What Improved Latency Means to Mobile Games

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4G LTE data speeds open up new possibilities for the thriving mobile games industry. The improved latency of 4G LTE networks leads to less lag during multiplayer gaming and gives developers and game publishers the opportunity to create more complex games for the mobile platform.

Before 4G LTE, gaming on a wireless network was largely a single-player experience with some multiplayer components, such as turn-based play, or social elements like leaderboards. Games like Angry Birds and Words With Friends were hits that helped move mobile gaming to the mainstream, changing the types of games people play and where and how they play them.

While many single-player mobile games continue to be popular, 4G LTE-enabled tablets and smartphones and the expansion of the 4G LTE network means more options for gamers and developers. The improved latency minimizes lag and the uplink and downlink speeds rival many wired Internet connections. These speeds allow for more sophisticated graphics and complex animations that combine to make richer multiplayer experiences for gamers.   For mobile developers and traditional game publishers, this means more room to experiment with multiplayer features for smartphones and tablets. 

Mobile multiplayer gaming is a young industry and 4G LTE’s improved latency will be critical as developers continue to realize the potential of the platform and create new experiences for gamers.

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