Video games are more popular than ever. According to the Entertainment Software Association, video gamers are growing steadily in numbers and they also have money to spend. In 2016, the video game industry generated revenue of $108 billion globally. It’s no wonder that even non-millennials want to get in on this gaming action. The rise of online networks and mobile app accessibility have made it easier than ever for people to interact with games on a daily basis. The popularity of user-friendly sites like Steam, Google Play, and Apple App Store has also made it easier for developers to share their interactive media with the public. Thus, it is no surprise that video gaming is changing rapidly while still growing at an impressive rate. Here is what’s next for the gaming sphere…
Table of Contents
Immersive VR Gaming
VR gaming is increasing in popularity as the technology improves and more affordable VR headsets are released. VR allows gamers to step into the game and experience it in a more immersive way. The visual and audio feedback is more realistic, and it may be harder to differentiate between the game and “real life.” As more people use VR to game, developers are creating more VR games, and they are tweaking the game art outsourcing to create the most realistic experience possible in this new format. VR and AR technologies will also likely be used to develop new educational and training simulations. VR is already being used to treat phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). VR and AR technology will likely only continue to grow.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is a technology that layers computer-generated imagery (CGI) into the real world. It is similar to virtual reality in that it immerses users in a different world, but augmented reality doesn’t disconnect people from their physical surroundings like VR does. AR is expected to generate $87 billion in revenue by 2022. Augmented reality has had a presence in the gaming industry for years, but the technology has recently received more attention due to products like Apple’s ARKit and AR-enabled mobile apps. AR is beginning to make an impact on other industries, too. It is expected to be used in health care, education, real estate, and other industries in the near future.
Mobile Gaming Continues to Grow
Mobile gaming is expected to continue to grow as more people play games on their phones. In fact, research suggests that mobile gaming will soon surpass console gaming in terms of revenue. Mobile games are convenient and accessible, which is likely part of the reason why they are so popular. Mobile games are also often free to play, so they are accessible to people who may not be able to afford console games or PCs. As technology makes it easier to create mobile games, the number of mobile games available is also likely to increase. This will provide people with more choices and likely make mobile gaming an even larger industry.
eSports Will Be Bigger in 2022
eSports is expected to become even more popular in the coming year. The gaming industry is expected to generate $900 million in revenue from eSports by 2024. Gamers are competing against each other for prize money in tournaments, and many gaming leagues are broadcasting their events online to let more people enjoy the sport. As the industry grows, it is likely that more colleges and universities will offer scholarships for students who excel at eSports. There is also talk of eSports becoming an Olympic sport in the near future.
Conclusion
With more people interacting with games thanks to improved technology, and more attention being paid to the industry as a whole, gaming is sure to experience some major changes in the near future. From VR to AR, and mobile games to eSports, the gaming sphere is experiencing a shift. These trends will likely lead to even more drastic changes in the years to come.
