The rise of mobile gaming marks a significant – and maybe cataclysmic – shift in the landscape of the gaming industry, reflecting broader changes in technology and society. This phenomenon, which began in the early 2000s, has transformed the way people engage with games, expanding the audience far beyond traditional gamers and altering the economic model of the industry. Everyone with a cellphone is a potential gamer and anyone with a smartphone probably has a couple of app games on their machine.

The journey of mobile gaming started with simple, pre-installed games on mobile phones, like "Snake" on Nokia devices. These games, though rudimentary by today's standards, were revolutionary as they introduced the concept of gaming on-the-go without additional machinery needed. The various portable platforms such as the Game Boy had cemented the idea into people’s heads long before that, but there was lots of other stuff to carry. With games on phones you just carried your phone – something you were going to do anyways. The convenience of having a game in one’s pocket was a novelty and a precursor to the mobile gaming explosion.

The advent of smartphones and app stores around 2007 was the catalyst that propelled mobile gaming into a new era. The iPhone, followed by Android phones, offered sophisticated touch screens, high-quality graphics, and easy access to a multitude of apps. The launch of Apple's App Store and Google Play Store created a platform for developers to distribute games directly to a broad audience, breaking down the barriers that traditional console and PC gaming had. Arguably, the Blackberry and its Blackberry store has a place here, but it didn’t  last long enough or become popular enough to matter realty.

Mobile gaming expanded the gaming demographic significantly. Unlike console and PC gaming, which often required significant time and financial investment, mobile games were accessible and appealing to a wider, more diverse audience. Games like "Angry Birds" and "Candy Crush Saga" became cultural phenomena, attracting people who had never considered themselves gamers before. This inclusivity was a key factor in the growth of mobile gaming. Like I said, everyone was a gamer – or could be.

The economic model of mobile gaming also evolved. Initially, most mobile games were purchased upfront. However, the free-to-play model, supported by in-app purchases and advertisements, became predominant. This model allowed users to start playing for free, making revenue through microtransactions and ads. It not only increased the accessibility of games but also led to lucrative business models for developers and publishers. Arguably, microtransactions are…not a great thing. They induce the same sorts of things that gambling does. And don’t get me started on “loot boxes.” Some things should just stay uninvented for everyone’s sake.

The proliferation of affordable smartphones in emerging markets has further expanded the reach of mobile gaming. In regions where PCs and consoles are less common, mobile phones often serve as the primary means of digital entertainment. This has opened up new markets for game developers, further driving the growth of the industry.

Looking towards the future, technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are beginning to find their place in mobile gaming, offering more immersive and engaging experiences. Games like "Pokémon Go" have shown the potential of AR in mobile gaming. Moreover, the rise of cloud gaming services promises to blur the lines between mobile and traditional gaming, allowing high-quality games to be streamed to mobile devices.

The rise of mobile gaming is a reflection of broader technological and societal shifts. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of play, entertainment, and social interaction in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, mobile gaming is poised to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry, continually reshaping and redefining the boundaries of digital entertainment.