Gaming Trends Transforming the Industry

Gaming is one of the most popular hobbies in the world for adults to enjoy. The gaming industry’s market size reflects just how popular it is. 

But will the gaming industry remain the same over the coming years? Are there any gaming trends that are transforming the industry? 

If so, what are they? 

Read on to find out.

The gaming industry in the years to com

Experts predict that the gaming industry will continue to grow and expand over the next decade or so. 

A recent PwC report predicts that the video game industry’s total revenue will rise from $262 billion in 2023 to $312 billion in 2027. Other gaming sectors are also expected to generate more revenue by 2027. 

According to several gaming experts, this growth is due to developers’ ability to draw in young adults from all over the world. 

Older players are also increasingly gaming in their downtime, which further contributes to the industry’s expansion. 

But how are these different demographics being drawn in? What are the gaming trends that appeal to them? 

Gaming trends on the rise

Here are some of the most popular gaming trends. These trends are not only attracting new players but also transforming the gaming industry.  

• Mobile gaming 

Mobile gaming has been a popular trend for years, yet it continues to rise in popularity. 

Players simply love mobile gaming. They find it more affordable, convenient, accessible and beginner-friendly than PC or console gaming. 

No need to buy new and expensive gaming devices with mobile gaming. 

No need to rearrange your schedule in order to game. You can just play on your way to work or on a short break, whatever suits you best. 

With mobile apps, gaming works around your schedule. You don’t need to rearrange your schedule for it.

No need for you to be a gamer to start mobile gaming. Mobile gaming is accessible to anyone.   

It doesn’t have to be intimidating. Players can just give it a try and they will see that it is very beginner friendly. 

All of these reasons contribute to the popularity of mobile gaming. In 2021-2022, 57% of the global gaming market’s revenue was from mobile gaming. 

The success of mobile gaming contributes to the gaming world in general. Many gamers start with mobile gaming but then go on to play on PC and console. 

• Live games such as live casino games

There are two popular ‘live games’ trends. One of them is a more traditional type of live gaming, the other one is live online gaming. 

What is traditional live gaming? Traditional live games include in-person board games, card games and other non-computer-generated games. 

These types of games are on the rise. You only need to look at the success of board game cafés to realize that this trend is gaining momentum.  

How about live online games? These are online and computer-generated games but with real-life elements. 

For example, live casino games include real-life dealers and, sometimes, players. The dealers or hosts will play live and will have been recorded for the game. 

Some games are truly live, or dealers participating in real-time. Others have pre-recorded the dealers for the game to be accessible online 24/7, without any interruptions. 

Why are both types of live games in such high demand? 

The main reason is their social aspect. Players love gaming to connect and socialise with others. 

Many players use gaming to create new friendships and reinforce existing ones. If a game can offer a strong social experience, it will appeal to many players. 

• Open-source game engines

Open-source computer graphics game engines are on the rise. The most famous one is Unreal Engine. 

This software has been used by some of the best game developers in the world. Two famous games made using Unreal Engine are Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Borderlands 3.  

The good news is that this excellent and professional software is free to use. Anyone can use it to make their own video game. 

There are many online resources including videos, articles and courses to help beginners use Unreal Engine. There are some blogs and community forums for those who are creating their first games. 

In these forums, future developers exchange ideas and tips. These spaces reveal gamers’ increasing interest in game creation and development. 

The growing accessibility and affordability of game development is transforming the industry. In the decades to come, we will most likely see a wave of new games made by independent developers using free online engines. 

Final thoughts 

 

Ther are many other gaming trends transforming the industry. One of the most famous ones is the rise of Artificial Intelligence and VR/AR technologies. 

This trend is so obvious and well-known that we chose to focus on some less obvious ones for this article. 

Let us know in the comments below what you think of the trends listed above, and if you have other ones in mind!