The global gaming industry continues to boom and could be worth $321 billion by 2026. It is an industry that creates and follows trends that are quick to change annually. The changes favor either the consumer or the business. Companies either quickly follow a trend that brings profit or prefer to focus on their fans' wishes.
However, businesses shouldn't blindly follow every trend despite the potential revenue it'll bring. It is apparent with trends that put gamers up in arms, such as:
- Microtransactions in AAA games
- Poorly run Kickstarter campaigns
- Unpolished and broken games
- Retailer-specific pre-order bonuses
- Game pre-orders, in general
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
Some experts will say the future of the video game industry is Virtual Reality (VR), games-as-a-service, online-only experiences, more microtransactions, or cloud-based gaming.
Your player base can convey what trends you need to follow or drop as they play your game, as there's such a thing called "listening to your audience."
Businesses will have to listen to the gamers and look back as well. Here is a mix of new trends you should consider adopting and older ones that you should maintain:
Inclusivity and Diversity - It's a fact that most gamers are male, and so are the ones working in the video game industry. The industry is steadily paying attention to the representation of women and minorities in games. It is a trend that has to keep going, as it is only fair for all genders and minorities to enjoy games equally.
DRM-Free Games - Digital Rights Management or DRM is a practice that only exists to stop piracy. Sure, it is good for business, but controversial due to its potential harm to consumer rights. It can restrict access to games you legitimately bought. For example, if a publisher discontinues a game's availability, you can't download it anymore despite buying it fair and square. A DRM-free digital distribution platform such as GOG is a breath of fresh air as you can fully own a game without having to deal with restrictive DRM policies.
Remakes and Remasters - Some will say it's a lazy approach to making games, but it is always a welcome trend. Remakes and remasters are essential as it reintroduces games from an older era with a fresh coat of paint. Old and new audiences alike can appreciate a fresh take on a game, and gamers are always fond and excited about new yet familiar experiences.
Mobile Gaming - Not everyone is keen to spend so much on a gaming PC or a next-gen console. Smartphones are everywhere and owned by people of different ages. Porting games to smartphones and creating fresh on-the-go gaming experiences is suitable for both consumers and the industry.
Live Streaming - Twitch, Youtube, and Facebook Gaming are the major streaming platforms users prefer live streams. It is a steadily growing trend as streamers love sharing experiences with like-minded audiences. Older games gain renewed popularity, and lesser-known games gain exposure through streaming. Aside from entertainment value, it is also an optimal avenue to promote your game by sponsoring a streamer. It helps you advertise, and it helps them gain revenue with an increased following.
Spearhead the Gaming Industry Improvements
Now that you have explored some positive trends, you can get a feel for where the industry should go. Follow the trends you think are sensible for your business and consumers, or start a new one.
There are hundreds of gaming industry case studies complete with solutions and strategies you can use to do your part in making waves of changes. Look back on these trends, use the solutions you need to turn your ideas into reality and lead the way to the gaming industry's future.
