The gaming industry is evolving rapidly with new advancements in technology, software, and online resources. With each new innovation comes the potential for huge breakthroughs that could fundamentally alter how we experience virtual entertainment. This rapid evolution of the gaming industry has already created some trends driving key changes in how gamers interact with games. In this blog post, we’ll look at eight trends currently shaping the digital gaming landscape—including things like eSports spectating, cross-platform compatibility, and mobile game development, to name a few! Get ready to get your geek on as we explore these 8 fascinating topics and see what they mean for gamers everywhere!
1. Cross-Platform Playability
The gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, and it shows no sign of stopping. Proof of the current value of the video game industry is the global gaming revenue exceeding $300 billion. The gaming industry is delving into cross-platform playability, which has the potential to revolutionize the video game industry. By allowing players the ability to join the same gaming environments no matter what platform they use, the current value of the video game industry could skyrocket. In the past, gamers on Xbox, PlayStation or PC have each had their own isolated communities; but with cross-platform playability, these boundaries dissolve as the community becomes unified. This increased sense of connection and collaboration can drastically enhance the gaming experience – and, subsequently, the industry as a whole. This innovative capability may soon thrive in the modern era of gaming.
2. The Rise of Mobile Gaming
The surge in mobile gaming has completely disrupted the gaming industry. Smartphone owners spend countless hours trying to beat levels and create high scores, making this market attractive for game developers. To capitalize on this potential, developers need to keep in mind key factors such as overall user experience and customer engagement and satisfaction. This means providing users with a streamlined interface and exciting gameplay that will continually draw them back into the game. Additionally, customizing the game by offering features such as multiple support platforms and multi-tasking capabilities can give games an edge over its competitors. With so much input from gamers themselves, developers are presented with unprecedented opportunities to reap the rewards of being part of this burgeoning industry. It’s an exciting time for mobile gaming, and with careful consideration, it could provide amazing returns on investment for its creators.
3. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two cutting-edge technologies in the gaming world that bring a new dimension of play to gamers and game designers alike. With VR games, gamers are transported into alternate worlds with visuals, sound, and a hands-on experience that create an incredibly immersive environment. No longer bound by the limitations of physical spaces, gamers can explore entire galaxies or save entire civilizations with just a few clicks. On the other side of the spectrum, AR has made gaming more interactive by creating opportunities for game designers to use inanimate objects as real-time players. This technology has revolutionized how we play virtual games and gives gamers the power to direct their own adventure while still having actual control over their environment. The possibilities with these technologies seem limited only by our imaginations.
4. Increasing Sophistication of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is advancing astoundingly, enabling game developers to create increasingly life-like virtual worlds. AI makes it possible for characters in these video games to learn the behavior and responses of the players, thereby creating a more personalized gaming experience. Developers can use AI algorithms to enable characters to think independently with complex decision-making processes that dramatically enhance immersion and flexibility in gaming environments. Additionally, AI algorithms can help populate worlds with NPCs capable of engaging in conversations or collaborating with the players, which provides a sense of realism never before seen in video games. Through machine learning, AI keeps innovators in our industry on their toes – pushing them to keep coming up with new ways to leverage its advances so that gamers everywhere can experience heightened levels of realism and challenge alike
5. Esports Business Model
Could the future of business lie in competitive video gaming? It certainly looks that way! With a global audience growing rapidly, and projections estimating revenues to reach nearly $2 billion in 2020, esports are quickly becoming an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking out lucrative opportunities. The modern realities of streaming technology and monetization platforms have boosted the business model of esports to unprecedented heights – not only can companies leverage the power of game developers and publishers, but they also have agencies that specialize in event management, content aggregation, rights trading, and league/tournament structure. And, of course, let’s not forget about fan engagement; it’s become essential to sustain a successful business with loyal followers and monetizable activities such as subscriptions and merchandise. All these dynamics point to a bright future for esports businesses.
6. Funding Opportunities for Indie Game Developers
If you’re an independent game developer, you know how hard it can be to figure out what kinds of funding are available to you. That’s why exploring the options—grants, accelerators, and incubators—is so important. With their help, indie game developers can gain access to different types of financial and other resources that can support the success of their games and help them reach their ambitious goals. I suggest working with a professional navigator who is familiar with this type of funding; they can assist in researching current grants, accelerators and incubators that might fit your needs. Additionally, networks such as Indie Game Alliance are invaluable for learning about new opportunities as they become available and connecting with other developers who have had success finding these types of programs.
7. Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is revolutionizing the way we interact with classic games. While traditional consoles and PCs require maximum performance for an optimal experience, cloud gaming allows for these same titles to be experienced on lower-end devices without sacrificing quality. This means gamers can enjoy the nostalgia of classic console and PC titles without investing in pricey hardware or dealing with dated software and graphics. Cloud gaming also brings new life to classic titles by opening them up to a much larger audience than their traditional counterparts could previously reach. In its current state, cloud gaming has enabled millions of players to experience beloved classics like they never have before.
8. Popularity of Twitch, Mixer and Other Game Streaming Platforms
With a surge of new viewers in recent years, it’s no surprise that game streaming platforms such as Twitch and Mixer are experiencing unprecedented success. For viewers, these streaming sites provide hours of exciting entertainment at their fingertips. Watching top players show off their skills and interact with fans is something that just didn’t exist a few years ago, but it has quickly become one of the most popular trends in the gaming industry. For streamers, these platforms provide opportunities to create a community around their content, establish a personal brand, and even monetize their efforts. Whether you’re looking to have fun or build an income from streaming, there’s never been a better time to get into this growing (potentially lucrative) game streaming market.
Cross-platform playability, the rise of mobile gaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality, the increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence, esports business model and funding opportunities for indie game developers are all signs that video games are here to stay. As new technologies become available and people continue to create innovative games, many gamers worldwide will become enthralled in playing them. Not only do players benefit from the immersive technology, but the potential revenue that comes with streaming platforms such as Twitch and Mixer will draw game enthusiasts even further in. Cloud gaming is saving classic titles while at the same time breathing new life into them. The gaming industry is an ever-expanding field with continuously more profound potential to explore, making it a very exciting time to be a gamer!
