10 Gaming Norms We Wouldn’t Have Believed Possible 10 Years Ago

By Shawn Jackson /

3. Mobile Gaming

In 2004, iPhone and Android were just in the beginning stages of being made realities. We didn't have powerful enough mobile chips in our phones to produce the graphics of a home console or handheld game from any of the Big 3. Our flip-phones were basically only used for calling, text messaging and the occasional game of solitaire or picture taking for MMS. In just two short years, everything changed and destroyed what we thought we knew as possible. In the years since, mobile gaming has blossomed into its own line of gaming that has taken the entire world by storm. From emulated console ports to fully developed remakes of those same titles, to casual fare such as Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja, the mobile gaming sub-industry has challenged the established rivals to do something different. Indeed, the existence of mobile games has caused many to speculate that it will supplant traditional console and handheld gaming in a scant few short years. While this doesn't seem to be happening any time soon, the challenge is there and it's up to the established companies of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo to answer with better and more compelling software for casuals and hardcore alike.