The video game industry is estimated to reach nearly $200 billion by the end of 2022. That figure is set to grow with a total value of around $316 billion by 2026. It’s not hard to see why that number is growing either.
Whatever type of game or genre you’re into and whichever gaming platform is your favorite, there’s a title out there. But in such a highly saturated market, video game developers must be more innovative than ever to stand out. That means they have to keep up to date with the latest trends. Let’s look at the latest trends taking the industry by storm.
VR
Virtual Reality (VR) turned the gaming industry on its head when it first appeared a few years ago. It now seems gaming developers are thinking outside of the box. We all know that by using VR headsets and connected controls, players can enjoy a more immersive experience. But, in the future, we could see this on another level. For example, online casino games will allegedly team up with VR software companies. The goal is to allow players to walk up and down the Las Vegas Strip before entering their chosen casino. Then they can choose a game and interact with other players around the table. Augmented reality, which uses digital software, images, and sounds, to recreate a real-life environment, is also tipped to be in the gaming market. It’s no surprise that VR gaming is believed to grow to $11 million over the next few years.
Robots
It might be a contentious topic in the gaming sphere, but it seems bots in games are on the rise too. Some gamers are even saying that it will enhance the overall playing experience. This happens by allowing gamers to compete against another player who is even more skilled than the pros. Despite this, it is still a hotly debated topic among gamers, so developers are working together – with feature improvements and technology advancements – to ensure that bots can improve the games and the overall experience instead of hindering it.
Blockchain
Another predicted video game trend for the year ahead is blockchain gaming. While cryptocurrency is already available as a currency in video games, increasingly, we’re seeing it being used as a means of safety. The likes of blockchain are helping to intersect hackers and scammers in a time when over $170 million is spent on in-game purchases every year. And, when the environment is safer, it’s only time before the overall experience is enhanced.
Cloud gaming
If you’re an avid gamer, it’s likely that you’ve either invested in or at least looked into the latest hardware launches. But don’t worry if you find them too expensive, as experts say that cloud-based video game software could soon replace the expensive hardware that we’re used to. As well as reducing set-up costs for gamers, cloud-based software means individuals can access their favorite games on the go, remotely, and streaming – instead of downloading – could become the go-to gaming method too.
Of course, these are just a few trends taking over the video game world. But, as technology advances and consumer preferences grow, we’ll likely see a few more added to the list.
