Forget consoles and controllers; today’s teens are all about games they can play in the palm of their hand. Whether it’s a quick round of Block Blast between classes or a showdown in Brawl Stars, mobile games have become a major pastime for high schoolers.
Games like Block Blast and Brawl Stars have recently skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a major source of entertainment for millions who are leveling up their free time with mobile gaming.
These games not only attract players because of their engaging designs but also because they provide quick and exciting gameplay that can be enjoyed on the go, according to high schoolers who play them regularly.
Block Blast, a Tetris puzzle-based game, and Brawl Stars, a multiplayer battle game, are two different genres, but both have found widespread appeal thanks to their accessibility and frequent updates that keep players coming back.
Two Carlmont sophomores, Nicole Franklin and Hannah Miller, play mobile games nearly every day.
“188,000 is my high score in Block Blast. I love it so much, and I play it every day. I’m addicted,” Miller said.
The secret to games like Block Blast is their ability to balance simplicity with difficulty, giving the player a sense of accomplishment without being too overwhelming.
“Block Blast is easy to play, but it gets hard fast. It’s fun because I can play for however long I want, depending on how much time I have,” Franklin said.
Brawl Stars offers a more social experience with multiplayer battles, where players team up or compete against each other.
Though they enjoy the challenge, they say it’s mostly about unwinding and staying connected with friends in a way that feels fun and relaxed.
“Playing on a team with my friends feels like hanging out, even if we’re all just at home on our phones,” Miller said.
Ethan Carson, a licensed clinical psychologist, says that gaming lets teenagers unwind and connect with their friends in a way that restores energy instead of draining it.
“School can get really overwhelming for some children,” Carson said. “Sometimes, video games are the best way for a student to clear their head.”
This relaxation factor seems to be one of the key reasons teens turn to mobile games, especially when they need a quick mental break.
“Playing games is satisfying, and just makes my day more fun,” Franklin said.
