Here are the most popular types of games and gamers for the summer of 2020.
It’s finally the first day of vacation! You’re wearing your favorite beach shirt, your out-of-office alerts are on, and you can almost taste that cocktail on the beach. But there’s a downside to holiday travelling – endless waiting. Whether it’s on the train platform, on the transfer bus or at that long queue to the top of the Burj Khalifa, you should expect to experience at least some idle time.
But don’t let that spoil your vacation, because here’s where your smartphone can come in handy. With the endless array of online games available, even the most boring queue can be transformed into a virtual adventure. And if 20 years ago the classic game of Snake captured the attention of millions, we now have an app for pretty much any type of mobile gamer. Here are the most popular types of games and gamers for the summer of 2020:
Puzzle games for the certified brainiac
Puzzle games were the most popular genre of gaming apps in the UK last year. There’s just something about the instant gratification of solving a puzzle that simply delights the brain. But we’ve come a long way from the blinking rows of pixels in Tetris. The puzzle genre has spread into multiple subcategories from simple sudoku to the sprawling 3D mazes of Monument Valley 1 and 2. Between finding clues and tinkering with the mechanics of the game, that 5-hour trip will simply fly by.
Mobile casino games for the lucky gambler
Online casinos are very popular with people on the go, with many players preferring to play on the move rather than spending time in an actual casino. Games such as online slots, craps or bingo require little to no strategy and rely solely on pure chance, but you can also test your wits in a game of poker or blackjack. Are there any actual winnings involved? Absolutely! Most online casinos will offer you a welcome bonus or a set of free chips to get the feel of the game while allowing you to play for real money whenever you feel ready. And if winning a little extra cash won’t cure that post-vacation blues, nothing will.
City building games for the small screen engineers
City management games have been around for quite some time. And what can be more relaxing than building your own thriving metropolis, designing residential areas and organizing traffic routes? Many games have a special theme, so if being the mayor of a futuristic city is not your cup of tea (SimCity BuildIt) you can settle for building your own fortress (as encouraged by Townsmen) or even reimagine the entire city of Springfield from the Simpsons animated series. The sky's the limit when it comes to city building, or at very least, the edge of the map.
Running games for the speed junkie
Also called “endless run”, because the goal is simply to stay on track for as long as you can, these games were first introduced with the revolutionary Temple Run back in 2013. Since then the genre expanded, and even if the basics are pretty much the same, the change in scenery, power-ups, obstacles and custom characters make them a staple of mobile gaming to this day. As long as you don’t start Subway Surfing on top of a train in real life, everything should be OK.
Trivia games for the budding bookworm
What is the capital of Egypt? What is the world’s fastest animal? This is the best time to impress with obscure facts you’ve picked up in school and elsewhere in your day-to-day. Whether it’s by yourself or with friends, quiz and trivia games are always fun, not to mention educational. Even if the mobile version for “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” offers points and a place in the leaderboard instead of cash, it is still a fun experience. Many trivia games focus on dedicated topics, so if you are more knowledgeable in entertainment rather than geography then this might just be the gaming app genre for you.
Multiplayer games for the team player in you
Playing by yourself can be loads of fun. But sometimes you want to get the gang back together for a good old game night. Fortnite, the game that took the world by storm, is a prime example of a memorable multiplayer experience. Or, you can set the streets on fire with Asphalt 9: Legends, before cooling down with a nice game of Bowling King.
All in all, no matter where your preferences lie, the choices for gaming apps are endless. So if you ever feel like boredom is creeping into your travel time, just pull out your phone and spend some time with your favourite games, at least until that boarding call takes you on the next leg of your journey.
