Mobile gaming has never been better. Year on year there are more and more, and better and better gaming apps out there.
We’ve come a long way from clunky Java-based games. In fact, you could say there has been a revolution in gaming apps in recent years.
The history of gaming apps
Gaming apps have experienced a supersonic growth that exceeds the meteoric rise of mobile technology itself.
Before smartphones, mobile gaming was limited to very simple games like Snake on Nokia phones or Tetris on Game Boy.
These games were pre-installed on devices and didn’t have the app store infrastructure we have today.
The launch of Apple’s App Store in 2008 with the iPhone 3 was the first significant milestone. Developers could create and distribute applications through this centralized platform.
This led to an explosion of creative innovation in mobile gaming. Simple but addictive games like Angry Birds and Doodle Jump became early successes on the App Store, demonstrating there was a potentially massive audience for mobile gaming.
As smartphones running Android OS increased, Google Play Store emerged to expand the reach of mobile gaming.
The growth of in-app purchases and advertising meant free games like Clash of Clans and Candy Crush Saga became big hits.
Then as smartphones became more powerful, developers began creating even more high-quality games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite.
More recently augmented reality and virtual reality gaming has started to gain popularity and Pokémon Go has demonstrated the potential of combining real-world locations with gameplay.
What are the best gaming apps to download in 2024?
Yes, yes, we know it’s subjective and depends on individual preferences – but hey, we play a LOT of games so we consider ourselves experts.
So here is our choice of apps over the different genres:
Roblox
Let’s start at the top. This was the world’s most downloaded game app in 2023.
If you haven’t downloaded Roblox yet where have you been?
It’s basically a game creation system. Like Minecraft on steroids.
You can create your own games and share them with friends. It’s free but of course there are in-app purchases as you go along.
Among Us
A few years after its launch, Among Us still ranks as one of the top games to download in 2024.
It’s a multiplayer game where players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship. All the while they must try to identify impostors among them.
The recent VR version is causing a stir – latest figures show it has sold more than a million copies already.
Any major casino app
We’re not going to take sides here. Everyone in the office has their favourite… and they’re all different.
The only thing we can agree on is make sure its licensed, has a decent customer service team – and offers live blackjack at online casino UK (currently everyone’s favourite!).
Genshin Impact
This more recent open-world action role-playing game features stunning visuals with a theme of exploration. The big significance is that it comes from China’s miHoYo developers.
It has a bit of everything: an anime-style fantasy world featuring interstellar battles using magic, mystery and colourful characters.
PUBG Mobile
An absolute classic! This battle royale game features players parachuting onto an island, scavenging for weapons and equipment, and then fighting to be the last one standing.
What’s not to like?
Pokémon GO
Yes Pokémon is still going strong! This is the game that brought augmented reality to the masses.
And to tell the truth, it’s still a great game. Want to catch some Pokémon? Well, you need Pokémon GO on your phone asap.
Call of Duty Mobile
Finally, the mobile version of the immensely popular Call of Duty series. It’s Call of Duty – ON YOUR PHONE!
The mobile COD has all the various multiplayer modes, including battle royale, plus the iconic maps and iconic characters from the series.
The mobile gaming world is booming at the moment so keep checking the review sites. New games are bursting onto the scene all the time.
If you want to stay up-to-date it’s worth exploring app stores and reading launch info to check the new apps.
The future of gaming apps
We know that gaming apps are incredibly accessible. Players can now enjoy games anytime, anywhere, so they can easily fit gaming into their lives.
The sheer variety of gaming apps know means there’s something for everyone. From clever little puzzle games to major world strategy games, players can now always find something they want.
Remember that playing games can be good for you too. Whether it’s completing levels, unlocking achievements, or mastering new skills, games can give you a sense of well-being thanks to the experience of accomplishment and satisfaction when playing.
Whatever gaming apps you love best we can all agree on one thing, they’re definitely here to stay.
