The realm of online gaming is one known to be ever-changing and in constant flux, due to the host of gaming titles that draw users in. The gaming world is known for shifting preferences and as new users flock to tried and true online gaming hubs, there are plenty of things to keep them engaged.
Thanks to innovations and social connectivity there are plenty of growing trends that are helping to shape the overall online gaming industry.
Here’s a look at some of these top trends that are growing within the online gaming sphere.
ESports Expansion
You can’t mention the world of online gaming without noting how Esports has seen exponential growth in recent years. This attraction and expansion show no signs of stopping. The professional gaming scene has evolved from offering betting abilities to a local market into a global phenomenon. The ability for esports to host tournaments that fill arenas and draw in millions of viewers online. This trend is expanding with increased investment from corporations, which results in larger prize pools. This in turn results in an ever-growing audience, which has solidified esports as a major player in the online gaming entertainment industry.
Mobile Gaming Growth
The top growth area in online gaming is in the sphere of mobile gaming. Overall, mobile gaming continues to dominate the gaming industry, as it can attract a large and diverse audience that is located globally. With mobile devices able to connect to the online world, and the accessibility of smartphones to the general public, the user base for mobile games continues to grow. This growth has given rise to a host of engaging titles, and the constant evolution in mobile gaming is still showing no signs of slowing down.
The massive expansion within this sector of online gaming will continue for the foreseeable future since the growth is predominantly fueled by the constant new and innovative mobile games that are coming to market. Couple that with the integration of new technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and additional data connectivity, and you have the recipe for new and exciting mobile gaming choices, including game accessibility.
Subscription Services
While originally found far few between, and only for avid gamers at the time, subscription-based gaming services, such as PlayStation Now, Apple Arcade, and Xbox Game Pass, offer access to a vast library of games to those interested in a set monthly fee. This does away with the need to have physical copies of games taking up space at home and allows players to access a wide variety of gaming titles for one set price.
These services are becoming increasingly popular as they provide gamers with a very cost-effective way to gain access to a large range of old and new titles. The growth of these subscription models is expected to continue, as companies and corporations entice more players with value-packed offerings and discounts.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming has gained significant traction in the last decade. It allows players to access and stream games directly to their chosen devices without any need for high-end hardware to be available on their end. Services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia continue to expand, offering a vast library of games accessible across various devices. This trend is set to grow as technology advances, providing more seamless and immersive gaming experiences.
Cross-Platform Play
The ability for players to engage in cross-platform play is a large part of the appeal of online gaming. This is due to the fact that gamers who play on different devices can all play together simultaneously. World-wide multiplayer game options like Fortnite and e-sport favorite Dota 2 allow players who are playing on devices PCs and Steam Deck to compete against each other.
While other games offer seamless integration from consoles to mobile devices. For those who have the game on multiple devices, the ability to play wherever they are is undeniably useful. The cross-platform playability of online games is a trend that is expected to continue growing. Which, in turn, will foster larger and more inclusive gaming communities.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
While still considered to be in its infancy, the technology and integration of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are gradually gaining momentum within the gaming industry. AR games such as Pokémon GO bridge the gap between the virtual and real world, while those after a more immersive experience are drawn to purchase a VR headset and experience gaming in a new and completely enveloping way.
While VR headsets remain fairly pricey, these technologies are starting to become more accessible and affordable, and as such the trend of VR and AR gaming is expected to continue growing. Those seeking to experience this type of gaming for themselves would do well to try their luck playing an AR game or app to get a feel for how digital and real worlds can mesh together seamlessly.
Gamification and Social Gaming
Still ever-popular, gamification elements that have done well in RPG and action game settings, such as reward systems, challenges, and social interactions, are becoming more prevalent in newer game titles and other online areas, such as casinos like Grand Rush.
Games that integrate social features to enhance player engagement, such as leaderboards, sharing direct in-game elements with friends, or those that foster communities and encourage collaborative gameplay are gaining ground. This trend of incorporating social elements into games is expected to grow and expand in the next decade, which will create more immersive and interconnected gaming experiences for all game players. This will also allow users who have not been exposed to these game elements before to see them via a social setting which could allow for more users to join the game.
These above online gaming trends continue to expand and have shown that they are reshaping the gaming landscape from what it was into something more dynamic. It allows plenty of new opportunities for innovation within the gaming sphere, and as it caters predominantly to users, it is creating diverse and engaging experiences for players around the world.
As technology advances and gaming preferences continue to change and evolve, the online gaming industry will likely see further expansion and evolution in the coming years.