The Future of Mobile Game Development: Building a Thriving Ecosystem

As the mobile gaming industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, one thing is clear - the future of mobile game development lies in creating a thriving ecosystem that caters to a diverse range of players. With the rapid growth of eSports on mobile, developers like Super Evil Mega Corp are leading the charge by building games that not only attract professional players but also foster a sense of community and fun among amateur gamers.

The Rise of Mobile eSports

The market for mobile gaming hasn't always been characterized by careful planning or consideration. Instead, it's often driven by rapid expansion and constant disruption. However, with the emergence of mobile eSports, developers are now focusing on creating games that not only appeal to professional players but also cater to a wider range of audiences.

Vainglory, developed by Super Evil Mega Corp, is one such game that has gained significant traction in the eSports scene. Launched alongside the iPhone 6 in 2014, Vainglory aimed to reach a mobile audience with a deep and engaging experience, without resorting to exploitative monetization strategies.

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

Since its launch, Vainglory has been guided by player feedback and the needs of professional eSports players. This approach has led to the creation of an IP that spans amateur and high-end play, pleasing both ends of the spectrum.

When asked about their strategy, CEO Kristian Segerstrale emphasized the importance of community development, player satisfaction, and long-term market development. He noted that while Vainglory has gained popularity among professional teams, the game's true value lies in its ability to bring people together and create a sense of community.

"We want to build an ecosystem with multiple layers," Segerstrale explained. "We have top teams with superstars, but we also want to encourage amateur players to play the game for fun, whether it's with friends or at college."

The Power of Aspirational Play

Segerstrale believes that high-level Vainglory play can serve as an aspirational aspect for non-professional players. While some may be inspired by watching professional teams compete, others will simply enjoy playing the game for fun.

"It does [have an aspirational effect] to some segments of players," Segerstrale acknowledged. "But fundamentally, eSports for us is not a front foot vehicle for promoting the game. We think of it more as the wake of a boat. If you do a good job, the eSports scene grows."