Mobile devices have come a long way since the clunky, brick-like options consumers had to carry around in their early days. Not only have devices become more streamlined, but their capabilities have also expanded to a dizzying level.

 

The primary function of making and taking calls remains, but users now have text capabilities, high-quality cameras, impressive audio features for all of your listening needs, and a variety of apps for streaming content and playing games.

 

The mobile game industry has skyrocketed in recent years as device capabilities and improved online connections have allowed developers to push the boundaries and create fun, exciting, and immersive games. 

 

Many players are now saddled with the choice of whether to pay to play games or enjoy the free versions on offer.

Free Mobile Game Benefits

Most mobile games offer a free version and a premium, paid version. This is an excellent option for players who want to try games or feel their monthly bills are high enough already without additional costs.

 

Players can still enjoy the latest games, and even the best sweep slots are free to play, with consumers enjoying the opportunity to play fun games and win prizes without massive costs attached.

No Cost and Greater Access

The obvious benefit of playing free mobile games is that it is free to play. This makes games more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, increasing their reach.

Massive Selection

There is a massive selection of free-to-play mobile games, making it easy for consumers to pick and choose the games they will like. There is also no monetary risk with downloading a free game, because they can just be deleted if the player doesn’t enjoy them.

Regular Updates

Developers benefit from more players playing regularly, so updating the game to improve elements and add new features helps to boost engagement.

Large Customer Bases

More people play free games; this is great for titles where engagement with other players improves gameplay. This can include teamwork, battles, and other interactions in open-world games.

The Ability to Upgrade

With many free games, if a player finds that they are really enjoying it, they will have the option to upgrade to the premium version.

Free Game Considerations

With any options, there are pros and cons, and free games are no different. Here are some of the main considerations for playing free mobile games.

Ads

Gameplay is often interrupted by adverts, as this is the main revenue stream for game developers. This can become frustrating and interrupt the game’s flow.

Paid Advantage

Playing the free version can often put players at a disadvantage compared to those playing the premium version. Players are part of the same game, but those paying get advantages that can set them apart from non-paying players.

In-App Monetization

In-app purchases can be pushed by developers of free games as they attempt to increase revenue streams. This can also provide those happy to pay with a distinct advantage.

Restricted Content

Free versions of games typically restrict access to some elements of the game as a way of encouraging more people to play.

Paid Mobile Game Benefits

Paying for premium versions of games can offer players significant advantages over free versions.

Ad-Free

Premium versions are ad-free, meaning players can enjoy uninterrupted play. This is one of the popular reasons why players pay for premium versions.

Unrestricted High-Quality Content

Premium players have access to all the game’s content, and paid-only titles will also offer high-quality gaming.

Offline Modes

Mobile gaming can be hard on your battery, especially if you have to stay online to continue playing. Many premium games offer offline modes to help players save data and their battery life.

More Balanced Gameplay

Paid games don’t have the same discrepancies between paying and non-paying customers, providing a fair platform for everyone to start from. In the case of premium and free versions, the player who pays will find improved benefits that give them an advantage.

Paid Mobile Game Considerations

While premium game versions and paid titles will typically offer a high-quality gaming experience, players should consider all the factors involved with paying for a mobile game.

Cost

The clear disadvantage to paying for mobile games is the cost. While there are some options that are available for a one-off payment, the bigger titles are typically subscription-based, with players enjoying monthly bonuses and benefits.

 

Mobile device plans can already be expensive, with the cost of the device often factored into monthly bills, along with price plans that include calls, texts, and data. Subscription-based game payments can add up if you have more than one.

 

Limited Player Base

Another issue with pay-to-play models is that more consumers are likely to go for the free option, lowering the number of players active in the game. Solo-player games aren’t affected by the number of other players active at any one time, but there are games that this will impact.

 

AR titles that burst onto the scene following the success of Pokémon Go, such as Jurassic World Alive, offer paid and free options, with premium subscriptions offering players significant benefits. However, many of these games rely on other live players for battles and team tasks. Poor subscriber levels can limit the player experience.

Additional Microtransactions

Even after paying for a title or regularly paying for a subscription, games can still regularly target players with in-game purchases that can provide players with additional items or make it easier to progress through different levels.

Conclusion

Free mobile games are played by millions of people around the world every day, and they can be a great way for consumers to determine whether the game is worth investing in. Players can then decide whether the additional benefits and removal of ads will be worth it.

 

There are an estimated 3.2 billion mobile gamers around the world, with the majority having a selection of games on their device. Free games give players the freedom to enjoy a variety, while paid options let them enhance the experience of their favorites.