Whether on mobile or console, technological innovations have been the backbone of ever-so-impressive video games. In the graphics department, several games are now as life-like as it gets. Gameplay seems secondary at times in visually-stunning titles like Ghost of Tsushima or Red Dead Redemption 2, as players focus on exploring the expansive open world around them or meditating in front of dramatic landscapes rather than following a linear storyline. But new technologies haven’t only made games prettier and crisper, they’ve pushed the immersion to heights never-before-seen. So, let’s find out some of the biggest gaming technology trends to keep a watchful eye on.

Augmented reality

For the longest time, augmented reality seemed like a wild goose chase in the gaming industry. Then came Pokémon Go. Launched in 2016, this free-to-play mobile game was the talk of the town for months on end. One billion ecstatic players downloaded the title and took to the streets to catch ’em all. And there was no need for an expensive headset to visualise the pocket monsters as the game superimposed virtual creatures on top of real-world locations through a phone’s camera and GPS tracking system alone. The AR revolution was afoot, reforging the world as an unparalleled interactive playground. Many spiritual successors tried to emulate the vibe of their forerunner with varying success, such as The Witcher: Monster Slayer and Minecraft Earth. Despite both games being discontinued as of 2023, success stories like Jurassic World Alive also abound. An augmented-reality-powered pet app, Peridot might be the next Tamagotchi. In the grand scheme of things, Pokémon Go was definitely a milestone for AR in gaming, making the technology widely accessible on mobile devices.

Live streaming

Streaming has been a game-changer in the past decade. Twitch is now one of the biggest entertainment platforms around with a reported 140 million monthly active users and approximately 7 million streamers worldwide. According to Google Statistics, about 200 million people hit YouTube daily to watch gaming content. The ascent of such gaming-centric interactive live streaming services has cemented gaming communities around their shared passion, giving them new venues to connect with fellow gamers. Streaming platforms have also profoundly changed the way games are discovered and consumed. With unfiltered information readily available, viewers can see a game in action and rely on other players’ experiences to make purchase decisions. Incidentally, consumers in the know have now more power than ever. And the leading actors in the industry took notice, leveraging live streaming to rethink their marketing strategies and promote their games beyond mere traditional advertising. Meanwhile, streaming platforms have pushed esports to the front, paving the way for a new professional gaming scene. As traditional sports get into esports, the reign of streaming services isn’t coming to an end in the foreseeable future.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence sure is the burning topic of the day. Conversational tools like ChatGPT and AI music generators are making waves in countless industries. But as controversial as it might be in other sectors, gamers are mostly unanimous in their enthusiasm toward artificial intelligence in the gaming medium. AI technology is helping developers put forward ever more responsive and adapting content. A far cry from the rudimentary non-playable characters of old, AI-driven NPCs are already bringing about next-level immersion and storytelling. Foes and allies alike may soon behave in increasingly spontaneous ways as generative agents become a staple of gaming environments. Using AI tools to generate NPC dialogue might also free up time for screenwriters to focus on building tighter narratives, as Ubisoft claimed recently. But artificial intelligence also provides the framework for an increasingly secure online gaming experience. Many casino operators have turned to AI-powered cybersecurity tools to automate fraud detection, allowing gamblers to play safely. Still, not all gambling platforms are equal. Checking out trustworthy reviews, players can pick top online casinos. Reviewers help newcomers make informed decisions by testing every website in the book. From diligent customer support to juicy bonuses and handy payment methods, they leave no stone unturned to track down the best casinos. Additionally, advanced sorting systems often allow users to filter casinos according to the features that suit their playing style. Gaming trends come and go, but there’s little doubt the above technological innovations are here to stay. And from cloud-based technology to virtual reality devices, many more technologies are on the rise. Thus, the emergence of brand-new business models is a given in the gaming environment.