With the increase in number of smartphone users, many app developers in Nepal have been developing local apps, considering the need and taste of local users. While business related apps are on the rise since few years, a significant increase in Nepali gaming apps can also be noticed in the Play Store.Nepali card gaming apps like Dhumbal, Call Break, and Marriage, and Gorkhali Helicopter Combat, Gorkhali Battle and Baghchal among others available in Google Play Store are the most played games by Nepali users. All these apps offer both single player and multiplayer gaming options.
Baghchal is one of the most popular traditional board games of Nepal involving 20 goats and four tigers. The game starts with four tigers placed in the four corners of the board, while goats are mounted on the board one at a time. Traditionally, playing this game requires two players, but in the gaming app, you can either choose to play it against 'computer' or another player via Bluetooth connection.
Gorkhali Helicopter Combat is an arcade game in which you use your helicopter to shoot at your enemies' helicopters with two special powers—a bomb that can destroy all enemies at once, and an elastic power to fire more bullets. Similarly, Gorkhali Battle is all about saving the captains of your team with variety of guns available. Currently, you can advance up to four stages in Gorkhali Battle, and the additional stages will be featured soon.
Ncell App Camp focusing on gaming apps
The Ncell App Camp, an annual app development challenge that started in 2014, provides platform for mobile app developers and mobile enthusiasts to bring forward their "creative and innovative mobile app ideas, products and prototypes that have potential to stand out as sustainable business."
Milan Mani Sharma, corporate communication expert of Ncell, says that gaming apps have high potential. "We have introduced the 'Games and Entertainment' category this year in the app camp because we've realized that one can learn while playing, too. While games are proven to be one of the best methodologies of learning, it also enhances the hand-eye relation and comprehension in addition to providing entertainment," he explains, adding that their focus is also on facilitating local gaming and learning apps for children.
The Ncell App Camp, which is currently accepting submissions from interested candidates, has already received an overwhelming number of mobile app ideas in the 'Games and Entertainment' category. Some of the submitted ideas generated by young app developers are AaluPlus, Kheldai Sikdai, The Game Mafia, Ek Nepal, Aayo Gorkhali, Bingo, Box and Pebbles, Brick Fall, Chipleti, Dandi Biyo, Escape Jump, FlipMe, Flipped, Forest Ranger, Go Futsal, Jellified, Mt Climbing, Thief Hunter, etc.
The App Camp is also accepting ideas under three other categories namely, Tourism, Health, and Utilities till Sunday, September 20.
Global market for mobile games increasing exponentially
There are more than 100 Nepali apps available for download on Google Play Store and the gaming apps have made their space in the list of the most downloadable apps.
According to a report published by Newzoo, a global market research and predictive analytics firm with primary focus on games in October 2014, global mobile games revenue will reach USD 30.8 billion in 2015 and USD 40.9 billion by 2017. These figures are based on the solid growth figures in both matured as well as emerging markets.
The revenue figures reflect the amount of time and money people these days spend playing games on smartphones and tablets across the globe.
However in Nepal, most gaming apps can be downloaded for free and don't offer in-app purchases, mostly due to the lack of proper online payment gateway system both for developers and players.
Gaming apps industry-yet to burgeon
Even though developers agree that gaming apps are the most money-making apps, Nepal is yet to go a long way for the same.
"Despite great prospects in the app industry, mainly because of the proliferation of smart devices and increasing penetration of Internet, Nepali games and entertainment apps have not been able to generate revenue mainly because of the lack of proper payment gateway. It's the major obstacle even for in-app purchases," says Chandan Goopta, CEO of Opinio, and team leader of the Corporate category winner for Ncell App Camp 2014. He believes that Nepali app developers can venture into paid apps if only the government changes its policy to bring a secure electronic payment gateway system.
Manish Modi, director of Janaki Technology, observes that Nepali developers are capable of making good quality gaming apps. "The potential is really good in this industry and our developers are competent enough to make the best apps. But, unfortunately, they fail when they try to monetize the apps, and thus either they aren't able to upgrade the apps or even worse, the company closes down," Modi shares.
Sudarshan Pant, who developed Baghchal back in 2010 while he was studying in South Korea, said that the app generated good revenue initially, but it fell down subsequently compared to other apps.
However, one can open a PayPal account while staying in Nepal.
Modi explains, "Most Nepali startups are unaware that they can open company in the US without having to travel there. In less than USD 1,000, a company bank account can be opened in the US after which a PayPal account can be created easily. This allows them to use the payment gateway."
And while Nepal is yet to get more gaming apps, data shows that players of Candy Crush spent USD 1.33 billion on in-apps purchases in 2014.
Gaming apps like Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, Two Dots, Framed, Angry Bird, Crazy Taxi City Rush, Monument Valley, Blackout, Spelltower, 80Days, Haunt The House, Hitman Go, and Alphabear are some of the most popular 'free-to-play' games with in-app payment features available in Google Play Store.
For more information on Ncell App Camp, visit ncellappcamp.com.
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