Back to Scholarship

What's a Mobile Game?

Explore our video series featuring interviews with leading scholars who discuss the definition and evolution of mobile gaming.

Understanding Mobile Games

The Retro Mobile Gaming Project (RMGP) defines mobile games as games that are played on portable devices, including handheld consoles, mobile phones, and other portable electronic devices.

This video series features interviews with leading scholars who explore different aspects of mobile gaming and its evolution over time. Each scholar brings a unique perspective on what constitutes a mobile game and how these games have shaped our culture and society.

Video Series: What's a Mobile Game?

This series explores the definition of mobile games through interviews with scholars and industry professionals. Each video offers a unique perspective on the history, design, and cultural impact of mobile games.

What is a Mobile Game?

Jordan Frith
October 1, 2022

Clemson University professor Jordan Frith elaborates the difference between passive and active mobile games and explains why mobile game studies are so relevant today.

All Episodes

What is a Mobile Game?

Jordan Frith

October 1, 2022

Mobile Games and Connection

Davide Spallazzo

September 1, 2022

Virtual and Actual Reality

Ilaria Mariani

May 1, 2022

Seamless Gaming

Alex Custodio

April 1, 2022

Beyond Old-School Constraints

Shira Chess

March 1, 2022

Games as Technocultural Platforms

Nick Taylor

February 1, 2022

Research Papers

The following research papers explore the definition and evolution of mobile games, providing academic context to our video series.

Playful Urban Spaces: A Historical Approach to Mobile Games

de Souza e Silva, A., & Hjorth, L. (2009)

This paper explores the history of mobile games and their relationship to urban spaces, examining how mobile games transform our experience of physical spaces.

Read Paper

Software Presentation: The Retro Mobile Gaming Database

de Souza e Silva, A., & Glover-Rijkse, R. (2023)

This paper presents the Retro Mobile Gaming Database and its contribution to the study of mobile game history and preservation.

Read Paper

Join the Conversation

We invite scholars, game developers, and enthusiasts to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the definition and evolution of mobile games. Share your perspectives and research to help expand our understanding of this important field.