7 Trends In Gaming Industry
Remaining competitive and relevant in the constantly changing industries requires a vigilant approach towards staying informed about the latest trends and adjusting our marketing strategies accordingly. It is crucial to keep pace with the technical nuances to maintain an edge over competitors.
Take a look at our newest guide, which explores seven of the most notable trends in the gaming industry.
7 Major Trends Are Currently Influencing The Video Game Industry
The Outline
N.0 Introduction
N.1 Roblox Expanding Horizon
N.2 Diversity In Games
N.3 PC Gaming Platforms vs. Steam
N.4 Cloud Gaming
N.5 Next Gen Consoles WAR
N.6 Reboots and Remakes
N.7 Early Access
N.8 Conclusion
While introducing the PS5 and Xbox Series X has caused significant changes within the gaming sphere for the upcoming 3–4 years, it is not the only trend that requires attention.
Indie gaming has been present for a substantial amount of time. However, platforms like Steam have made it easier for indie game developers to distribute their new games. This has led to the emergence of indie games such as Among Us and Stardew Valley, which have become bestsellers.
1. Roblox Expanding Horizon
Roblox has taken the indie gaming trend to the next level by merging game creation and distribution into one platform. This approach has proven successful, with over 200 million monthly active users on Roblox. While most of these users do not use the Roblox Studio game engine to develop their games, many aspiring game developers use the platform to receive feedback and iterate on their games from a large user base of players.
2. Diversity
Increased game diversity is another trend that is becoming more prominent within the gaming industry. It is widely known that most gamers are male. (However, mobile gaming is more prevalent amongst women, with 65% of women in the US playing mobile games.) Nevertheless, certain games like Animal Crossing have attracted more women to console, PC, and esports gaming.
It is estimated that almost half of all gamers are female, making the male/female gaming split practically equal. However, the gaming industry remains predominantly male, with only 30% of industry workers being female. This lack of diversity explains why most gaming protagonists are white males. For instance, the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance received praise for its gameplay but criticism for its lack of minority representation.
Thankfully, the gaming industry is beginning to recognize the importance of representation and is starting to include women and minorities more prominently in their games. For example, The Last of Us Part II, which features a female protagonist, was one of the biggest releases of 2020. Additionally, 2021’s Cyberpunk 2077 game offers non-traditional gender options.
3. Steam vs Epic Games
The PC gaming industry is worth over $12 billion, with Steam being the dominant platform for many years. However, GOG.com and Epic Games are starting to challenge Steam’s market share. GOG.com offers older games and newer mainstream releases; all games on the platform are DRM-free. Epic Games is also a significant challenger to Steam’s dominance.
Epic Games may seem like Steam and GOG at first glance. It boasts extensive games across various genres, from strategy to RPG. Additionally, you can control and initiate games directly through the platform. Plus, you can engage in multiplayer games with other players.
One thing that sets Epic Games apart is its unique selection of games. They stand out as the only PC platform with the hugely popular mobile game Fortnite, which they created. Additionally, Epic Games hopes to attract more Steam users by offering a variety of exclusive titles. For instance, they managed to secure a one-year exclusivity deal for Metro Exodus after its launch. Only time will tell if these exclusives will enable Epic Games to surpass Steam. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how their ongoing dispute with Apple will play out. Nonetheless, observing how Epic Games performs against the established Steam platform will be fascinating.
4. Cloud Gaming
The gaming industry is growing and expanding, with more consumers turning to cloud gaming to bypass the problems associated with buying games online. Downloading can take hours, and hardware and storage limitations can lead to performance issues. Cloud gaming allows gamers to stream games in real-time, using the latest hardware without investing in it. This also benefits companies like Sony, who have launched streaming services like PS Now to generate recurring revenue streams.
5. Next Gen Console War
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 release in 2020 has ignited a new wave of competition between gaming consoles. While it’s unclear who will come out on top, these consoles will likely determine the biggest trends in the gaming industry for the next few years. Each console boasts unique features, such as the PS5’s SSD, which reduces load times and allows for more detailed worlds, and the Xbox Series X’s “Smart Delivery” feature, which gives players a free upgrade to the Xbox Series X version of any Xbox One game they previously purchased.
6. Reboots And Remakes
Remakes and reboots of classic games have become popular in the gaming industry, as they tend to sell well and are less likely to fail than entirely new franchises. Games like Crash Bandicoot and Final Fantasy VII have been remade and topped bestseller lists, while Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes have also sold well. Developers are now working to create new versions of other classic games, such as EA’s “remastered” version of the original Command & Conquer game, released midway through 2020.
Recently, Nintendo has released an updated version of the popular RPG Xenoblade Chronicles called Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. Another game that has been rebooted is Prince of Persia, with the Sands of Time title. In addition, the classic RPG Gothic from 2001 is being remade.
7. Early Access-Focused Development Cycle
Research has shown that about 15% of games available on Steam are in the “Early Access” stage. This is when gamers can play a game before its official release and give feedback to developers. Both gamers and developers benefit from Early Access; gamers can play a game in advance, while developers receive feedback that can help shape the game’s direction.
For example, Rimworld, a popular sci-fi strategy game, became one of Steam’s highest-rated games thanks to its Early Access development cycle. Rimworld sold thousands of copies before its official release and received excellent reviews afterward.
Final Thought
These are the biggest trends in gaming that are happening now and are expected to continue growing in 2023 and beyond since technology is constantly changing the way games are made and played. THE GAMING MARKET IS ALWAYS EVOLVING, from AAA titles being developed for the ninth generation of consoles to indie games created by individual developers on platforms like Roblox and Epic Games.
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