By Arpit Jain


In today's dynamic realm of online gaming, technology and player preferences have converged, giving rise to profound transformations. As we prepare to witness the future of digital gaming, it becomes clear that industry players will embark on a journey of innovation and evolution. Therefore, it is paramount to stay aware of gaming trends, both emerging and established.


Having insight into these trends empowers players, developers, and industry professionals to gain a competitive edge and excel in their respective fields. Identifying these trends can uncover profitable business opportunities. Moreover, embracing these trends can enhance gaming communities, promote collaboration, and cultivate a flourishing digital gaming environment.


Cross-Platform Gameplay And Accessibility


Cross-platform gameplay has taken centre stage in today's online gaming sphere. Its implementation has garnered enthusiastic support from players and developers alike. In fact, scalable cross-platform solutions have become essential for the success of online multiplayer games.


Gamers are no longer restricted to a single device, and game developers are capitalising on this by creating experiences that seamlessly transition between different platforms. The ability to play a game on a console, continue on a smartphone during a commute, and then wrap up on a computer at home offers a level of accessibility that was previously unimaginable.


It is important to note that cross-platform games break down platform barriers and expand the player pool, creating an inclusive gaming community. Furthermore, this approach contributes to the longevity of live games by fostering competitive environments that attract a wider audience.


Esports And Competitive Gaming


The meteoric rise of esports and competitive gaming demands the attention of every player and game developer. In these games, teams compete online for cash prizes, enabling people from around the world to interact and play with gamers everywhere.


By transcending geographical boundaries and language barriers, these games have immense potential to scale up in terms of viewership and revenue. Additionally, esports has seen a significant influx of capital, resulting in the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including dedicated gaming arenas, high-quality broadcasting facilities, and professional training centres. Game developers can capitalise on this trend by creating games optimised for competitive play.


Esports is no longer confined to the realm of a lobby but is recognised as legitimate entertainment. These events are broadcast for audiences to watch and enjoy, and developers must leverage this to create engaging, spectator-friendly games that can be adapted into competitive formats.


Cloud Gaming And Streaming


According to Statista Market Insights, cloud gaming users are projected to reach 493.0 million by 2027.


Cloud gaming allows users to play video games without the need for consoles or installations. These games run on remote servers and can be accessed via a web browser or an app.


Cloud gaming represents a paradigm shift because players no longer require high-end hardware to enjoy resource-intensive games. This democratization of gaming access lowers entry barriers, allowing a broader and more diverse audience to partake in premium gaming experiences. Leveraging this aspect can help game developers effectively reach new markets.


Cloud gaming also provides a recurring revenue stream for developers. For example, streaming services like Sony's PS Now enable developers to monetize older games, extending the games' lifecycle and improving financial sustainability.


VR And AR


Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have been on the radar for some time, but their integration into the gaming landscape is set to reach new heights. The immersive nature of VR can revolutionise gaming experiences, immersing players in virtual worlds that feel incredibly real. On the other hand, AR can merge the gaming world with the real world, creating captivating and interactive experiences. Both technologies have immense potential to elevate storytelling and gameplay mechanics.


AI And Procedural Content Generation


Artificial intelligence (AI) is permeating every facet of our lives, and gaming is no exception. AI-powered NPCs (non-playable characters) are becoming more sophisticated, providing players with dynamic and unpredictable challenges. Additionally, AI-driven procedural content generation can create vast and diverse in-game worlds, ensuring that no two playthroughs are identical. This enhances replayability and reduces the development time for expansive game universes.


Diverse Monetisation Opportunities


Another noteworthy trend is the adoption of strategies that combine various ad formats and monetisation methods, such as in-app subscriptions, Offerwalls, native ads, banner ads, and more, to tap into a diverse income stream. Recently, in-app subscriptions have gained prominence as a sustainable source of income for game developers. These subscriptions offer players exclusive content, early access, or premium features for a recurring fee. This has enabled developers to create a loyal user base and a sense of commitment among players, resulting in lower churn rates.


Additionally, app developers have started experimenting with various ad formats to engage app users. Offerwalls have become quite popular, as they allow players to earn in-game currency or rewards by completing specific tasks or watching advertisements. This approach not only boosts user engagement but also provides a non-intrusive way to monetise free-to-play games.


Furthermore, the interstitial ad format is a popular way to keep users engaged. Interstitial ads appear at natural breaks in gameplay, such as between levels or during loading screens. Players are more receptive to these ads as they are non-obstructive and help achieve higher click-through rates (CTRs).


Playable ads are also used by developers as they are highly engaging. For instance, these ads allow players to interact with a mini-game or sample gameplay before installing a new game. They offer a unique opportunity for developers to showcase their game's features.


Inclusive And Diverse Gaming


As societal awareness around inclusivity and diversity grows, the gaming industry is taking steps to reflect these values. Game developers are making strides in creating characters, storylines, and environments that resonate with a broader range of players. This enhances the overall gaming experience and fosters a sense of belonging for underrepresented groups in the gaming community. According to a survey by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), 81 per cent of game developers believe the industry should increase diversity efforts.


The emergence of inclusive games has set the stage for a diverse player base. By removing the taboos surrounding female gamers or LGBTQ+ characters, these online games have advocated for more inclusivity and brought about equality.


Blockchain And NFT Games


Blockchain technology promises secure digital ownership, which can significantly impact the gaming landscape. Blockchain technology is a database mechanism that enables transparent data sharing through interlinked blocks. Blockchain technology is ushering in a new era of secure and transparent online gaming by addressing the risks of fraud and hacking through encrypted transactions.


Additionally, blockchain technology has given rise to NFT (non-fungible token) games. NFT games use blockchain to track and protect player ownership. These games are creating a more inclusive and transparent gaming ecosystem, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of online gaming.


Blockchain games and blockchain-enabled NFT games have the potential to revolutionise the concept of ownership and trading in online games, creating new economic opportunities for players. The blockchain gaming market is projected to reach $65.7 billion by 2027, driven by increased investment in blockchain games.


The online gaming landscape is expanding rapidly, promising a more immersive, diverse, and inclusive experience. The interplay of current trends and innovations has ushered in a new era in gaming. This dynamic environment is brimming with opportunities, and if harnessed effectively, it can propel developers to new heights.


(The author is the Founder and CEO at PubScale and GreedyGame)


Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.