Video games have somehow earned a permanent position in the life of its target audience. Over the decades, the world has witnessed its rapid evolution and growth. From mere pixelated characters to almost human-like, top-of-the-line graphics and gameplay, the video game industry shows no sign of losing its momentum. Since more and more people are yet to discover what the industry has to offer, it is undeniable that the video gaming industry has a positive future ahead of it.
The video game industry in 2020 is no longer limited to different console and computer game launches. Rather, upcoming games now come with a higher tier of innovations in an effort to deliver a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
As the said industry continuously grows, a broader variety of gaming trends are emerging. With too many trends to feature, here is a glimpse of the top five gaming industry trends that players should watch out for this 2020:
- RISE OF MOBILE GAMING
- VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGY
- SINGLE PLAYER GAMES WILL BE BIGGER AND BOLDER
- BROWSER GAME DOMINATION
- MORE ADULT PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT
1. RISE OF MOBILE GAMING
During its early stages of development, mobile games were originally played for leisure and for killing time. It was never intended for a more competitive type of gaming. But, the year 2020 is the new age of competitive gaming.
Dubbed as the ‘swiss pocket knives’ of the technology industry, smartphone models of today now include gaming and entertainment features as some of its main purposes.
It is incredible that mobile gaming has already accounted for a total of 75% of total app revenues. It is expected to share a huge amount of revenue in the digital market by the end of the year.
Since the introduction of competitive mobile games in the online gaming industry, the number of people who play mobile games peaked at a staggering 2.2 billion people worldwide—that’s around 30% of the total world population.
In China, mobile gaming plays a vital role when it comes to the competitive sector of digital gaming. Over 50% of the total population of China play mobile games, with game companies encompassing about half of the online gaming market. Tencent leads the growing number of China’s gaming companies, with its fierce competitor Netease in second place. The drastic growth of the mobile gaming industry is not just limited to China. It is also apparent in other large countries such as the USA and Europe.
2. VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGY
With virtual and augmented reality continuously gaining popularity in the gaming industry, developers have become more eager to develop innovations that will improve the stability and features of virtual and augmented reality.
Companies like Samsung launched their own version of VR through their GEAR VR Headset. The Gear VR Headset is powered by Oculus technology and it is also equipped with smarter add-ons. Thus, it has the capacity to take users to a different level of virtual reality gaming experience.
Enhanced with upgraded features, promising graphics, and stylish gameplay, virtual and augmented reality will surely improve the quality of staple PC and console games.
3. SINGLE PLAYER GAMES WILL BE BIGGER AND BOLDER
Multiplayer games introduced players to the fun of interacting, establishing connections, and forming parties with fellow gamers during gameplay, and other things that they can do with an active internet in place. This time, non-online single-player games will make its grand entrance with bigger and bolder features. From dynamic gameplay to off-the-charts graphics, single-player games are expected to leave a greater impact on the future of gaming.
Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Resident Evil 3: Remake, and the long-awaited game installment bearing the same title of Marvel’s Avenger from Square Enix will take players to a more immersive and nostalgic gaming experience that has never been done in the past.
4. BROWSER GAME DOMINATION
Remember when Facebook allowed its users to play using its interface? Facebook games such as Farmville and Restaurant City have hooked casual gamers to harness their inner tycoons. While these games provided players with tons of fun, even good things must come to an end.
Although many people think that playing browser games is done only to kill time, browser games have significantly surpassed the limitations and criticisms of its naysayers. Game developers are now taking advantage of the internet’s universal influence to collaborate with other third-party apps and technologies. The goal is to develop games that will allow players to sync their game progress with multiple devices.
Paired with continuous development, browser games will soon dominate the gaming industry with its features other types of games can offer. That said, stay tuned for these upcoming trends!
5. INCREASED INVOLVEMENT OF ADULT GAMERS
Who said games are reserved for the young generation?
The 2020 gaming scene will no longer be limited to younger players. A higher number of players who belong to the older age group is expected to join the growing community of gamers. Recent gaming statistics show that the average age of players now comprises individuals who are at least 35 years old, with around 54% of players being males and the remaining 46%, females.
The continuous development of more flexible games intended for both young and adults entices more people to join the dynamic video gaming sphere. In response, gaming companies are pushed to develop new games and additional features that will highlight the preferences of each audience’s demographics.
THIS IS THE AGE OF GAMERS
2020 is the defining year for the entire video gaming industry. Doors will open for greater opportunities that will enable gaming companies to conquer and reshape the entire video gaming ecosystem. Indeed, players will no longer see gaming the same way ever again.
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