With Mobile World Congress – the industry's annual highpoint when it comes to the unveiling of new devices – currently drawing to a close, it almost seems churlish to question whether this constant technological advance is a good thing or not.

According to TIGA, however, the last few days in Barcelona have drawn attention to a mobile gaming industry now fully equipped to take on those operating within the console scene.

Dr. Richard Wilson – CEO of the UK trade association – has released a statement claiming MWC 2013 has illustrated the "extent of innovation" taking place in the sector, equipping those operating in the mobile space with the tools to punch above their weight.

Top tier

"Innovation is being driven by intense competition and this is good for consumers and developers," detailed Wilson, drawing attention to the scores of new devices and handsets announced at the event.

"As smartphones and tablets evolve into powerful game platforms, top tier mobile games increasingly resemble console games.

"UK studios with their great experience in console development are well suited to take advantage of these increasingly powerful and innovative devices."

But is this what the industry wants?

March forward

For consumers, more powerful devices are ultimately a good thing, pushing down the prices of existing handsets and also serving up flash new tech for those with cash to spend.

For developers, however, the debate is more finely balanced. Powerful smartphones and tablets means outfits more used to operating on consoles or PC now have a new market – and a new breed of gamer - they can target.

Indies who had previously found a space for themselves on formats less focused on graphical capability may, in the future, find life on mobile more difficult.

Rebellion CEO and creative director and TIGA chairman Jason Kingsley, however, argues that this march forward is actually a necessity. The mobile market can't afford to stagnate.

"A massive show like the MWC in Barcelona shows just how important new technology and new games experiences are to the tech sector," added Kingsley.

"Hardware, no matter how innovative, needs great software to give it a purpose."