For example, in Ubisoft’s The Division, a third-person shooter, players can actually use a mobile device to actually play inside the game, although as a drone and not as one of the main characters. In Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, players can use the second screen to manage their pirate fleet. In the company’s new racing title, The Crew, gamers can customize vehicles on a mobile device before starting the race on the console.
What sets these apps apart from the in-game menus from previous console generations is the ability to take part of the game with you. Players can still play these parts of the game, such as Assassin Creed’s pirate missions, even when they are out and about.
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA), on the other hand, has focused more on using the second screen to enhance the multiplayer experience. In its upcoming first-person shooter, Battlefield 4, players can use the second screen to communicate with their fellow troops in multiplayer mode and deliver intel via real-time mapping. In EA’s new racing title, Need for Speed: Rivals, users can even use their mobile device to aid cops in chasing down other racers in multiplayer mode.
Recognizing the need for a second screen in many of these next-generation titles, video game accessory maker Nyko has already released second screen clips for the PS4 and Xbox One.
The Foolish bottom line
In my opinion, today’s second screen technologies are much better than previous attempts to unify television, gaming and computing. The reason is simple – our mobile devices are much more powerful today, and are elegantly suited for the consumption, duplication or enhancement of first screen content. As these apps improve over time, as seen in Graceland Undercover’s app, content providers could start generating higher ad revenue from display ads on the second screen.
Meanwhile, game developers could find new ways to engage gamers, allowing them to use their mobile devices in the game for a more immersive experience, and to also take portions of their games with them on the road. Therefore, I believe that second screen tech is not overrated, and is an important technology that media and tech investors should pay close attention to.
Leo Sun has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).
The article Is the Second Screen Overrated? originally appeared on Fool.com.
Leo is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
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