Mobile games are video games that are played on portable devices like mobile phones, tablets and PDAs. They are a major source of entertainment for mobile users, with some of the top-grossing games ever being made available as free-to-play apps. They have come a long way since their origins over a decade ago, both in terms of gameplay and audiovisual experience. The advent of larger touch screen mobile devices has facilitated the development and popularity of mobile games, with many of them having multiplayer options for people to play together.

There are many different types of mobile games, ranging from arcade-style minigames to full-blown multiplayer online and offline games. Some mobile games are even augmented reality-enabled, allowing players to experience the real world in a new and exciting way. It’s no surprise then that many people have spent countless hours playing their favourite mobile games.

The gaming industry has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1970s, and is now a multi-billion dollar business. While many of the earliest games were ephemeral and have been lost over time, there are still some classics that have held on to their popularity in recent years, such as the incredibly addictive endless runner Jetpack Joyride or the epic fantasy strategy game Forge of Empires.

It’s also interesting to note that the popularity of mobile games has spread across generations, with teenagers and young adults being the primary target audience. However, there is an increasing number of older gamers who engage in mobile gaming, with some research showing that senior citizens who play these games experience a sense of happiness and a decreased risk of depression.

In addition to their popularity, mobile games are often easy to get hooked on and can be a great way to kill time. The feeling of victory and accomplishment in a game can boost your mood and improve your mental health, especially when you compete against friends or strangers from around the world.

The development of a mobile game is a long and difficult process, but it can be rewarding when the result is a hit. Mobile game developers need to determine the type of game they want to create, how much money they’re willing or able to invest in it, and how they plan on monetizing it. Some games are free to play, but usually include a system of in-game purchases that may slow progress toward completing the game. Others, such as the popular hyper-casual runner PUBG Mobile, make their money via advertising. This model has become a dominant one for the mobile gaming industry and is expected to continue growing in the future.