Card games are an integral part of leisure and entertainment in many cultures around the world. This is also one of the main reasons why they have evolved with the rise of technology by becoming digital.
Card games are now available on mobile to the delight of strategy game fans. Discover here how technological advances have helped build and revolutionize the mobile card games industry.
The transition from traditional games to digital versions
The digitalization of traditional card games marked an important step in the rise of mobile entertainment. It was made possible by the democratization of the use of mobiles across the world.
Since the rise of personal computers during the 80s and 90s, the need to add entertainment options was felt. This is how card games were among the first to be adapted for medium and then small screens.
These first digital adaptations of games had the primary objective of reproducing the experience of physical games. However, they have seen greater success as owning a mobile device has become the norm.
Smartphones and tablets have been the main vectors for the popularization of several card games. This is particularly the case of mobile blackjack, solitaire, belote, poker and even battle.
These new mobile devices have opened the door to new possibilities for card games both locally and online. Developers have not missed this opportunity to offer card games to a growing audience of several million people.
Card game enthusiasts, for their part, have benefited from a way to play everywhere: on transport, at home and even on vacation. Games have therefore had an easier time becoming an important part of the daily lives of many passionate gamers.
It should also be noted that touch screens have contributed greatly to the development of experiences that are ever closer to reality. Mobile games now imitate different mechanics that were previously specific to traditional games.
Improving the mobile gaming experience
One of the main factors behind the success of mobile card games is the technical evolution they have undergone. These have greatly contributed to making these digital versions much more attractive to players whose overall experience has continually improved.
Here are some of the pillars of improving the mobile card gaming experience.
Optimization of user interfaces
User interfaces, also known as UI, play a prominent role in the overall gaming experience. This is especially true when it comes to mobile games like card games.
The developers of these games are aware of this and this is reflected in particular through the care given to this aspect of the gameplay. On smartphone touch screens in particular, they have worked to develop interfaces that are as intuitive as they are accessible.
Among the details that have been reviewed are the optimization of actions such as swiping and double clicking.
Some attention has also been paid to the graphics which have been greatly improved for the visual enjoyment of players. From menus to control buttons and decorations, no element is anymore placed and designed at random.
Optimizing interfaces is not limited to the visual aspect of applications and also includes the addition of appropriate animations and sound effects.
The new pleasant visual aesthetics actively contribute to making navigation more fluid on mobile entertainment platforms. Games often include tutorials and interactive guides to learn and understand the basics and rules of the game.
The diversification of game engines
The rise in popularity of mobile games has prompted a diversification of game engines dedicated to their operation. This is how the appearance of engines such as Unity, Lumberyard and Unreal Engine have increased opportunities for mobile card game developers.
Their power has allowed for several years the design and development of card games with captivating graphics and animations. These tools also offer the possibility of creating and sharing mobile games compatible with the main operating systems.
This way, designers have the opportunity to reach a much wider audience with less effort. These game engines are also the ideal tools for making mobile games compatible with emerging technologies.
Development of advanced features
Mobile card games are no longer just platforms on which to play quick games. They now include several types of new, increasingly advanced features that enhance the gaming experience.
Online or network multiplayer, in-app purchases and social interaction integrations are some of these innovative features. In particular, they make it possible to bring back the fundamentally social and collective dimension of card games.
Each player now has the opportunity to connect with their friends, or even make new ones, via these mobile games. They can integrate and participate in online community activities around their card game.
The rise of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted many areas and mobile card games have not escaped its influence. It has therefore been involved in the development of ever more immersive and captivating games for players. The availability of virtual opponents to face is one of the most obvious manifestations of the integration of AI into mobile card games.
Each player also has access to a personalized gaming experience thanks to data analysis by artificial intelligence. In the case of online multiplayer games, artificial intelligence makes it possible to detect potential players and sanction them when necessary.
The outlook for mobile card games
Despite the significant evolution they have undergone since their creation, mobile card games are far from losing momentum. They are also experiencing a certain revival of interest which can be explained by the integration of technological innovations. Augmented reality and virtual reality are among the main changes observed in this area.
They transform the gaming experience by transporting players into virtual environments or having them come to them. Social features are also more than ever at the heart of mobile card games. The resulting interactions enrich the experience and create unique connections.