several plans when it steps into the new year. The title commenced its first season of the Farlight 84 Philippines Championship and its plan for 2024 looks promising as we saw in the roadmap.

Supercell putting down its popular competitive titles at one stage

It is great for Supercell that a few of its esports titles can be showcased and featured on the same stage. Taking a look at Clash Royale and Clash of Clans, both titles commenced their world finals in Helsinki, Finland.

From the 24th of November to the 26th, the game hosted Clash of Clans World Championship 2023 and CRL 2023 World Finals and completed both of the events successfully. The year 2023 began after a successful 2022 season. Following the same format and prize pool for the participants, Supercell completed its duty to provide fun and entertainment for the esports fans.

The biggest surprise in Clash Royale was the poor performance of the sensational player Mohamed Light. The champion of the 2022 World Finals was spotted as an entirely different person, losing many rounds by not judging his name properly. CRL is the biggest esports series in the title with 7 regular seasons and a warmup stage. The player was the winner in six of them and still lost the momentum in the final scene while Mugi became the champion.

Coming to Clash of Clans, the game’s esports scene in 2023 was dominated by Tribe Gaming. Though the team failed to perform well on the grand stage, it took away most of the major events. Finally, Brawl Stars organized monthly finals throughout the year in different regions.

The grand event of the title, Brawl Stars World Finals 2023, ended with ZETA DIVISION becoming the crowned champion. This year’s event featured a lower number of teams and a prize pool as well. 2023 went well for Indian team Revenant Esports as it managed to reach the top 8 at the World Finals 2023.

GamingonPhone’s esports Year in Review 2023: MOBA titles were on the top, Wild Rift walked the opposite way

While 2023 went as a golden year for MOBA titles like Pokémon Unite, Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor, etc., League of Legends: Wild Rift walked the opposite way. The reason is unclear though. However, it reduced its events and divided them into two conferences.

We saw the hype of the Horizon Cup in 2021 and the Icons Global Championship in 2022. The latter event saw a major setback and suffered from viewership issues and maybe that’s why Riot Games decided to take down the events. However, the title always lacked attention, thus, bringing poor results.

On the other hand, Arena of Valor continued its journey and kept a good pace throughout the entire year. We saw several successful events take place and gave the teams a huge amount of prize money. The coming year also seems to be successful.

The mobile esports industry is on the road to reach the glory. The rapid growth of the mobile gaming industry along with its esports scenario is binding millions of mobile gamers and accumulating the emotions, and experience to turn them into a new sensation. As the growth continues, the possibilities are truly endless. 2024, it is time for you to shine. That was all for GamingonPhone’s esports Year in Review 2023, we’ll see you in 2024!

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From Honkai Star Rail to Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis: A Year of Big Releases

Starting things off, it is a year of big releases we should say. Plenty of great game releases made their way into the industry, and some of them showed extremely great promises of being a stellar title much to impress the fans, let me be honest here, it did succeed. The overall idea of having multiple releases for the small screens was a delight, and when the quality of the game started to increase, these were nothing but great signs for the industry.

Now, I’m lip-smacking while at looking some of the trend-setting releases we saw on mobile. The biggest is surely Honkai Star Rail, which was supposed to be a big yes, but it went out to be a blockbuster if I were to coin it purely in terms of the success and the aftermath reaction the launch got. The game broke several records and raked up $1 billion in revenue in no time while winning several awards, and is popularly loved in the same breath as Genshin Impact another creation by HoYoverse, which speaks volumes.

There have been some more of these fantastic releases coming across, so let us give them their flowers too. Gacha has been a huge hit, and most players turning to gacha games are something a trend that has been followed since Genshin’s launch. Gacha + RPG combo was very frequent among the releases this year, and games such as Reverse: 1999, Takt Op Symphony, Black Clover M, and more were good for the gamers as they loved these releases, and thus, happy faces for developers too.

The releases section showcased a collection of visually enthralling games that truly deserve commendation for their aesthetic appeal and great optimization for smartphones. Titles like Arena Breakout, Undawn, Ace Racer, Dawnlands, and Harry Potter: Magic Awakened stood out, making me marvel at the realization that we’ve reached a point where mobile games can deliver a console-quality experience. The graphics and gameplay of these picks were not only a treat for the eyes but also a testament to the remarkable advancements in mobile gaming, and it will get better.

No short of controversies

Well, let us talk some gossip, shall we?

This year did not leave anything short of some spicy stories that will be remembered for a long time. The year kicked off with Arknights issuing a cease and desist order against NFT Game Oldeus for plagiarism, but the hottest controversy of this year was the Epic vs Google trial verdict. This December, we saw Fortnite maker Epic Games winning their long-standing legal battle with Google as the jury declared the Google Play Store an ‘illegal monopoly’, which comes across as an expose of Google’s tight grip on app distribution.

This case was very surprising as it unveiled a lot of new and hidden details between the two giants. We also got to know Google was looking to acquire Epic Games in 2018 while being open to collaborating with shareholder Tencent to finalize a buyout, while it was revealed that OnePlus and Samsung faced restrictions from Google on including Fortnite on their devices. It came after the European Commission announced six gatekeeper companies Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft, under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). 

It doesn’t stop there. Two top Indian Esports teams S8UL and GodLike popular for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), got involved in an online spat in October which involved the management and owners with intense toxicity being spread among its members, and much to a spicy controversy. Although these things are supposed to not get big, Indian Esports audiences are pretty large, and with a lot of fanbase, this was bound to happen.

Players unleash their anger on a lot of things, and they weren’t shy to do it this year either. While the protest over Niantic’s monetization policy was somewhat serious, what was pretty fun in one instance where players of Pokémon Go listed their in-game accounts on eBay to protest over controversial Remote Raid changes by Niantic that shook the community as a whole, and even though it was a serious note, it was pretty funny.

Another popular game Limbus Company was review-bombed following false descriptions and swimsuit design controversy, and it was also something that lasted for sometime long. Another hilarious bit was about HoYoverse who reportedly attempted to avoid Apple’s 30% commission policy to achieve revenue growth, which seems to be too odd considering how the ties between the giants strengthened this March with Apple CEO Tim Cook‘s visit, but guess the Genshin makers wanted that cake by themselves.

As the year came to a close, Twitch made headlines by updating its policies regarding adult content by permitting what it terms as ‘artistic nudity‘, but tracked back on it within a day as many jumped ship to take advantage of this loophole. As we wrap up this section, you’ve probably taken a stroll through quite a collection of controversial stories. But seriously, who could have predicted the sheer abundance of drama this year, huh? It’s like 2023 decided to sprinkle some extra spice on the storyline just to keep us entertained, and I think it succeeded.

Friendships and Business: A 2023 Movie

Even though I am among the ones least interested in business deals, this year, I’ve written a pretty good share of such new business merges, brand collaborations, and rumors, and I do want to review them as they are helping and will surely help in the future changes to our industry landscape.

The most talked-about business deal of the year was undeniably Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard, a deal that had been in the works since 2022 and finally received the green light from regulators in October. Shifting gears to the world of mobile gaming, Rovio Entertainment, the brains behind Angry Birds, found itself in the acquisition spotlight as SEGA Europe sealed the deal for €706 million in August. This move not only solidified a substantial transaction but also opened up new realms of possibilities for both gaming powerhouses.

In tandem with these high-profile acquisitions, Savvy Games Group made headlines by successfully acquiring Scopely for an eye-popping $4.9 billion. There were also reports of Disney looking into potentially acquiring a significant game publisher, such as Electronic Arts, to become a gaming publisher with substantial first-party development capabilities.

These developments deserve a closer look, especially as they underscore the ever-growing significance of mobile gaming and developers in the industry. Such monumental deals serve as clear indicators of the trajectory that the gaming landscape is poised to take in the coming years.

Taking a retrospective glance at the past year, these acquisitions emerge as key milestones, shaping and reshaping the gaming industry’s topography. Looking ahead, these deals lay the groundwork for some exciting breakthroughs and innovations in the gaming world. It won’t be a shocker if we find ourselves witnessing more of such major moves with even bigger names jumping to involve themselves in the not-so-distant future.

However, there were some disappointments in the same “friendship” regard with the layoffs. Although I would coin this as a disappointment and elaborate more in my disappointment article, it’s disheartening to witness the industry taking a hit as individuals are severed from the work they’re passionate about.

Events galore: A mobile gaming forefront

Okay, let us jump back to the good part again. Undoubtedly, mobile gaming has firmly established itself as the most popular gaming platform but to back it up we needed more events that focus on mobile gaming. This year, in particular, marked a significant shift, as it witnessed a surge in the number of events featuring mobile gaming.

gamescom 2023 and gamescom asia 2023 were fantastic in this regard, both featuring a handful of mobile gaming experiences for the audience as well as the fans, and these showcases were delightful in an overall shift for mobile games. G-STAR 2023 is also something I would like to remember since it was very instrumental in demonstrating the games on mobile in a large showcase. The mobile gaming prominence was noticed in award shows as well, with dedicated categories awarding some of the best in our industry showcasing their excellence.

Being part of the gaming community during this time has truly been thrilling. The noticeable rise in both the frequency and scale of events featuring mobile gaming is fantastic to see, and this trend highlights the industry’s acknowledgment of the massive popularity and influence held by mobile gaming. Would I like to see more of such events? Absolutely. But the question is, will we have more of such events with mobile gaming being a lookout? A safe answer would be, that the future is bright.

Competition at its finest: A fun year for Esports

Fans have always cherished the competitive spirit within gaming communities, and the introduction of esports has brought an enchanting allure that has captivated everyone involved. Many fans were genuinely curious about this shift.

So, let’s pause for a moment and give credit where it’s due, let’s appreciate the numerous games that have truly shone in terms of esports excellence this year. Think PUBG Mobile, Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, Pokemon UNITE, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Free Fire, and the list just goes on. The diversity of games excelling in esports is seemingly amazing, showcasing the richness and vibrancy of the competitive gaming scene.

2020 to 2022 was tough and transitioning from the pandemic years to an arena filled with the audience is not easy, but with the love for the competitive mobile gaming nature, 2023 has been the year to speak about. Speaking of that, we were invited to a majestic showcase of the recently held Mobile Legends (MLBB) M5 World Championship 2023 and got a chance to witness the action live, it is a different experience, and the fun of being there is something else.

Plenty of games, be it existing or upcoming want this competitive spirit to be engraved on their games, and their wanting to have esports events for their titles being held speaks volumes about the culture of the mobile industry slowly shifting from fun and enjoyment to a more dynamic and thriving nature with winning-hungry mentality.

We all like this, don’t we? No doubt, it’s a testament to the continuous growth and evolution of esports helping in capturing the enthusiasm and support of fans across various gaming communities, and this is easily one of the major factors for the growth we are witnessing.

It is just getting started

In wrapping up, it’s safe to say that this year has been a rollercoaster of excitement for mobile gaming enthusiasts. But guess what? This is just the beginning. There is a lot of waiting for us players and fans, and it is a refreshing thing to look at all the simple yet defining moments. For the future, the 2024 lineup of games is amazing, and given the rumors surrounding the industry it looks like many big names are planning to venture into the world of mobile gaming, because why not?

I say taking a bold step into the mobile gaming scene wouldn’t be as tempting if the future didn’t look incredibly promising. What makes it even more thrilling is the massive untapped potential waiting to be explored. A plethora of IPs from Mangas, Anime shows, and even renowned names like Disney or Netflix making their way as mobile games with their movies or series, with the latter already trying it with the upcoming Rebel Moon franchise, with the streaming giant already confirming 90 games in development too. The mere thought of it is nothing short of mouth-watering for us fans.

The mobile gaming world is currently having endless possibilities. It’s as if we’re standing at the threshold of something genuinely extraordinary. With more games to come, the stage is set for an exciting chapter in mobile gaming, one that holds the promise of innovation, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. The future is bright and the possibilities are truly endless. 2024, it is time for you to shine.

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The Demise of Mobile games in 2023

Year by year, just like how there is an increase in mobile game releases, we get to see many mobile game shutdowns too, and in 2023, the numbers aren’t less either. From our coverage itself, we have noticed at least 50 mobile game shutdowns this year, and it seems to be quite a lot considering how the year went, a good one for mobile games.

Some very good popular games such as Destiny Child, Mega Man X DiVE from Capcom, Square Enix’s RPG Echoes of Mana, BILIBILI’s Anime RPG Eternal Tree, and NetEase Games’ online shooter Hyper Front, to name a few showed great promise but bid their goodbyes to the mobile gaming realm.

For me, the biggest shock came with the shutdown of Netmarble’s open-world action RPG Marvel Future Revolution, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest in terms of disappointment alone. The game failed to capitalize on an IP that is immense and became extinct since they weren’t able to keep up. With these being discussed, let us discuss some “major” disappointments we got to see this year.

In February this year, much to the players’ shock, Electronic Arts decided to scrap the development of both Apex Legends Mobile and Battlefield Mobile, for which they stated that the content production for the game has not been meeting their standards in terms of quality, quantity, and release frequency. This was a shock as well as a disappointment for the players since both were of great promise.

The share of Bad mobile games

The releases happen yes, but how many of these games are good to play? There is an influx of bad games and I am one of the players who gets tricked by the false adverts and then decides to play the game. This year, the hype train derailed a few times, and we found ourselves stuck with games that were pretty bad experiences. So, let us about those titles that promised the moon in their trailers but delivered a lunar landscape of letdowns.

My first pick would be NBA All-World, an open-world sports title by Niantic. Hyped to be the “sport” version of Pokémon Go where players would have to take a real-world journey to progress, showcased some nice promise but opened to downright horrid experiences with gameplay being overshadowed by the bugs and problems that were never fixed. Didn’t last long and bid its goodbye.

The notorious cycle of hype and deflation struck again with RAIDER SIX, an online multiplayer battle royale. This was showcased as “made in India” but was a shameful rip-off of popular battle royale titles like of PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. It was a lackluster experience with bugs, glitches, and frequent lags. It is a reminder that not all that glitters in the gaming world turn out to be gold.

PAYDAY: Crime War was also one of the games that was insanely hyped, but the experience for players wasn’t nice at all. Was in development for two years and launched to bad reviews and pretty average gameplay. As a result, just after a few months of official release, the game bid goodbyes to the smartphones.

Trimming the Human Network: Studio Shutdowns and Layoffs

This is a section that I’m not very keen to cover since these disappointments are sad given how involved the guys will be in the gaming sector. We saw a lot of layoffs and cuts in the industry. The condition was serious even for PUBG Mobile makers Krafton as they took steps to freeze the salary of the organization leader at the start of the year.

Among the studios, Gameloft was among the ones that shut down its Budapest office in Hungary focused on free-to-play mobile games, as the French company is speculated on the focus to work more on console and PC titles, adding to the confirmation of losing its grip on the mobile gaming industry, where it flourished years ago with games such as Asphalt, Real Football, and Gangstar Vegas, to name a few.

We also saw ByteDance bidding goodbye to the gaming industry and restructuring its Nuverse gaming brand, known for popular titles such as Marvel Snap, Earth: Revival, and One Piece: The Voyage, while expressing no plans to re-enter the global video game market. Scarily enough, there were reports of the company in talks to sell its gaming unit MOONTON Technology, but CEO Justin Yuan put these rumors to rest a few days later.

Nifty Games Studio made headlines by discontinuing two of its most popular and engaging sports-themed games, NFL Clash and NBA Clash, while also shutting down the studio itself.
Kiloo Games, the co-developer of the popular Subway Surfers, issued termination warnings to all employees by the end of the month, which was a shock since the game was a household name for a long time, while the Game Director of Design at the studio had to request for employment opportunities.

Niantic Los Angeles studio laid off around 230 of its employees along with deciding to shut down NBA All-World and close the production of Marvel World of Heroes since both weren’t pleasing promises and with the aim to shift of focus toward making Pokémon Go a top priority for the developers, which they believed as a necessary step needed to stay competitive in the industry.

Well, the reasons for these cutdowns can be plenty, but the majority lies in the market being slowly climbing up from the pandemic and losing the target audience. Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder why certain talented individuals haven’t been able to reach the heights they deserve. The competitive nature of the gaming market is unforgiving: one hit and the journey might not be as smooth sailing as we’d hoped. It’s a challenging sea to navigate, where even the most skilled sailors can face unexpected storms, which can be said to be part and parcel of the industry.

The bright light of 2024

With 2024 on the horizon, there’s an air of optimism that the gaming industry will bloom, rewarding the patience and hard work of developers. The potential for greatness is there, and we’re all eagerly anticipating the exciting innovations and stellar releases that may come our way.

However, it wouldn’t be surprising if we encounter more disappointments in terms of quality. Yet, let’s not deny the guilty pleasure of poking fun at those titles that missed the mark. After all, what harm is there in indulging in a bit of good-natured bashing? It’s all part of the fun in this ever-evolving gaming landscape. Here’s to hoping 2024 brings us not only top-notch games but also plenty of laughs along the way.

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The post The Mobile Gaming Disappointments of 2023 appeared first on GamingonPhone.

Lessons learnt from the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 World Championship 2023

After monitoring the grand finals and the online stream, here are our top 5 picks on the M5.

1. Many big names dropped but viewership and competitiveness have only increased

After the successful M5 event, fans will remember the matches and intense action for many days. How the whole event went, especially the final match was spectacular. But, we missed a few teams that could have made the tournament more competitive. The teams that participated in this M5, are from the regional qualifiers and no doubt they are the best choices.

But talking about how the event may attract more cheer and affect the fun memories a bit more is another thing. The biggest surprise of the event is that the champion of the M4 World Championship, ECHO, failed to qualify for the M5. MPL Philippines Season 12 was the qualifier event for the M5 where the slots were taken by the current champion AP.Bren and the third-placed team, Blacklist International. With a heavy heart, the team has to sit as a spectator of the biggest event of Mobile Legends Esports.

The list doesn’t end with only one team, it goes on. Another Philippino team that could not qualify is RSG Philippines. They were three times champion of MPL Singapore and yet failed to qualify. Besides, Malaysian powerhouse TODAK, ONIC Philippines, EVOS SG, and BloodThirstyKings will be the names that are part of the pack that missed the train to the Philippines. The list is incomplete without RRQ‘s name on it. Four-time champion of MPL Indonesia and the team was in the top three in each M series event except for the M3. Fans expected to watch them at the grand event of MLBB esports but the real scenario was different.

2. Old doesn’t mean dominant

The announcement of the M6 World Championship’s homecoming made the Malaysian fans happy. But the other end is not so charming to remember. MYSG teams have been operating for a long time in this esports field and yet the teams were nowhere close to establishing dominance or even standing as a strong opponent for the other.

We admit that the ground is massive and no teams are weaker than the others, but the performance graph is saying something else. HomeBois, the only flag bearer from Malaysia, came to the event by becoming the champion of the MPL Malaysia Season 12. The team failed to cross the Group Stage.

Looking at the other end, Team Flash also came as the representative of Singapore. The organization’s MLBB team was formed back in 2019, one of the oldest in this arena. But, the performance is not something to talk about. The organization is focused on many titles but the MLBB scenario is looking tough for the team. For this M5, it may happen as the roster is relatively new than the others. But, the players are experienced as well. So, it can be summed up as that “old doesn’t mean dominant“.

3. PH-ID dominance continues

The game is dominated by Indonesia and the Philippines and it has become a fact. Even looking at the just concluded M5, both finalists were from these two countries. Blacklist International was placed in the third position and the team is also from the Philippines. However, there are other players on the list as well. Malaysia and Singapore are the two of few others that have a bit less impact both on the game domination and international presence than ID-PH.

Apart from the participation in the international events, ID-PH has a strong presence on the overall performances as well. Other organizations want their team to be trained in the ID-PH and also want to play in the servers as well. Because these are the toughest servers for the game.

The way that the players from these SEA countries read the game and bring new meta is a whole different world than the others. Though it looks like the game is confined to a corner of the world (the SEA) region, it is still the highest-watched MOBA in overall viewership count. The grand final match between ONIC Esports and AP.Bren reached more than 5 million concurrent views, as reported by Esports Charts.

4. Dark horses are emerging from developing regions of Cambodia and EECA

MOONTON is relentlessly working to ensure participation from the other regions as well and also planning to keep their strong presence not by just the team numbers but by the power index as well. The M5 World Championship is the first M series event that was spread into two countries i.e. Malaysia and the Philippines.

However, looking back at the participation from developing regions, the first name that would cross the list would be Deus Vult. The team has been playing in the esports arena for a long time (participated in the M1 World Championship) but could not spread its wings much. But now, the scenario changed totally as was spotted in the recent M5.

Deus Vult came up as the fourth-ranked team. But the surprising fact is that their road to the position they acquired. On their run, the team had to cross Fire Flux Esports, See You Soon, and other strong contenders. They marked a distinct presence and every other participant was feeling the heat. The two-time MLBB Continental Championships (MCC) champion team also comprises in-house players from the EECA region.

On the other hand, Cambodia is a rising giant in this MLBB professional field. MOONTON brought the region under light in 2021 after announcing the MPL Cambodia. So, far only three years and five seasons have crossed, and See You Soon is already an established empire in the MLBB pro-world. Many will argue that the country is a sub-region of SEA but still, the presence and impact the country is performing is worth clapping.

5. Is China the future powerhouse

KeepBest Gaming is the only team in the history of the M series to come from China. The region was added earlier this year to spread the game into the Chinese market. China is a huge market for any titles and MOONTON surely didn’t want to miss it. Thus, the addition came out. But, it is still a long road ahead for the country to cope with the others.

KeepBest Gaming joined the event as a Wildcard team but failed to take a place at the main stage of the Mobile Legends M5 World Championship 2023. So, China is not emerging as a threat to the others soon. The region has every possible opportunity as the theme of Mobile Legends and Honor of Kings, a popular MOBA in China, matches. But the popularity of HoK in China is on another level so the mainstream Chinese teams are focused on that title, which makes sense as well.

As China has a MOBA culture that is very prominent and leading in nature, we may see any Chinese teams emerging in rapid growth to catch the others. But, we have to wait for that. So, this was our top 5 learning outcomes from the recently concluded M5 World Championship.

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The post Top 5 lessons from Mobile Legends (MLBB) M5 World Championship 2023 appeared first on GamingonPhone.