Why mobile esports is not more widespread in Europe

Sometimes we forget how new the smartphone really is. Although people talk about 1994 as the time of the first smartphone, it wasn't until the late 2000s that it took the form we know today. The iPhone is the most widely used in the UK, but it's less than two decades old, as it was first commercialised in 2007, but since then, mobile platforms for gaming and igaming have seen a remarkable rise in popularity. However, it's interesting to note that mobile gaming hasn't managed to establish itself as firmly on the esports scene in Europe as it has on other continents, despite the platform's global prominence. This raises questions as to why mobile gaming doesn't have a larger esports presence in Europe, despite the large market for gaming in the region.

Challenges for mobile esports in Europe

European gaming culture has a strong history of focusing on PC and consoles. Esports on these platforms have been around for decades and have built up a dedicated fan base, while mobile gaming, on the other hand, is often seen as something to be enjoyed and has yet to gain the same level of recognition as a serious competitive platform. This perception needs to change for mobile esports to grow and become integrated into the existing culture.

Esports on PC and console has had significant support from industry players, investors and sponsors and this support has led to the establishment of formal leagues, tournaments and esports organisations. Mobile gaming has not seen quite the same level of investment and infrastructure building, making it difficult to compete on the same level as established platforms.

It's been a different story for igaming, which has moved many from PC to smartphones and tablets with online games like poker, blackjack and live roulette, and it's the same cultural shift that esports is facing.

Potential and opportunities for mobile esports in Europe

Despite the challenges, mobile gaming is experiencing a rise in popularity. Technological developments in mobile devices have allowed game developers to create more advanced and complex games that appeal to a wider audience. This increased engagement could potentially give a boost to esports on mobile, especially if dedicated leagues and tournaments are created that appeal to more types of players across both the amateur and pro spectrum.

Gaming on mobile opens up a wide range of game genres, including casual-hygge, strategy, and esports-friendly titles. To increase mobile's presence in esports, the focus needs to be on developing and marketing games that are suitable for competitive play and appeal to the European player base. A diversity of game types can attract a wider audience and create a more inclusive esports culture.

Minecraft currently tops the games list on the App Store, but it's unlikely to be a game that can drive an esports culture. However, other games are poised to take over and this is an exciting challenge for game developers.

Huge potential

Esports on mobile faces challenges stemming from cultural preferences, lack of infrastructure and historical factors. To strengthen mobile gaming on the esports scene in Europe, a concerted effort from game developers, investors, and esports organisations is needed. The creation of dedicated tournaments, investment in marketing and support for talent development on the mobile platform can be crucial in breaking through the existing barriers. As with all sports, it's often about money, so if investors can see the potential in the market and are willing to put in the capital, the industry will flourish.

Ultimately, the potential for mobile esports in Europe is still huge. With the number of game genres, technological advances and the growing popularity of mobile gaming, there is an opportunity to establish mobile esports as a significant player on the esports scene. However, it requires a proactive approach where the industry works together to create an environment that supports the growth of mobile esports in the region.