Mobile gaming is quickly becoming a huge component of the gaming industry — and it’s on the rise – so T-Mobile is jumping ahead of competitors with new devices and services that cater to both our casual and hard core gamers. According toNewzoo, mobile gamers have grown to more than 100 million – a 35% increase in the last year – and 69% of those gamers play games on smartphones. Additionally, a study by NPD Research noted that mobile players now account for 22% of the total U.S. gaming market, more than any other customer segment.
T-Mobile recognized mobile gaming’s potential early on and has been providing our customers with amazing mobile gaming devices and services for some time. In fact, we started a stronger push into mobile gaming last year by working with partners such as Rovio and Wild Tangent to provide exclusive content for our customers. We also were the first to launch the T-Mobile G2x by LG at E3 in 2011, which featured a dual-core processor and a focus on combining HD gaming and 4G speeds so customers could enjoy a compelling, affordable gaming experience.
This year, we’re expanding our mobile gaming offerings to continue to match our customer’s evolving interests. Core gamers - who never thought they’d be able to play away from their TV - are starting to see mobile devices, accessories and games enter the market that meet their expectations. A combination of smartphones with powerful processors, beautiful HD screens and control-enhancing accessories are allowing gamers to ditch the console and have an immersive gaming experience on-the-go.
In time for the holidays, T-Mobile is launching a variety of new products in collaboration with key mobile gaming companies such as PowerA and Electronic Arts (EA), resulting in exciting new offerings:
- The recently launched Samsung Galaxy Note II features first mobile access to the newest addition of EA’s top-selling console game series, “Need for Speed: Most Wanted.” Exclusively for T-Mobile customers, the game is preloaded on the device and is the only mobile version of the game that is compatible with the MOGA™ Mobile Gaming System and includes four free events. The Galaxy Note II also offers T-Mobile’s largest smartphone screen – a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED screen – and marks T-Mobile’s first smartphone with a quad-core processor, featuring Samsung’s 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor, for an enhanced entertainment and console-like gaming experience. It is also T-Mobile’s first smartphone shipping with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and a 3100mAh battery to power hours of gaming.
- The MOGA Mobile Gaming System is the first full-featured controller designed specifically for Android devices and engineered by PowerA. Pocket-sized, portable and connected via Bluetooth, the MOGA Mobile Gaming System features familiar controls for mobile gamers and developers: dual analog sticks, two shoulder buttons, four action buttons, and standardized start and select buttons. It is currently available online at www.T-Mobile.com and will be in select T-Mobile retail stores by Nov. 14.
For the casual gamer, social media and mobile gaming are combining to propell social games to the forefront. In fact, we know that social gaming is an engaging way to connect and keep in touch with family and friends, no matter where they reside. Therefore, we’re making it easier to communicate and play with friends through an exclusive, free application, Zynga games, which is preloaded on the LG Optimus L9 and Galaxy Note II, and will be accessible via the Bonus Apps widget on several other Android devices. Also, through the app, Zynga and T-Mobile give customers access to games and exclusive offers, such as in-app credits.
To ensure customers can take full advantage of these new offerings, T-Mobile is making sure there are no barriers to amazing 4G gaming experiences. According to Telecom.paper, 69% of smartphone users report spending an average of 81 minutes per week playing games on their phones. With T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, gamers can immerse themselves in a truly unlimited and affordable gaming experience without worrying about data overage charges.
We have a history of partnering with innovative companies and developing new technologies and services to continuously improve the overall wireless experience. Today, we’re excited to share our new devices and software optimized for mobile gaming with our customers.