If public transportation is part of your commute, you probably look for ways to keep yourself entertained. Once upon a time, paperback books or newspapers were the go-to items in the commuter’s arsenal, but with the advent of smartphones, all of that changed. Today’s commuters are glued to their smartphones. They use these devices to keep up with everything, from breaking news to their friends on social media.
Most commuters also spend some time playing mobile games. Games offer a way to disconnect from the day-to-day routine and get away from it all, even if it is just for a few minutes. Gone are the days of boring commutes; mobile games have allowed us to take our entertainment wherever we go. In this article, we take a look at how the accessibility of mobile games is changing our commute.
Keeping Us Entertained
After a long day, most people just want to unwind. Depending on how the workday went, they may have a lot on their minds, but they’d prefer to disconnect and forget about it all, even if just for a moment. Games are one way for them to do that. Casual gaming genres like simulation, arcade, and casino games are popular among those looking to play games in quick sessions. With a good amount of gaming being done online, many gamers log onto platforms offering casual games, such as online casinos. These virtual platforms offer an assortment of games, including online slots with different themes. Whether they’re playing a title like The Big Catch or Polar Bonanza, these games are easy to learn and can be played in short spurts.
Another popular genre among commuters is simulation games like Stardew Valley, where players get to spend time in a farming environment as they plant crops, raise animals, and build their very own virtual farms. On the arcade side of things, there’s Subway Surfers, a fast-paced, endless runner where players have to dodge obstacles as they collect rewards. These games make it easy for commuters to escape to another world during their commute, something many welcome.
Mobile Gaming as a Productivity Boost
While some like to practice mindfulness during their commute, others prefer gaming. As you tap away on your smartphone screen, it probably never crosses your mind that the game you’re playing might be improving your cognitive abilities. After all, most of us view games as a form of entertainment. While the game you’re playing could be entertaining, if you’re playing a puzzle or strategy game, you might be getting a mental workout, too. These games call us players to solve problems and think critically in order to advance, all of which can help improve cognitive functions.
If you’re a fan of Sudoku or chess apps, you may not realize it, but these games could help you learn about strategic planning and foresight, two skills that are transferable to real-life situations. There are also mobile apps that use gamification to teach new skills or languages, like Duolingo, that offer an educational component along with entertainment.
Staying Engaged Without Limits
Depending on how long your commute is, you might find yourself with a lot of time on your hands to play the mobile games you enjoy. That’s the beauty of mobile gaming: it offers almost endless possibilities to keep commuters entertained, so there’s something for just about everyone. While many of the titles commuters prefer are casual games that can be played in short sessions, many mobile games offer uninterrupted gameplay and offline modes suitable for longer commutes. Games with offline modes are a great choice for commuters traveling in low-signal areas.
As a commuter who’s also a gamer, you’ll want to make sure you bring along the right accessories to make the most of your commute. Things like portable chargers and ergonomic grips can make your gaming sessions more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s also a good idea to customize your gaming sessions to match your preferences. All types of games are suitable for commuting, whether you prefer quick casual games or long, immersive adventures.
