The Rise of the Apps

As a society we have always feared the uprising of unknown other beings. Yet whilst we watch our backs for the unknown, we seem to overlook what stares us in the face every day; the rise of technology and the fact that we are slowly being brainwashed by these simple things known as apps. We hide from those who we believe will ‘invade and take over’ and whilst that hasn’t happened yet, how long will it be before apps and technology have a mind of their own?

The word app is thrown around in general conversation all the time and commonly refers to games, but this isn’t where apps actually began. App is a shortened form of the term application software which refers to software that is used for very specific purposes. Public demand and availability of developer tools began the wave of new apps.

Mobile app is a term that refers to software made purposely for mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet computers. When smart phones were introduced it paved the way for mobile apps and this is where they really shone and not just for productivity but as a way to legitimately spend time.

Mobile apps were originally used for productivity and information retrieval such as email, calendar, contacts, stock market and weather information. And whilst mobile devices still come with these apps already installed, they are swept aside to make way for games and social media.

Games on mobile devices range from adventure games to puzzle games and everything in between. Children are even encouraged by parents to play some of these games, not just as a distraction but as a way to learn; which is one of the great advantages of the simplicity of mobile gaming. Because most people in our modern society own some form of a mobile gaming device such as a phone or tablet, games are aimed at all different ages and different types of people which sets mobile games apart from console based games.

Apple App store, Google Play, Windows Phone Store, and the Blackberry App World are just a few of the many different distribution services from which you can purchase and download apps. The Apple App store was the first of its kind and set the standard for apps and the accessibility of them.

Anyone can create an app and attempt to sell it through any or all of the distribution services. Because of this, anyone and everyone has the ability to be a game designer – a profession which was once difficult to take part in. For paid apps, a percentage of 20-30% goes to the distribution provider, such as iTunes, and the rest goes to the producer of the app. The popularity of apps has continued to rise. More mobile subscribers use apps than browse the web on their devices: 51.1% vs. 49.8% respectively.

Apps are used as a way to make life easier, no matter who you are. Apps now include GPS and location-based services, banking, order tracking and ticket purchases.

Like with video games, some game apps have to be purchased. However this is where the major difference is. Whilst there are a large number of apps that have to be purchased, there are far more that are free. Some free games are just a version of the paid app that just has less content, sort of like a demo or trial. Other free games are made from smaller unknown companies that need to get a following before they can charge people to play their game. With the aid of social media and new technologies everyone now-a-days is a casual gamer, with parents and elderly people taking part in very basic, but still enjoyable games.

“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” – Albert Einstein

Whenever you walk down the street you will no doubt see people of all ages glancing at their mobile phones; clutching on to them for dear life almost as if they are a part of their soul. People are constantly checking Facebook, Twitter, and countless other social media’s and this is just when they are on the go. Mobile games provide people with the opportunity to have short and sharp gaming sessions whilst still having a true gamer’s experience. Yes the screens may be smaller and the ideas simpler, but the state of immersion is just the same as with any other game.

In the recent months, games that were originally only developed for use on computers and dedicated gaming systems, have been compacted into app versions of the same game. XCOM Enemy Unknown and Grand Theft Auto are two good examples of large games that have in-depth storylines and gameplay which are now available to play on the go, and for only a fraction of the cost.

When most people think of gamer’s they picture either very young children, or men in their 40s who still live at home with their parents; both of these being very stereotypical. When in reality, anyone who owns a mobile device partakes in the past time that is video games.

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