Pocket Gamer

Pocket Gamer. Pocket Gamer is a leading international website and media brand dedicated to coverage of mobile games, handheld game consoles, and portable media player gaming. Launched in 2004 by Steel Media Ltd, it has grown into a primary source for news, reviews, and industry analysis for platforms including iOS, Android (operating system), Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation Vita. The site is recognized for its authoritative voice, comprehensive event coverage, and its influential awards system that shapes developer and publisher strategies within the global mobile gaming market.

History

The platform was established in 2004 by Chris James (entrepreneur) through his company Steel Media Ltd, capitalizing on the burgeoning market for games on early smartphones and devices like the Nokia N-Gage. Its founding coincided with the rise of Java ME games and preceded the revolutionary launch of the iPhone and the App Store (iOS/iPadOS). Over the years, it expanded its editorial scope to cover successive generations of hardware from Nintendo, such as the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS, as well as Sony's PlayStation Portable. The brand's growth mirrored the explosive expansion of the mobile game industry, with its parent company, Steel Media, later launching related events and sister publications like Pocket Gamer Connects.

Content and coverage

The site's core content revolves around daily news updates, in-depth reviews, and previews of upcoming titles across all major portable platforms. It features regular columns, developer interviews, and market analysis, often focusing on business trends within the freemium and free-to-play models prevalent on Google Play and the iOS App Store. Coverage extends to indie game development, augmented reality experiences like Pokémon Go, and the competitive scene of esports titles such as Clash Royale. The editorial team also produces extensive guides and meta-coverage of major industry events including the Game Developers Conference, E3, and Gamescom.

Awards and events

Pocket Gamer operates several high-profile award schemes, most notably the annual Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards (formerly the IMGA), which honor excellence in categories like Best Game, Best Developer, and Best Publisher. These awards are a significant benchmark for achievement within the mobile game sector. Furthermore, Steel Media organizes the Pocket Gamer Connects conference series, a global touring event that brings together developers, investors, and service providers in cities like London, Seattle, and Hong Kong. These events, alongside smaller meet-ups and the Big Indie Pitch competitions, form a crucial part of the brand's industry engagement.

Influence and impact

As one of the longest-running dedicated mobile gaming publications, Pocket Gamer has exerted considerable influence on both consumers and the industry. Its reviews and scores can significantly impact a game's visibility and commercial success on digital storefronts. The platform has been cited by major developers like Supercell, King (company), and Niantic (company), and its events are considered key networking hubs. Its coverage has documented the entire evolution of the market, from early WAP games to the current era of cloud gaming and cross-platform play, helping to legitimize mobile gaming as a core segment of the wider video game industry.

See also

* TouchArcade * 148Apps * Gamezebo * Mobile game development * List of video game websites

Category:Video game websites Category:Mobile gaming Category:Companies established in 2004 Category:Steel Media