Backflip Studios will use light games to draw fans to its deeper iPhone game DragonVale

Backflip Studios is launching the free-to-play game DragonVale today, which represents the pioneering game studio’s latest efforts to raise the stakes in the iPhone game market. And the mobile game studio will use its casual titles to draw more users to this type of deeper mobile gaming experience.

We’ve monitored Backflip’s progress over the years, particularly since chief executive Julian Farrior has always been good about sharing helpful details about the state of the iPhone … Continue Reading

The rise of tablet gaming

Tablet gaming could be a huge market, disrupting traditional game hardware markets.

With more than 25 million units sold, the iPad has become much larger than a number of other historic game platforms (the Sega Dreamcast sold about 8 million units). As such, it’s helping Apple to swing developers back into its fold, according to a recent survey by Flurry. Android tablets are expected to catch on at some point as well.

“I think this … Continue Reading

Reflections on GamesBeat 2011 and the road ahead in mobile games

Our well-attended GamesBeat 2011 conference took place this week, and here’s what you missed.

As I noted in a preview story on mobile games, the conference was all about the wide-open battle for control of the emerging mobile gaming market. The highlights below follow the chronological appearance of the speakers. It’s a long story, but it will tell you what the conference was like in case you missed it.

Fireside chat with Brian Farrell

Brian … Continue Reading