From Consoles To Cloud – 5 Prominent Trends Redefining The Online Gaming Industry
Cloud Gaming, 5G, Game Streaming, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), Multiplayer Gaming are Prominent Trends of Online Gaming Industry.
The gaming industry has experienced exponential growth in the past few decades. For example, the game has grown from arcades to game consoles to cloud gaming. Recent reports suggested that the industry’s worth is around 300 billion USD, more than the movie and music markets combined. Moreover, technological advancements have been instrumental to the developments in the online gaming industry.
So, what are the prominent trends that are transforming the online gaming industry? What are the technologies that have made playing best online slots and casino games from anywhere in the world a reality? For answers to these questions and more, keep reading!
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is also referred to as Gaming as a Service (GaaS). This gaming trend grew dramatically in 2020. How does it work? Gaming providers offer cloud gaming by hosting and running games on robust remote servers. They then send a video stream of the action to the player’s gaming device through the internet.
Studies have shown that cloud gaming has become very popular because it eliminates the need for expensive gaming consoles or powerful PCs. Moreover, you don’t need massive storage or high-resolution screens. However, to enjoy cloud gaming, you need faster internet speeds.
Other benefits of cloud gaming include increased accessibility to mobile devices. It has also led to the rise in popularity of subscription-based gaming and in the Trends of Online Gaming Industry, which has changed how game providers offer their games.
5G
The launch of the 5G network also revolutionized the gaming industry. For instance, the availability of 5G-enabled networks and devices transformed real-time communications and player engagement. Moreover, cloud gaming has become more practical thanks to the 5G network.
Some of the aspects of gaming that 5G will make a reality include ultra HD experiences, near-zero latency, which is critical for cloud gaming. Therefore, as 5G networks are launched in more regions globally, the gaming industry will benefit greatly.
Moreover, 5G and cloud gaming will make mobile gaming more popular. With these two technologies, players can easily access their favorite games from their gaming devices such as smartphones and iPads. Consequently, game developers and providers will have to rethink their strategies to cater to this gaming approach.
Game Streaming
Most consumers expect information and interaction at their fingertips in the post-pandemic era. In this sense, live-streaming is the technology capable of making this wish a reality. In online gaming, live streaming is applicable when integrating video chats. It also enables gaming platforms to incorporate live video and voice calls from fans and incorporate stats into the stream.
Moreover, streaming technologies provide virtual gifting opportunities for the audience. When sharing your eSports action, hosting gaming leagues, or challenging players in trivia games, you will also need the technology.
For example, studies show that 100 billion of gaming content hours were watched on YouTube in 2020. Besides that, Facebook’s broadcasts daily watch times have grown four times in 12 months. These numbers imply that live streaming and gaming have formed a strong relationship. Therefore, as the application of the technology in the industry is explored further, players should brace themselves for more.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR technologies have played a critical role in the growth of the online gaming industry. Online gaming operators use the technologies to enhance user experience. For example, they use it to bring in 3D, a more immersive experience, creative content, and real-time interaction.
Video games are primarily used for entertainment purposes. However, their potential transcends entertainment. In this regard, video games and the digital world have teamed up to create real-world simulations. In other instances, it has exceeded the limits of reality to enhance lives in many ways.
So far, several game developers have integrated these technologies into their games. However, there is still more ground to be covered to get the better of these two technologies.
Multiplayer Gaming
Multiplayer gaming is predominant in video games. However, the pandemic made these kinds of games more popular as people yearned for more social interactions. The features that enhanced the social experience of gaming include in-game voices, exciting AR effects, and live interaction streaming.
In this regard, many gaming developers and providers are exploring the capabilities of different technologies to make multiplayer gaming more enjoyable. This trend is also critical in eSports, where individuals compete against each other.
But, like other technologies, multiplayer gaming is still a work in progress. As game developers and other stakeholders explore the possibilities, gamers should brace themselves for more.
Final Thoughts on Trends of Online Gaming Industry
Several trends have shaped the developments in the gaming industry. Most of the trends technology-inspired trends highlight the role technology has played in the industry’s growth. The pandemic has also played a role in opening up the world of virtual social interaction, which will shape the future of the industry. Some of the notable trends to keep an eye on include live streaming, video broadcasting, and real-time engagement.
