A desire for authentic gaming prompts more engaging mobile add-ons
Implications - While mobile gaming provides a more practical method for on-the-go play, smartphone apps often lack the excitement and physical interaction of consoles and gaming systems. Seeking to add a more authentic feel to portable play, consumers are turning to mobile add-ons that help add traditional gaming features to compact, cellular devices. Touchscreen stickers and console attachments combine conventional aspects of gaming with the desire for more convenient, and accessible methods of everyday entertainment.
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Gaming Accessories - Consumers are turning to mobile add-ons, gaming stickers, gaming controllers, portable gaming tablets, and virtual reality headsets that add features, tactility, and console-like authenticity to mobile gaming with smartphones and tablets, offering more convenient, portable, and immersive entertainment gameplay.
2. Tech-enhanced Gaming Accessories - Expect to see more enhanced gaming accessories such as gaming tables with sound systems, LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity. Meanwhile, Samsung Gear VR and Oculus tech-powered virtual reality headsets will change the way that consumers interact with mobile devices and offer a platform for endless possibilities in entertainment and presentation, moving beyond standalone consoles.
3. Gaming Communities and Crowdfunding - Gamer-friendly mobile device accessories are being introduced through crowdfunding platforms, including mobile gaming stickers and phone sleeves that mimic and refresh retro games from Game Boy or Nintendo, serving as a disruptive innovation in the gaming industry.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Devices - Developers of smartphones and tablets can further innovate by partnering with gaming accessory makers or developing their own mobile gaming accessories, taking the gaming user experience to a whole new level.
2. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can create seamless user experiences with multimedia ping pong tables and other gaming accessories, by incorporating virtual reality technology, and by linking gaming content via mobile devices to TV viewing experiences.
3. Crowdfunding - Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter offer ways for gamers to showcase their creativity and make prototype gaming accessory products available to consumers, introducing disruption to the gaming industry while meeting the needs and interests of the consumer base.
