The Rise of Multiplayer Mobile Games

With the increasing popularity of mobile games, more options are becoming readily available for users. Multiplayer games have already been a huge success on consoles and PCs. Now, their numbers are increasing for mobile devices as well. Technology such as Bluetooth and 3G allows more and more players to connect and enjoy some friendly competition. One reason why this type of game has been so effective is that mobile users like to stay connected to others via their devices. These socially minded people are much more likely to engage in gameplay that allows them to interact with other players instead of opting for single player options. 

Rather than challenging a generic computer opponent, they're able to test their skills against other people. Multiplayer games do not have the same diversity as single player games, but there are quite a few options available. Some of the most popular multiplayer games have a gambling theme, such as blackjack or poker. Others feature well-known classic games such as Checkers or Chess. Many of these multiplayer games are often based on console or PC games. The themes and gameplay for these mobile games offer similar, yet scaled down versions. 

However, with most game companies targeting casual gamers instead of hardcore gamers, the lack of high-quality graphics has not been as much of an issue. Also, the focus on casual gamers gives game companies a wider net to cast when promoting their products. As mentioned earlier, technology has also been an important factor in popularizing multiplayer games. The earliest versions of multiplayer games only allowed two players to compete due to the limits of Infra Red technology. Thanks to 3G, it's now possible for large numbers of people to participate in these games. 

Although Bluetooth does not have the same capacity as 3G in terms of numbers, it does allow a handful of people to play at the same time. With the improvement of technology, the demand for multiplayer games has increased accordingly. The latest trend in multiplayer mobile games is the development of MMORPGs, or massively multiplayer online role-playing games. TibiaME, made by CipSoft, was the first of these to be released. 

This real time game allows you to explore and fight your way through the world of Tibia. Much like Blizzard's highly popular World of Warcraft game, you can team up with others to perform quests or fight them in PVP, or Player vs. Player, mode. Recently, Smart Cell Technology was developing a mobile version of the PC game Shadow of Legend. This game would have many similar features as TibiaME, along with some improvements. If it is completed, it will be the first cross-platform game to allow gamers to share the same account on their PC and mobile device. 

Due to a problem with 3D graphics, however, development has been suspended for the mobile version. Multiplayer mobile games have come a long way from the original 1 to 1 player ratio. Being able to compete against several other players has given people the chance to interact more and enjoy a greater sense of satisfaction when defeating opponents. Multiplayer games are providing mobile users with another reason to stay connected and another way to get the most enjoyment out of their mobile devices. As demand continues to grow and improvements continue to be made, the popularity and quality of these games will continue to rise.