Mobile games have become ubiquitous, and it’s no surprise why: they offer a quick, easy way to enjoy a wide variety of gameplay experiences. They’re also extremely portable, easily fitting into the pockets of people with busy schedules and lifestyles. But despite the many benefits of mobile gaming, it’s important to note that they can be uber-addictive and have serious negative repercussions on people’s mental health (Thomas et al., 2021).

In addition to providing an engaging pastime that can help improve a player’s cognitive processing, mobile games can also increase memory and enhance problem-solving skills by forcing players to keep track of multiple stats, routes, items, and even characters. Furthermore, the fast pace of most mobile games encourages players to be able to quickly process and make decisions, thus developing their ability to handle pressure and stress.

As a result, gamers can often turn to mobile games as an escape from the problems of everyday life, and they’re able to do this because these games can be played anywhere, at any time. However, the escapism offered by mobile games can also be detrimental, and they can lead to addiction, poor concentration, emotional distress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and violence.

The genres of mobile gaming are vast and varied, but there are certain types that have risen to prominence more recently than others. For example, the hyper-casual category of mobile games has taken off big-time over the last couple years, with 78 percent of the most popular new mobile titles falling into this genre. This is largely because of the accessibility of mobile devices and the low barrier to entry for developers, making it easier for people to play a game whenever they want.

Another example of a popular mobile game is the battle royale genre, with titles like Fortnite and PUBG being huge hits. These games put players in the shoes of a character and give them an opportunity to interact with other players, challenging them to overcome adversity. They can also be an excellent platform for advertising and marketing, with rewarded video ads a common form of mobile game advertisement (Thomas et al., 2024).

There’s no doubt that mobile games are becoming increasingly diverse and immersive. This is due in part to the rise of independent game makers, which are offering fresh gameplay concepts that haven’t been seen before. These games often feature a combination of elements, such as strategy, puzzle, action, and simulation, which means there’s something for everyone regardless of their preferred genre.

Although there are some benefits to playing mobile games, it’s important to keep in mind that these games can be incredibly addictive and can cause harm to people’s mental health. The secret to preventing this from happening is keeping screen time to a minimum and surrounding yourself with other activities that can be just as enjoyable. For example, playing a mobile game with friends is a great way to socialize and relax without the distraction of a computer or TV.