Brandon Sanderson, the celebrated author of fantasy novels, is also known for his love of video games. While he’s often busy crafting epic stories, he frequently discusses his favorite games and shares his thoughts on the gaming world.
His passion for gaming is evident, and his top ten games of all time, including Bloodborne, Breath of the Wild, and Civilization, show that he knows his stuff. However, his views on mobile gaming are less enthusiastic, and recently, he made headlines for his critical take on the mobile gaming industry.
Brandon Sanderson’s Take on Mobile Games
Brandon Sanderson is no stranger to expressing controversial opinions, and his stance on mobile games is one that resonates with many gamers. In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, he didn’t hold back, stating that “mobile games suck.” According to him, mobile games are nothing more than “Skinner boxes designed to extract as much money from you as possible,” a critique that hits hard given the current state of the industry.
It’s hard to disagree with him when looking at the majority of mobile games on the market today. Many are plagued with in-app purchases, ads, and gameplay that lacks depth or creativity.
Sanderson points out that very few mobile games are critically acclaimed or universally loved, which makes it frustrating for those looking for a genuinely great experience on their phones. While this might sound like a harsh critique, it’s one that reflects the struggles of the mobile gaming market.
A Glimmer of Hope: Luck Be A Landlord
Despite his disappointment with the mobile gaming scene, Sanderson does acknowledge that there are a few good games out there. One of his personal favorites is Luck Be A Landlord, a roguelike deckbuilder that has earned a 93% “Very Positive” rating on Steam. This game is a standout example of quality in a sea of mediocrity, offering an engaging gameplay loop and charming visuals that keep players coming back for more.
For Sanderson, Luck Be A Landlord scratches the same itch as his other favorite game, Balatro, while offering something unique. The game has gained a cult following for its depth and replayability, and Sanderson’s endorsement only adds to its credibility. If you’re looking for a mobile game that’s worth your time, Luck Be A Landlord is definitely one to try.
Other Notable Mobile Games Sanderson Recommends
While Luck Be A Landlord stands out as one of the best, Sanderson also shares a list of other mobile games that are worth playing. Among his recommendations are:
Sagrada – A mobile adaptation of the popular board game.
Plants vs Zombies – The classic tower defense game.
Monument Valley – A visually stunning puzzle game.
Kingdom Rush – A well-loved tower defense series.
Balloon Tower Defense – Another fun tower defense game.
Reigns – A game where you rule a kingdom through simple decisions.
Highrise Heroes – A strategy game with a focus on tower building.
Isle of Arrows – A unique, strategy-based game.
Ticket to Earth – A turn-based puzzle RPG.
These games are all solid choices, showing that there are some excellent mobile titles out there. However, they are the exceptions, not the rule. The oversaturation of low-effort games makes it difficult for players to find the gems hidden among the noise.
The State of Mobile Gaming
One of the biggest challenges in mobile gaming is the sheer volume of bad games flooding the app stores. With countless developers pushing out simple, ad-heavy, or pay-to-win games, it’s easy for quality titles to get lost in the shuffle. This oversaturation not only frustrates gamers but also prevents innovative or well-crafted games from getting the recognition they deserve.
For gamers who are dedicated to finding something worthwhile, there are some great titles, but they often require a bit of digging. Sanderson’s critiques highlight an important issue: while mobile gaming has the potential to be a great medium, the industry is still grappling with problems that hinder its growth.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mobile Gaming
While the mobile gaming industry has its flaws, there’s hope for the future. Developers can take a page from games like Luck Be A Landlord and Sagrada by focusing on quality, creativity, and fair monetization. If more mobile games start to follow these examples, it could lead to a shift in how mobile gaming is perceived, moving away from the “money extraction” model and toward a more player-friendly environment.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the mobile gaming market will evolve. However, as long as passionate voices like Brandon Sanderson’s continue to call out the industry’s shortcomings, there’s hope that change is on the horizon.
