In the early days of desktop computers, the idea that the digital landscape would one day become a predominantly mobile-driven industry was not really envisaged. Well, maybe it was by the technology genius fraternity who, as always, see innovation as the gateway to advancements others cannot perhaps imagine. Generally, however, desktop computers were what software and hardware development was focused on. As mobile technology began to emerge, however, things changed – steadily and constantly.
I think it is fair to say that, since those early desktop days (that makes me sound old, I know), the digital landscape, in both software and hardware terms, has become mobile-centric. We have seen the evolution, from the laptop to the tablet, the smartphone to wearable tech.
Software has also been at this party. Just look at the online casino industry as a classic example, and a particularly strong one. It has taken casino-style games and brought them to every and any mobile device you can imagine, and that’s something of a match made in heaven when you consider the strengths of casino games. They’re fast-paced, they’re simple, and they’re great fun – perfect for times when you aren’t sitting down for a dedicated gaming session, but need to fill a slot with some fun activity. Thanks to this change, you can play megaway slots on your commute, poker on your tablet in the cafe, or blackjack on your phone as you wait for the dentist. I think you get my point: mobile software has transformed how we work, live, and play.
What always amazes me is the way in which the idea of a mobile version of a website, game, or other online content has gone from being a secondary concern for developers to their primary focus. When I worked as a copywriter for a tech start-up, it was during that period of change. Clients began to ask for web development that prioritized how their site looked and worked on mobile devices, from laptops to phones to tablets and, eventually, watches. Let’s see how this has impacted various digital entities: it’s all very fascinating.
From online casinos to iGaming, it’s all about mobile marketing
One of the main benefactors of the mobile-first approach to development has, undoubtedly, been the industry we broadly call the entertainment sector. Of course, that is a wide umbrella under which many digital activities dwell, but one of those areas is gaming. Without a doubt, online gaming, or iGaming, has gone from a previously niche pastime to something of a global phenomenon. That is true from many angles. It is an industry worth many billions, it is a leisure activity enjoyed by many millions, and it is an entertainment format that continues to thrive in our digitally-driven mobile marketplace.
As I mentioned earlier, the online casino industry has done particularly well when it comes to harnessing the power of the online experience for gamers. This innovative sector is constantly developing new spins on the traditional casino games to ensure the very best user experience. Such is this drive for change, we now even see the development of crypto casino apps and sites, taking fintech to a new level and intertwining it seamlessly with the mobile-first marketing approach.
For marketing purposes, of course, whether it is these online casinos or any other form of digital game-playing online, marketing campaigns are now often dedicated to pushing their apps and mobile sites, sometimes to the extent of not even developing desktop versions anymore. Even more so, the gaming industry has more apps than ever before, as the mobile market continues to grow exponentially in terms of the hardware sold and the software being developed.
Technology triumphs as consumers continue to demand more
With marketing now focused on the mobile sector, and consumers expecting more and more from their device capabilities, this febrile competition is likely to stay relevant for both gaming and all other forms of digital entertainment. Part of this, of course, is down to the overwhelming global demand for mobile-first development and the way in which this drives the overall business models of digital entertainment creators and companies.
When you look at the numbers, it is staggering to see just how popular online gaming is, and that includes everything from the online casino global behemoth to the more traditional console-style games. People are playing with and against people from all over the world, in real time, and, importantly, often on mobile devices. As the global crypto casino apps and sites attest, this number continues to rise as technology triumphs in the world of innovation again and again.
As you will recall, my article premise was based on the notion that the mobile-first development world, for software and hardware technology, is now a primary driver for tech professionals as well as developers. I suspect that consumers will continue to demand and expect more from their mobile tech and user experiences as time goes on. Of course, this means that mobile-first marketing, from online casinos to online entertainment to the entire digital landscape, will have to remain as innovative as ever.
Featured image source