The mobile battlefield is so barren and cruel that traditional media producers rarely venture there.

They still fire in video (from a distance) – and win some minor skirmishes, especially with short-form content. But they don’t understand the environment and would never dare to go hand to hand with the audience.

Mobile is where the next story war will take place. And I always go where the story takes me.

I Go Where I Have To Go…

On that mobile device, right now, your audience is thumb twitching, sliding, tapping and swiping their way towards new forms of entertainment that will put traditional media producers out of a job.

They’re telling their own stories on social and making their own fun on mobile games.

They don’t need us, yet. They’re in the digital backyard, hanging over the fence, chatting and interacting. Social media is the biggest gun since nuclear  – FACT!

The audience are illustrating their own life story with timelines full of aspirational media – fiction and fact in over generous helpings that tell the story of their lives the way they want them to be.

What If There’s No Room?

You thought that social media was distracting – you’ve seen nothing yet.

Also marching on mobile is the Third Reich of attention deficit – GAMES!

Games send you down long dark tunnels full of beasts, jewels and intrigue – towards new conflicts and challenges. These games have stories too. From the simplest promise of a journey to somewhere else, to the complex systems you own and become the god of in your own narrative.

In terms of time and attention logistics – you can’t slide a paper treaty between social and games.

Maybe There’s A Way..?

Getting attention and captivating your audience on mobile will require strategy, grit, tenacity and a little bit of story magic.

Plus the ability to twist and turn as the audience respond. Agile stories that respond to the interactive audience.

A good story always glimmers with hope. You only need one person to listen and play to gain ground. Build on it and move forwards. Battles can be won one person at a time.

That’s my game – on the battlefield of mobile devices!

I’d be fascinated to hear your thoughts – or if you have social and game experiences you want to share it would be great if you left a comment. This is the most interesting area of modern media for me – I hope you like it too!