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Difference Between Mobile and PC Game Development

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Check out this blog for a comprehensive analysis of the difference Between Mobile and PC Game Development.

Ronak Pipaliya

April 9, 2024

When beginning on the game development journey, determining your project's platform is an initial and crucial decision. The consequences of this choice will significantly influence your game's development, marketing, and design. Portable computers (PCs) and mobile devices are the two most widely used platforms. Mobile and PC games both presents its own set of advantages and difficulties. The primary objective of this article is to furnish an exhaustive comparison between desktop and mobile platforms to assist the reader in making an informed choice. 

What is Mobile Game Development?

Mobile game development refers to creating video games specifically designed to be played on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. With the proliferation of powerful mobile hardware and the widespread availability of app stores, mobile gaming has become a significant segment of the video game industry, offering a vast array of gaming experiences to a diverse audience.

Mobile game development typically begins with conceptualization, where developers brainstorm ideas for gameplay mechanics, visual style, and overall design. This phase often involves market research to identify popular trends and player preferences, helping developers create games that have the potential to resonate with their target audience.

Popular Mobile Games

Here are some mobile games that were popular around that time, and many of them may still be relevant in 2024:

  • PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile is the mobile version of the popular battle royale game, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. It features intense multiplayer action where players fight to be the last one standing.

  • Fortnite

Fortnite remains a popular choice for mobile gamers. It's a battle royale game where players can build structures and compete against each other in a vibrant, cartoonish world.

  • Call of Duty

Mobile: This mobile version of the popular first-person shooter franchise offers various multiplayer modes and a battle royale mode, providing a full-fledged Call of Duty experience on mobile devices.

  • Roblox

Roblox is a platform that hosts a variety of user-generated Roblox games and experiences. It offers a wide range of genres and gameplay styles, making it popular among players of all ages.

  • Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game where players can explore the real world to catch Pokémon, battle in gyms, and participate in events.


What is PC Game Development?

PC game development is the intricate process of creating video games specifically tailored to be played on personal computers. With the versatility and power of modern PC hardware, coupled with the widespread accessibility of digital distribution platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, PC gaming remains a vibrant and significant sector of the gaming industry.

The journey of PC game development begins with conceptualization, where developers brainstorm ideas for gameplay mechanics, storyline, and visual aesthetics. This phase often involves market research to identify player preferences and current trends, helping developers craft games that resonate with their target audience.

Popular PC Games

here are some popular PC games that were widely played and enjoyed by gamers:

  • The Witcher 3

This open-world action role-playing game, based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling, characters, and vast world to explore.

  • Cyberpunk 2077

Developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 is an action role-playing game set in a dystopian open-world metropolis. Despite initial technical issues at launch, it remains a highly anticipated and popular title.

  • Counter-Strike:

Global Offensive (CS:GO): CS:GO continues to be a popular multiplayer first-person shooter, known for its competitive gameplay, tactical depth, and a large esports scene.


  • Minecraft

Minecraft remains a beloved sandbox game where players can explore, build, and create in a blocky, procedurally generated world. Its popularity endures due to its creativity and endless possibilities.

  • League of Legends:

Developed by Riot Games, League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where teams of players compete to destroy each other's base. It remains one of the most popular and influential games in the esports scene.


Difference Between Mobile and PC Game Development

Recently, mobile gaming has experienced a surge in prominence. While PC and console remain the predominant platforms for playing AAA titles, the mobile gaming industry is experiencing significant growth. Riot Games, Activision, and PUBG have all ported to portable and handheld devices versions of some of their most popular titles that were previously exclusive to PC and console.

We can assist you in determining which platform is most suitable for your budget, talents, and requirements if you wish to develop a video game. 

  • Hardware 

Highly customized PC configurations enable incredible performance, enabling a truly mind-blowing gaming experience. In 2022, real-time raytracing in ultra-high-definition resolution can be easily run on mid- to top-end graphic cards. With amazing lighting techniques, this creates hyper-realistic settings, animations, and characters that mimic real-life scenarios.

This feature isn't available in mobile games. A mobile game's highly stylized graphics and straightforward but entertaining mechanics make it unique. These are intended to get around those restrictive hardware limitations. Consider titles like Survivor.io, Candy Crush, or Clash of Clans—the latter created by an independent team!

Mobile gaming is seeing a big independent market expansion. It's easy and affordable to produce entertaining, high-quality games for the mobile market. The App Store and Google Play are rapidly overflowing with independently created games, even though an independent market still flourishes on PC gaming platforms like Epic Games and Steam. Gris, Limbo, and Traffix, three best-selling titles, have been among them.

Also read: Current Trends in Custom 3D Mobile Game Development

  • Software

Unity excels at the development of mobile games. C#, the primary programming language of the engine, is accompanied by extensive online support and documentation that are regularly updated by software engineering, game design, and coding teams.

Dedicated mobile game engines consist of Godot Engine, Solar2D, and Swift, each with its own disadvantages. Swift is designed exclusively for iOS, whereas Solar2D is not suitable for 3D applications. Godot is undoubtedly the finest alternative to Unity, as it features a robust rendering engine and outstanding performance that can easily compete with Unity.

Conversely, the potential of PC game development software is virtually limitless. Beginners are not limited to a few programs specifically tailored for mobile gaming. Rather, they can utilize any of the dozens of engines available immediately. Each engine offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and community Discord servers, which are all created to assist fellow developers in finding their way. GameMaker Studio, Unreal Engine, CryEngine, Unity, RPG Maker, and Twine... The enumeration continues.

Mobile game development engines are therefore excellent, but their functionality is more limited than that of PC engines. Nevertheless, remain undeterred. A game's enjoyment is determined by its gameplay rather than its aesthetics. 

  • Art Style

Developers of mobile games must maintain a constant awareness of the memory constraints and polycount limitations necessary to ensure compatibility with smaller devices. Similarly, due to the reduced screen size, visuals must be vibrant and captivating, leaving little room for elaborate decorations or intricately detailed characters.

Employing a stylized art expert is a straightforward remedy for problematic hardware. Art that is extremely stylized permits visually appealing and expressive characters to exist without the expense of ray-tracing, 4K textures, or complex animations.

Consider Clash of Clans, in which emotion is conveyed by simplistic characters with basic animations through shouting and yelling, which works extraordinarily well. Stylization eliminates the necessity for expensive hyperrealism, reducing the overall cost of mobile game development.

Vasundhara Infotech maintains an extensive workforce of seasoned 3D artists as a leading mobile game development company in India with hands-on experience developing mobile game assets and top-notch game development services. Memory constraints and polycount restrictions render standard 3D pipelines unsuitable for mobile game objects; therefore, you must employ the most qualified artist. 

  • Gameplay

The extensive storylines and intricate visuals of PC games that are designed to tell a story have yet to fully translate to the mobile platform, where endless-loop gameplay is the primary source of success. Similarly, the absence of a keyboard and mouse restricts the precision of mobile gaming styles; players are compelled to utilize motion controls or touchscreens to engage in gameplay. In contrast, character control in games such as Total War, League of Legends, and Dragon Age necessitates the use of specific commands or precise point-and-click movements.

Nonetheless, that does not mean mobile games cannot be equally entertaining. Pokémon Go, one of the all-time most popular mobile games, created an entirely new gaming experience by utilizing the portability of a smartphone. In spite of its repetitive mechanics and low-poly visuals, a genuinely great game was created through its engaging multiplayer and genuine enjoyment. This game is still being cherished by players worldwide.

The majority of mobile games function in this manner. Among Us, which features a convenient D-pad to compensate for the imprecision of a touchscreen, soared to the top of the list of the most popular mobile games of 2020 despite its simplistic aesthetic and gameplay. Similar in nature, Temple Run, Candy Crush, and Doodle Jump are straightforward yet entertaining and competitive games that are frequently determined by leaderboards or multiplayer features.

The multiplayer component is the primary appeal of mobile games for most players. Engaging gameplay is the result of simple-to-use, difficult-to-master mechanics and a fast-paced environment, particularly when competing against friends or strangers. 

Also read: Top Reasons to Use Games in Your Marketing Strategy

  • Cost

Budgets for PC games are extensibly scalable. The cost of Call of Duty or God of War: The Last of Us readily approaches the millions, which is typical for a AAA release. Conversely, games such as Stardew Valley and Hotline Miami were developed as a hobby by small, enthusiastic developers, resulting in a significantly reduced budget and development expense.

Mobile game development cost is, on average, less expensive. Ports of extant PC games to mobile, such as Wild Rift by Riot Games or Genshin Impact by Tencent, attract substantial investment. However, this is not the case for most mobile games. Development expenses are significantly reduced when stylized, small-scale gameplay is implemented, as opposed to the ultra-realistic environments and characters found in PC games.

Choosing the Ideal Platform: Mobile Game Development VS PC Game Development

When choosing between PC and mobile, you should consider your target audience, the game's complexity level, budget, and monetization strategy. The PC can be the superior option if your game is intricate and requires top-notch visuals. The mobile platform may be perfect if your game is intended for short and informal play sessions.

It is important to note that creating software for both platforms is also feasible, either concurrently or by adapting your game from one platform to another after its initial launch. Nevertheless, this necessitates extra resources and a comprehensive comprehension of each platform's distinct demands and audience anticipations. Being the top game development company in India, we specialize in developing both mobile and PC games using the best game engines and technologies. We are the best game company to work with In 2024.

Conclusion

The decision of whether to develop your game project for PC or mobile platforms is of utmost importance. Each platform has its advantages and factors to consider, and the optimal decision depends on the unique requirements of your game and the resources available to you. By comprehending the fundamental distinctions between PC and mobile gaming, you may make a strategic determination that will position your game for triumph.

Choosing the appropriate platform for your game is a crucial initial stage in your 3D game development endeavor. If you require expert guidance on this issue, our team of seasoned game developers at Vasundhara Infotech is prepared to assist you. Reach out to us now and together we can develop a game that will captivate your gamers, regardless of the platform. Request for a FREE quote today.

FAQ's By Mobile And Pc Game

If you want to make innovative games with incredible graphics and gameplay, a career in PC game development can be a terrific choice. However, in the debate between mobile and PC game creation, mobile game production triumphs if your top goal is to reach a large audience or if you want to start quickly and cheaply.

PC gaming would be perfect for longer gaming sessions with more complex gameplay. Mobile gaming would be ideal for quick, informal gameplay sessions with simple access to a large selection of games built to be played on the go.

The global market for PC games was projected to bring in close to $40 billion in revenue in 2024, while the market for mobile games brought in more than $92 billion.

Mobile games are primarily designed to provide casual gaming experiences, with basic controls and easy-to-understand concepts appropriate for on-the-go gameplay. Console games have complicated gameplay mechanisms that appeal to die-hard players looking for in-depth tales, nuanced strategies, and extreme difficulties.

In the ever-changing technological landscape, mobile gaming remains a vibrant and significant force. As we approach 2024, the mobile gaming sector is primed for considerable expansion and transformation.

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Ronak Pipaliya

Leading Vasundhara Infotech's Game Department, he drives creativity and excellence. His strategic vision cultivates immersive gaming experiences, elevating the company's reputation.

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Have a project in mind? Drop a message to Bansi Pipaliya & start the discussion!

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