GTL: Does the Future of Gaming & Esports Lie in Mobile?

On this episode of Game Talk Live, host Mandie Roman talks with panellists about the rise of mobile gaming as a platform, and the effect it’s having on the esports industry. Joining her in the discussion is writer/editor Robert Workman of ComicBook.com, esports manager Ben Watley from Super Evil Megacorp, and content creator and gaming consultant Dan Hammill aka Greenskull.

Mobile gaming is an exploding market right now, with many developers porting existing games into the arena. The panel discusses what this might mean for a game's longevity and how it can affect the growth of the audience.

The discussion turns to the increasingly young audience that are now being exposed to gaming through mobile versions of popular games such as Fortnite and PUBG. The panel talks about the differences that need to be taken into account when making a mobile game, as well as the affect it can have on the market.

"Not everybody has a device that's capable of running the newest game with the highest graphic settings. A developer for mobile-specific titles will make sure that their #game is compatible with a number of device types." -@thefoojee

Watch Live: https://t.co/7MdQ00pYBH#mobile pic.twitter.com/HHkTyMzd3i

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 19, 2018

The panel then looks at the needs of the mobile gaming industry compared to the more traditional gaming industry, and how this can affect the games being made. Discussion centers on the need or desire for cross-platform play, and whether console or PC gamers will want to play with people on other devices. The panel talks about the potential audience that can be reached through the mobile market, and how it can affect the growth of a game.

The discussion turns to the difference between gaming on a video game console or PC and gaming on a mobile device, as well as the challenges involved in bringing non-mobile games into the marketplace. With so many different devices out there, the panel talks about the struggles in making sure that everyone is on a level playing field.

"[Making a #mobile game is] about giving the #gamer something to get into and making them feel enough of that experience so that they'll...continue investing." -@thedcd

Live Now: https://t.co/7MdQ00pYBH#candycrush #mobilegame #MobileGaming #mobileapps pic.twitter.com/8ks09c85gC

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 19, 2018

The panel then looks at the ways in which developers are allowing people to play together, as well as the issues that come with introducing cross-platform play. Discussion moves to whether people who start playing on mobile will want to shift to a Console of PC, as well as the difference between the East and West when it comes to mobile markets.

The topic then moves to the introduction and growth of esports in the mobile market. With organisations announcing new mobile gaming teams, is there a possibility that fans will tune out of traditional esports? The panel talks about the ways in which esports has grown over the years, and how the lessons learned there can be applied to the fledgling mobile market.

"#Esports, in general, is the hot new thing that everyone's trying to do. I thin what ends up lasting much longer than the #esport itself are the storylines and the people that play." -@thefoojee

Watch Live: https://t.co/7MdQ00pYBH#proesports #GamersUnite pic.twitter.com/HDTNTLOJxl

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 19, 2018

Finally, the panel discusses the challenges and benefits of mobile esports, as well as the different ways in which developers can ensure their game is suited to the market, as well as the possibility of “cross-play” eSports, as well as the inherent challenges that would come with such a move.

Game Talk Live has wrapped up for today, but you can see the episode in its entirety in the video above. Be sure to check out the previous episode, where panellists discuss Fortnite Streamer Ninja and his record breaking stream, as well as recent controversies regarding Twitch Prime.