The rise of 5G and mobile gaming

Today, thanks to the increasing availability of 5G and high-speed Wi-Fi, smartphone game developers can be more ambitious.

22:15 21 August 2024

A few short years ago, the idea of mobile gaming was firmly focused on casual players. Smartphones simply weren’t powerful enough to run bigger games with more advanced graphics, and even for phones that came close, the mobile network was often too slow to do much beyond the basics. Today, thanks to the increasing availability of 5G and high-speed Wi-Fi, smartphone game developers can be more ambitious. From graphics and animations to virtual and augmented reality, here is how the mobile gaming scene is changing.

Augmented and virtual reality

It’s difficult to create a truly immersive experience on networks with constant pauses and low latency. That’s one of the reasons why the rise of 5G and the increased reach of stable Wi-Fi are so important to mobile gaming. With a solid network supporting fast-paced gameplay with consistent results, developers can create engrossing games that pull players in. Games like Pokémon GO, for example, rely on constant network access to allow gamers to play. Without the ability to see where characters are on the map, and pinpoint their exact locations on the fly, augmented reality games like this could not be run on mobile devices.

Real-time results

Another area where 5G and high-speed Wi-Fi have increased access to gaming is casino games. Online games with real-time results are increasingly viable thanks to new and improved mobile networks. Players can now take advantage of fast-paced games where precision and consistent play are crucial wherever they go. All they need is a good internet-based operator to ensure the playing process is secure. Interested players can choose from a variety of options and these are the best online casinos according to Oddschecker.

Similar to casino games, improved Wi-Fi and mobile networks make it easier to play first-person shooters (FPS) on the go too. Titles like Call of Duty previously required a dedicated PC or console to enjoy. Today, mobile adaptations like Call of Duty Mobile make full use of stable internet access to create a seamless player experience directly from players’ smartphones.

Cloud play

We’ve discussed this a bit already, but one of the areas where mobile gaming shines is the ability to provide players with gaming experiences similar to what they might experience on dedicated consoles and computers. The best mobile games sync player accounts across devices, ensuring that they can jump in and pick up where they left off no matter what they’re playing on. Features like this depend heavily on the cloud, which requires stable internet access. As 5G and high-speed internet continue to evolve, game developers are better able to craft effortless multi-device gameplay experiences.

Cloud gameplay also allows developers to create graphics-heavy games without worrying about latency issues or other annoying pauses in gameplay. Titles like Alien Isolation are well-known for excellent visual design with smooth gameplay. Stable high-speed internet, whether Wi-Fi or 5G, is crucial for graphics-intensive games.

Improved battery life

This might not be a benefit you’ve considered, but 5G and Wi-Fi can actually improve your battery life. According to Verizon, 5G, in particular, is better able to handle data processing than older mobile networks. As a result, mobile devices don’t need to work as hard to achieve the same result. With lower effort comes improved battery life so gamers can enjoy their favourite titles for even longer.

Are you interested in trying your hand at mobile gaming? Keep the information above in mind as you search for the perfect device and title.