Prior to the millennium, gaming took a back seat as mobile devices were still crude in their hardware design and software updates. But with the Smartphones, when the User Interface was given ambiance to feel the gaming world became serious business. The software developers soon started to explore the fun side of the technology by developing games that would get so addictive when once tried. However, top companies like Microsoft, Nokia, and other big players are now looking at incorporating Near Field Communication technology into games to launch some exciting 'tangible' games that would interact with real-world objects.
As I read through Microsoft's blog, there was a hypothetical post on how a restaurant can use NFC to keep their clients' kids occupied at their table! The waitress distributes tiny devices that represent the characters from a popular children's movie. On playing the games provided by the restaurant the pieces react to the phone and triggers interactive elements like displaying puzzles, animations, and videos. It sounds exciting, isn't it? That is not all, upon successfully completing the puzzle for instance; the phone shall receive a bonus! What is that? Well, it could be a discount coupon or free tickets to a special screening of a movie! This strategy at restaurants not will keep the children and parents happy but will leave them an everlasting memory along with them. There is a high probability that these customers would turn loyal customers of the restaurant. The owner might be quite sure of them visiting his restaurant or eat out joint again.
NFC is incorporated not only as a payment mode but also as an advertising model. Being entertained is just another feather in the NFC's cap. Pepsi though is a well know brand, uses as a campaign to promote its Brisk iced tea and juice drinks. The carbonated soft drink maker has chosen the Star Wars episode characters Yoda and Darth Maul in its mobile game to promote Brisk iced tea which is the product of the Pepsi Lipton Partnership as it targets the male audience in the age group of 18 to 29.
Now, are you wondering why companies are looking at mobile gaming to boost their sales and promotional activities? Have a look at the stats below.
In the , downloading games is done more intensively than any other functional apps. It is also found that around 93% of the crowd is willing to pay for mobile game apps. When compared to other entertainment apps like the weather forecasts or news apps, the games rule the download surveys. Thus, as Microsoft predicts the gaming industry coupled with commercial NFC technologies can be the best medium for the promotion of products or services with minimal cost investments.
The game developing companies like Rovio are all set to launch the as the Magic version. I am sure whether a mobile gaming enthusiast or not we all want to experience Magic! So if you are a mobile game developer a lucrative career in this field awaits you or perhaps you are already earning your mulch.