Unclear business models, not a lack of technical progression, are holding console quality gaming on mobile devices back, a leading component supplier has suggested.
According to Qualcomm’s Vice President of Marketing, Tim McDonough, console quality visuals are not far from making their way to smartphones and tablets, at least not from a technical perspective.
Where things are getting stuck, however, is a lack of clear developer direction in regards to organised business models and revenue streams.
“I think you are starting to get close from what a user can perceive already,” he said speaking with TrustedReviews at the company’s San Diego headquarters.
Highlighting some potential stumbling blocks, he added: “The key for me is that there is a technical piece and a business models piece. If you solve the technical piece without solving the business model piece, it doesn’t make a difference.”
Offering further insight into these business model constraints, the Qualcomm head highlighted the unavoidable issue of revenue discrepancies between mobile and console games.
“Games in the mobile space are mostly free or they cost a dollar or two,” he said. “The consoles compete in a closed ecosystem where there isn’t as much competition so if you want a game you have to shell out $60.
“The development community is trying to figure out how to make money on mobile. That’s going to be what really drives mobile gaming more than anything else.”
Reiterating his point, he added: “I think it is more about the money. That’s the thing the industry has to go figure out.”
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Although there are still issues for the industry to overcome, McDonough highlighted a few instances were console and mobile gaming are already creeping closer together.
One such instance is Activision’s Skylanders series. Admittedly not the most graphically demanding of titles, the latest Skylanders title made a simultaneous bow on both traditional and mobile platforms.
Are you pining for console-quality visuals on your mobile or are you happy passing the time with simple, app-based games? Let us know via the comments section below.
