Around 75% of people with smartphones are Android users globally (ref), and while Apple iOS might be more popular in the US, the rest of the world seems to prefer the Android operating system.
Apps on a smartphone are a great way to stay connected to friends and family around the world, watch TV, stream movies, and stay entertained by playing games. In fact, more than 65% of smartphone users play gaming apps.
Gamers are no longer tied to the console or the PC; huge steps in technology and leaps in innovation have made the mobile gaming experience available to serious gamers and the ones who actively compete for money, as well as those who are looking for a casual card game like Solitaire to while away the time while they are waiting for the bus.
Whether you prefer to play a simple game to ease your boredom in the waiting room, or you are looking for a skill-based RPG that is immersive and exciting, there are Android game apps that are perfect for you.
Kind of Games People Love To Play
Some games are quick to play, with levels that can be completed in a matter of seconds, while others need a bit of patience to get the best experience. Some games you can play by yourself and others are played online against other people from all over the world.
Online gaming was easily adopted by mobile gamers; taking the opportunity to win real money as well as play the exciting games that you would find inside a brick-and-mortar establishment with you wherever you go is a big draw for those that love a hand of blackjack or a spin of the pokies machine. Now, various popular online sites operating in New Zealand and other parts of the world are available on a mobile device, either through an app or browser.
More and more games that we would have only seen on a console like an Xbox, or a PlayStation are finding their way into the mobile app world. Cross-play opportunities on games like Fortnite and Dead by Daylight allow console, PC, and mobile gamers to be able to play with and against each other.
Some other Android game types include:
- Card games
- Strategy
- Brain training and logic
- Puzzle
- Arcade
- Role Playing Games (RPG)
- Life simulation games
- Action games
- Adventure
- Shooters
- Racing
With all this in mind, what are the movers and the shakers in the world of Android mobile games?
#1. Roblox
While it is not just a game (it is a gaming universe based on user-created content), Roblox offers children (and adults) the opportunity to play different games, interact with other users, and even code their own games if they want to.
You can go from playing a first-person shooter game to adopting cute pets, working in a pizza parlor, or trying and escape an obstacle course, all with the same blocky 8-bit reminiscent graphics.
#2. Candy Crush Saga
Some of the most popular games come with the simplest gameplay, and the tile-matching premise of Candy Crush epitomizes this. In a hugely popular casual game, all you need to do is match the bright and colorful candy to reach a target and complete the levels. Bigger matches lead to more points and different multipliers.
It is a casual yet hugely addictive game that millions of people around the world play.
#3. Pokémon Go
One of the first augmented reality games launched way back in 2016, Pokémon Go is a treasure-hunting game that blends real-world locations with super cute graphics and animations based on the ever-popular Pokémon franchise.
Players can wander around their neighborhoods and come across different Pokémon to catch and collect. You can battle with other trainers and work with friends to beat tough opponents. The combination of movement to get to your goals and specific missions to follow make this a popular choice.
#4. RAID: Shadow Legends
This is a turn-based RPG strategy game with stunning graphics. Simple enough to be easy to learn, you choose your champions and do battles with other players, against a well-designed and thought-out backdrop. Even the characters are detailed, with unique traits that make them worthy to take into battle.
The captivating soundtrack and beautiful environment make this game a must for gamers who really love the 4K experience in their games.
#5. Township
This is a farming simulator that on the surface seems simple enough – sow some crops, raise some livestock, and sell your produce – but as the game progresses, you can build entire cities. If you don’t want to invest in the in-game currency, you’ll need the patience to develop your very own township, but it is still addictive even if you must wait a while for tasks to complete. Wholesome and fun, this is a game that is suitable for all ages, and popular for many reasons.
There are now Mobile Games For Everyone
According to research, more women than men tend to play mobile games, and the biggest demographic is 18–34-year-olds. However, the world of Android gaming apps means that there really is something for everyone in the Play Store.
Younger players might use games to socialize (like the chat function on Roblox), but older gamers like to use their Android game apps to relax or wind down. The competitive streak that is prevalent in PC and console gamers is still found in the mobile gaming world, and that is why playing for money or for prestige in the eSports leagues, is a big part of android gaming.