Future of Gaming: 15 Exciting Gaming Trends

Updated on January 4th, 2019 by Quertime Writer in Gaming

Online gaming is one of the fast-changing and evolving entertainment sectors, which sets new trends regularly. Each year or even quarter developers introduce new game concepts and approaches, enticing more customers into the sphere. As a result, companies increase revenues, while more people become involved in gaming.

2018 was the year of Battle Royale, the hype around loot boxes, and the growth of eSports. Top it all, the community was staggered by the shutdown of Telltale Games and Runic Games, ban of Fallout 76, and the popularity of Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War. Obviously, 2018 was impressive. But, what about the upcoming year and its trends? How will the industry evolve during 2019?

Technology Trends

First of all, let’s consider the innovative technologies and new development approaches, which will reshape the gaming industry in 2019.

1. Cryptocurrencies

Game developers are actively integrating cryptocurrencies in their products. These digital assets are based on decentralized systems; they are faster and more convenient for in-game purchases. As clearly reflected in AllhighRollerCasinos.com’s list of crypto casino sites, digital tokens are more typical for the gambling industry now. But video game producers seem to follow the lead and have already started experimenting with cryptocurrencies as well.

2. Blockchain Platforms

Decentralized virtual environments powered by blockchainare considered a new era of the gaming industry. Blockchain games don’t rely on centralized servers or individual companies because they run within a decentralized network formed by users’ devices. For instance, Decentraland is a project similar to Second Life but based on blockchain. It allows users to create and monetize their own in-game content as well as explore the gaming world itself.

3. AR/VR

Augmented and virtual realities are the most promising technology trends of today. Using special devices, VR lets you dive into the game and feel the real-world experience. Although modern VR headsets can’t deliver the perfect immersion effect now, we can expect this in a few years.

AR combines virtual and real worlds to engage users and advance the gameplay (just remember Pokémon Go). Further improvement of AR/VR technical solutions may disrupt the gaming world significantly.

4. Console Improvements

Consoles are becoming outdated as developers focus more on PC and smartphone solutions. However, new versions from the leading manufacturers (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Two) may change the game offering better next-gen hardware, VR support and functional streaming interfaces.

5. Revolutionary Broadcasting

When it comes streaming solutions, we should mention Project Stream by Google. The tech giant has partnered with Ubisoft to make Assassin’s Creed Odyssey playable on any PC via Chrome. Google has enough resources and professionals to launch the innovative streaming tool and cooperate with AAA companies for game releases.

Business Trends

This category includes forecasts related to the development approaches and strategies of software providers.

6. Cross-Screen Experience

Since the early 2010s, game developers have been moving away from single-platform solutions, and started designing immersive cross-platform ecosystems like World of Tanks or PUBG. Players appreciate that the game provides unique user experience and runs smoothly at any device. While large screens allow for more dynamic gaming, the smaller ones are best suited to streaming.

7. Indie Studios

With the launch of Braid and World of Goo, indie studios have become widely sought-after and are now maturing into market heavyweights. The likes of Roll7 and Failbetter Games believe that independent developers are more customer-oriented and less constrained, but they have to cooperate with marketers to be successful.

8. Non-Gaming Celebrities

As for marketing, software companies will likely partner with famous people from other entertainment sectors to promote gaming products. Remember ad campaigns of Peak Games featuring Ryan Reynolds; or Drake playing Fortnite? These collaborations have benefited both the gaming industry and celebrities, as all participants have expanded their audience and hyped themselves. Further on, we can expect even more mind-blowing initiatives.

9. Regulation of in-Game Purchases

The debates around loot boxes and micro-transactions will surely persist next year. For instance, PEGI, a game content rating system, will attach warning icons to the products that offer in-game purchases. This innovation is expected to prevent players from undesirable spending. The community is highly alarmed at current pay-to-win monetization strategies, so developers will face new challenges when making game content more transparent.

10. Specialized Stores

As the number of indie studios grows, the market will enjoy the inflow of unique gaming products. However, newly launched games can fall off the radar at Steam, as it hosts thousands of alike projects. That is why independent developers will look for new platforms like Itch, where they can distribute their products on a pay-what-you-want model.

Customer Trends

11. Advanced Multiplayer

The idea behind MOBA is slowly entering the world of multiplayer games. It means that MMORPGs or online shooters tend to become more cooperative and focus on role diversification. In addition to well-known heroes from WoW, gamers can choose from multiple options and work together to participate in a ‘quest’ or unlock new story parts.

12. Family Games

It is estimated that 90% of the youth are playing video games regularly. With that in mind, scientists believe that parents should support their children and share their gaming experience. Thus, we can expect that more family games will be released for different types of gadgets and devices.

13. Interactive Streams

Now, game streaming platforms like Twitch are flourishing greatly. People enjoy not only playing games, but watching other users and interacting with them through chats. Like TV, streaming platforms deliver content to customers. In 2019, such services may introduce more interactive options or even partner with game providers to create a unique mix of gameplay and playthrough videos.

14. Collaboration with Gamers

Owing to the scientific progress and development of AR/VR, physical involvement of gamers in the process is futuristic. Software providers look for new ways to engage customers. They can integrate motion controllers into VR sets or launch specific devices for games like Dance Dance Revolution. This approach will open up new opportunities for gamers and enhance user immersion.

15. User-Side Modding

Let’s consider Skyrim and its exciting mods. All these expansions and modifications are mostly created by users. User-customized games will enjoy a new wave of popularity in 2019. Gamers will be able to introduce mods based on their imagination and tailor them to various devices. It means that computers will handle technical of modding, while gamers will focus on creativity exclusively.

The Brightest Future

It’s clear that the gaming industry has a long and promising way ahead. Within the upcoming years, we might see the inflow of VR and AR projects, decentralized gaming platforms, more regulated games, innovative releases from indie studios, etc. The intersection of these trends will define the final state of gaming ecosystems. We are sure that the great changes are coming!