They came out when smartphone screen sizes were getting larger, giving developers more real estate to play with. Games makers were beginning to master the business model of free-to-play games that charge for extra lives, power-ups or personalised outfits.
Mobile has gone from being a sideshow in the gaming market to its biggest source of revenue. Turning games into "live services", with a constant stream of new levels or limited-time events, can sustain a popular mobile game for just as long as a console title, if not longer.
Candy Crush Saga has been the most enduring global hit of that 2012 cohort. It has had three billion downloads and still attracts more than 200 million players a month.
This story is from the November 22, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 22, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NORRIS RIDES A WAVE OF SUPPORT
Briton gets congratulations from peers and politicians after breakthrough win in Miami
I DIDN'T WANT TO GO HOME: MITCHELL
Cavs’ Game 7 hero says they are in play-offs to win and will be ready for the Celtics
SPEECH INSPIRES ACS(I) TO VICTORY
‘Psyched up’ by the sidelined Jeremiah, they beat St Andrew’s to regain B Div rugby title
KRANJI'S VERY BIG 220 SURPRISE
Stunner saves Class 5 dweller from M’sia trip, gives Espindola 100 per cent record
Expanding global outreach among priorities for SICCI as it turns lOO
Digitalisation and sustainability are two other focus areas for trade association
Indonesia's QI GDP growth beats forecasts but outlook uncertain
Keeping strong pace will be hard due to tight local monetary policy, global factors
Qantas to pay $89m penalty over 'ghost flights'
Aussie airline will also compensate those who bought tickets on flights already axed
Luxury watch investment firm found to be in breach of contract
A company founded by Singaporean watch expert Dominic Khoo that runs a luxury timepiece investment scheme has been found by the High Court to have breached its contractual obligations to five investors from Hong Kong.
Jail for scam mastermind who cheated company director of 1.5m
Man who devised loan ruse to dupe victim into handing over sum gets 5-year sentence
End of an era
Thambi Magazine Store in Holland Village closes down after more than 80 years