Beyond serving as technological showcases, video games are a popular form of entertainment and could be a good way to unwind. However, the industry evolves, bringing more fun and creativity. Staying up-to-date with the newest trends is not just an aspiration but a necessity for enthusiasts. There are so many developments that will take the industry by storm in 2024 and add millions of players. Here is how the multibillion-dollar industry will evolve in the new year and beyond.
1. Esports
Esports integrates video gaming with traditional sports like professional leagues, live audiences, and broadcast coverage. Renowned tournaments managed by global sporting bodies FIFA will expand in popularity as the industry speeds towards a projected valuation of $6 billion by 2030. Overall, this means those with a passion for gaming can look at professional gaming as a potentially rewarding career in 2024. In recent years, the Esports industry has recorded significant growth in terms of viewership, with many events clocking the milestone of 100 million hours watched. The strong interest in the industry will support growth, allowing investors and organizations to generate high revenues.
It’s also worth noting that YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms have improved live streaming of gameplay and tournaments to wider audiences. Accordingly, many colleges and schools have created Esports programs and scholarship opportunities, paving the way for sustainable growth in the industry.
2. Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling
The much anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling could happen in 2024, with experts describing it as a super pro model. Nintendo first briefed Activision on the upcoming console’s release in December 2022. Eurogamers claimed developers had the chance to visualize the behind-closed-door demo of the Switch 2 in August last year. As it stands, all signs point to the console’s unveiling in 2024. According to former PC Gamer editor Smaue Roberts, Nintendo may release a new console with a 3D Mario feel. The hardware may come with paid upgrade elements and enhanced backward compatibility. Nintendo fans can expect to enjoy a slightly improved version of Tears of the Kingdom at a small price. Rumors have been swelling in recent months in anticipation of the release, with some suggesting the Switch 2 may include a dual-screen model and could transform into a Nintendo Switch Mini with the power of a PlayStation 4.
3. Increased diversity in games
You would agree that most gamers are guys, although mobile gaming seems to appeal to women as well these days. Games like Animal Crossing have helped bridge the gap between men and women. Now, more ladies are starting to reach for the console, thanks to the Esports and gaming world. The male/female gamers ratio is approaching a 50/50 split. That said, men still dominate the industry as of today. Only 30% of people working in the video gaming sector are female. The famous RPG Kingdom Deliverance received solid reviews, but many criticized it due to the lack of minorities in the game. The good news is that trends are starting to change, so industry developers attach importance to representation in their games. In particular, developers are beginning to make women and minorities more pronounced in the worlds they develop. The Last Part of Us III, one of the greatest video games in 2020, performed so well because of its diverse cast, led by a female protagonist.
4. Cloud gaming service expansion
Consumer interest in cloud gaming has gone up by 1900% over the past five years. Theoretically, purchasing a video game online is a great experience. Gamers can browse thousands of titles and buy their favorite instantly from the comfort of their home. However, in reality, shopping for a game online has its downsides. First of all, downloading a game can take hours and slow servers. That’s why most people find it faster to drive to a store to buy a physical copy. Unfortunately, issues may occur if your hardware is not top-rated or you run out of room for storage.
Cloud gaming promises to resolve all these challenges by allowing gamers to stream games in real-time rather than buying or downloading. Additionally, the technology makes it possible for gamers to access the latest and greatest hardware with ease. It’s not only consumers who fall in love with cloud gaming – streaming platforms and developers also benefit from the technology. In fact, streaming services, such as PS Now, provide Sony with a substantial recurring revenue stream. Cloud gives publishers a platform to monetize old games several years after their launch.
5. Remake and reboots
According to NPD, one of the best-selling games in 2020 was a Crash Bandicoot reboot. Another dope remake that topped the charts is Final Fantasy VII (FF7). The gaming industry has well understood that remakes and reboots are hotcakes, like Hollywood movies. And unlike brand-new franchises, remakes are unlikely to fail. Apart from FF7 and Crash, other remakes like Resident Evil 2 and 3 also perform quite impressively. This is why many developers work extra hard to create new versions of previous classic games. Nintendo showed it has mastered the art of remake by re-releasing the popular RPG Xenoblade Chronicles with the new name Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. 2021 saw the Prince of Persia reboot with the Sands of Time. 2024, too, will see more video game remakes and reboots hit the market.
6. Blockchain for gaming security and eco-friendly gaming practices
Blockchain tech is tipped to address existing challenges facing the gaming industry. It will achieve this by providing a secure and trustworthy platform for in-game assets. The decentralized feature of blockchain guarantees data integrity and protection against fraud. Additionally, eco-friendly gaming practices will grow in 2024 thanks to increased awareness of environmental issues. Gaming companies are likely to embrace sustainable hardware design, eco-conscious serve farms, and environmentally friendly development to cut their carbon footprint.
7. AI-driven personalization and social reinvented
Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a more crucial role in gaming experience personalization. From dynamically controlling in-game challenges based on user skill sets to designing tailored storylines, AI algorithms will maximize player engagement and satisfaction. The social aspect of video gaming will witness a major transformation in the new year. Social gaming reinvention will emphasize more meaningful connections among players, as platforms will prioritize creating virtual spaces that allow players to interact, socialize, and build communities that transcend traditional player experiences.
8. Metaverse integration
Another revolutionary video game trend to watch for in 2024 is metaverse integration. The idea of a virtual space that integrates the digital and physical world, will take center stage in gaming. All major platforms are set to build immersive universes where gamers can effortlessly transition between various virtual worlds. Metaverse engages players in a high-level 3D environment where in-built elements provide users with a personal touch. That said, the experience is greater and more realistic than in 2D environments. The development of the Metaverse is fast progressing due to the impact of cloud computing, AI, and networking. Leading companies like Meta, Google, and Epic Games are heavily investing in Metaverse gaming and developing infrastructure to support its growth.
Through this platform, gamers can explore endless worlds where they can create their own narratives. They can integrate different virtual worlds, share assets, and enjoy different experiences, introducing a sense of continuity and freedom. These trends will play a huge role in advancing the growth of the Metaverse.
9. Realistic graphics and ray tracing
Game developers use realistic graphics to give surfaces and objects a detailed and life-like look. Dynamic lighting responds to changes in the scene and character motion, boosting realism in the graphics. This technology helps gaming companies create physical simulations for objects, character movements, and animations, resulting in a more exciting game world. Along with this, developers can also design 3D models and characters and use special effects like motion blur and color grading to transform visual realism.
Ray tracing technology produces soft and realistic shadows with pinpoint, accurate penumbra, and occlusion effects. It produces clear and detailed reflections on surfaces, mimicking the bending of light as it transmits through transparent objects. Realistic graphics and racing will help brighten the future of the video gaming industry. The two technologies will push the boundaries of innovation and gameplay.
10. NFT gaming
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) allow gamers to buy, sell, and trade items, costumes, and other collectibles in games. They also enable the production of rare and limited edition in-game products, increasing their value. Plus, these tokens enable players to earn real-world value from their in-game achievements. Gamers can sell their NFTs and partake in blockchain-based pay-to-earn models. You can expect to see a broad diversity of NFT-based in-game assets and experiences in both regular and block-chain based games in 2024. Interoperable cross-game and cross-platform will be more common, and this means players will be able to use their assets across several worlds and games. The introduction of NFTs into AR and VR gaming will create opportunities for interactive gameplay.
Video gaming has become very popular, thanks to its engaging features. It’s, therefore, not surprising that various trends are emerging to make the experience even better. If you are planning to join the bandwagon, these new developments can serve as motivation.
