Are Mobile Games Becoming Too Similar?
Mobile gaming is the realm of endless possibilities and a myriad of ways to spend $9.99 on coins you weren’t planning to purchase. As we browse across the apps’ stores you can’t help but think that each app is just a tiny re-mix of the previous one.
“Oh Another Match-3 game? Didn’t I erase one from my computer yesterday?”
It’s a fair question. Is mobile gaming becoming alike?
Clones in the Wild
If you’ve played five games on the “Best Mobile Games 2024” lists, you’ll be able to spot a pattern in that they’re often based on the same design, mechanics and even colors. When developers play a hit game, they look at it and then think, “What if we make this, but with dragons instead of candies?” The result? The app store begins to look like a karaoke event in which everyone sings the same tune, but just a little off.
Imitation Isn’t Always Flattering
There’s nothing wrong with borrowing ideas. Games similar to “Genshin Impact” took the “Zelda” formula and added some flair. However, at some point, imitations can begin to feel like a rerun.
Here’s the script that a lot of popular mobile games on Android and iOS seem to be following:
- Cute, yet oddly generic hero.
- Puzzles or combat with taps.
- Money that is easy to spend but is difficult to earn.
Before you realize that, it’s a game very similar to 10 other games on mobile that have been released since 2024.
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Players Aren’t Complaining–Yet
However, let’s be honest, we play them for a long time. No matter if it’s our tenth idle-clicker or another battle royale, we continue to download these games. Perhaps it’s because of the attractive trailers for mobile games or the fact that our brains insist on the contrary, this isn’t the first time. It’s not usually.
Why It’s Happening
- Familiarity sells: People adhere to what they’ve been taught.
- Secure Bets for Developers Making a big investment in an original, quirky concept is risky when you’re able to release “Candy Clash Royale Saga 2.”
- Time Crunch: When it comes to a competition to keep pace with the latest trends in mobile gaming developers usually adhere to tried and tested formulas.
Time for a Little Shake-Up
The world needs new and innovative ideas! Devs try mixing the game up! For your next super-casual race, why not play “Escape from a Work Meeting Simulator” or “Virtual Plant Whisperer”?
Hope Isn’t Lost
There’s always room for excitement. Updates to mobile games often include new features. Some upcoming mobile games are expected to delight us. While the clones are still marching on, let’s look out for the gems that challenge the status quo.
Final Tap
Yes mobile games are beginning to look like duplicates of each other. However, there’s always that one title which gives us hope. For now, we’ll continue moving, clicking, and hope that the next beta game for mobile will deliver something completely unique.
I’m sorry to interrupt you. I’ve got an exciting Match-3 game based on dragons to play.
FAQ
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Mobile gaming often follows popular trends to minimize risk. Developers frequently borrow ideas from successful games and create variations with slightly different themes. For example, a Match-3 game might become a dragon-themed version, or a battle royale might focus on a fantasy universe. This repetition exists because familiarity sells and makes for quicker development.
