Today, the video gaming industry generates more revenue than the movie and sports industries combined. This growth has been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were confined to their homes and turned to online gaming for entertainment. Therefore, it is safe to say that the current state of online mobile gaming is incredibly exciting, offering a wide range of options, including free-to-play games, in-app purchases, location-based games, and augmented reality (AR) games. Mobile games provide an immersive experience that is truly remarkable. When we consider gaming, our minds often still gravitate toward consoles and PCs. However, as the gaming industry continues to experience exponential revenue growth, it becomes clear that the future of gaming will not solely rely on the direct sales of traditional 'AAA' games. Here are the Top 5 Trends that will shape gaming’s future.
Cloud gaming services provided by leading hardware developers are anticipated to revolutionize the online gaming market in 2023 and beyond. These services enable gamers to stream gaming videos directly from servers, delivering content from the cloud to their gaming devices. The responsiveness of cloud gaming is comparable to playing from a local copy of the game, with near-instant connections. However, advancements in mobile internet technologies, such as fiber broadband and 5G, are overcoming potential slowdowns, driving companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and streaming giants like Netflix to invest more in these services. The introduction of cloud streaming has the potential to transform the gaming industry by eliminating the dependence on hardware cycles for game development lifecycles.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data are two transformative technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. When combined, these technologies can bring about groundbreaking innovations and create dynamic games with advanced outcomes. AI has the capability to simulate human behavior, resulting in visually stunning graphics and immersive gaming experiences. Meanwhile, Big Data in gaming allows for player behavior profiling, enabling game developers to create captivating experiences based on past performances and observations of the wider gaming community. By leveraging AI and Big Data, games become more enjoyable and challenging, offering players a personalized gaming experience and enhancing overall user satisfaction. Furthermore, advanced machine learning algorithms powered by these technologies enable the creation of captivating and engaging games that captivate players on a whole new level.
Facebook and Microsoft have expressed their aspirations to create immersive and persistent online worlds for both work and leisure. However, it is worth noting that millions of gamers are already familiar with congregating in virtual universes, where they can enjoy a wide array of entertainment options. These virtual environments cater to various activities, ranging from traditional games like chess and bridge to more intense experiences involving explosive confrontations. In the future, major games and franchises are likely to undergo a transformation and serve as "platforms" that offer users greater flexibility in terms of their experiences. While some individuals may still prefer logging into popular titles such as Call of Duty to engage in intense gunfights with friends, others will seek out these virtual worlds for socializing, chatting, and other forms of shared interactions. Game developers recognize the significance of keeping players engaged on their platforms, whether by fostering loyalty through subscriptions or by leveraging their captive audience to attract marketers across different industries.
Gaming, when integrated with blockchain technology, has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry and redefine the gaming landscape. Previously regarded as a recreational pursuit, the realm of mobile gaming has now evolved into a viable avenue for asset creation, largely attributed to the utilization of blockchain technology.
Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). The future of gaming lies in Mobile XR, which has the potential to enhance online games by providing gamers with an incredibly immersive experience, akin to being transported into an entirely new dimension. Portable wearable headsets, intuitive interactions, convertible screens, and motion tracking will soon become commonplace, further enhancing the gaming experience.