The $90 billion worldwide video games industry often serves as a window into the latest tech trends. From artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) to blockchain and the highly trending metaverse, these innovations take center stage. Gone are the days of simple, blocky sprites; today’s gamers explore realistic 3D worlds, engaging with hundreds or even thousands of players in real time. The infrastructure enabling this immersive experience relies on cutting-edge technology, such as super-powered computers and lightning-fast 5G and cloud networking. Now, let’s delve into the most thrilling and significant gaming technology trends.
#1 Cloud gaming
Leading gaming industry players such as Microsoft, Sony, Google, Nvidia, Tencent, and Amazon now offer games through cloud-based subscription services. This new approach eliminates the need for gamers to continually invest in expensive hardware such as consoles or PC GPUs. Instead, they can access games through smart TVs and lightweight streaming devices like Chromecast or FireTV. Games are streamed directly from cloud data centers to users’ homes.
The development of ultra-fast networks such as 5G will make this gaming model accessible to more people than ever before. While dedicated home gaming systems may not disappear entirely, 2023-2024 will see industry influencers devoting more resources to realizing their vision of a cloud-based streaming future.
#2 The Metaverse
Facebook and Microsoft, though boasting about their ambitious plans to create immersive and persistent online worlds for both work and leisure, millions of gamers have already accustomed themselves to gathering in virtual realms for various types of entertainment. From playing chess or bridge to engaging in explosive battles with homing missiles. Notably, music concerts in Fortnite and branded marketing “pop-ups” in the immensely popular Roblox universe will undeniably leave a significant impact on the gaming industry and culture in 2023.
As the trend continues, major games and franchises will evolve into versatile “platforms,” offering users a broader range of experiences. While some may prefer logging into the latest Call of Duty solely to engage in intense firearm combat with friends, others will seek socializing, chatting, and other forms of interactive shared experiences within these expansive worlds. Game developers will strive to retain players’ loyalty by transforming them into subscribers or capturing their attention as a captive audience for advertisers across various industries.
With large volumes of data and increasing immersion in virtual worlds, there are also concerns about the secure movement of data. Digital fax is one solution. All you need to do is install the fax app to get all the benefits of secure data movement. You can install the iPhone app via a direct link from the App Store. Although this is only one security measure, it is important to protect trade secrets and effectively share documents across all companies.
#3 Augmented Reality
Augmented reality burst onto the mobile gaming scene in the mid-2010s and has since made tremendous strides. It creates an interactive, real-world experience in mobile games like Pokémon GO, where players collect Pokémon from actual locations. This technology encourages gamers to venture outside and connect with other players in real life. As the future unfolds, augmented reality will undoubtedly grow in popularity, particularly among those who play mobile games in public places.
#4 NFT and Blockchain-Based Games
NFTs are a fascinating piece of technology that enables embedding digital ownership of goods onto a blockchain. This has several direct benefits, including increased asset liquidity beyond game boundaries.
The concept has direct applicability to games as it allows for assigning ownership of unique items, facilitating trading among players, and driving up the game’s overall value.
Some games have even taken this to the next level with a play-to-earn model, where players compete in battles and winners keep the earned tokens.
#5 Esports
Esports has transformed video games to embrace elements more commonly associated with professional sports: live audiences, tournaments, leagues, sponsorships, and salaried players. Its official inclusion in the 2022 Asian Games, a major international multi-sport event, marks a significant milestone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Esports has gained widespread popularity, generating a record-breaking $1 billion in revenue in 2021, primarily from media rights and sponsorship. This growth is projected to reach nearly $3 billion in 2024.
Conclusion
Technology and mobile games are interconnected. Their connection is closer than you could imagine. The addition of AI allows games to better process large amounts of data, and in practice makes NPCs smarter, virtual worlds larger, and the story more non-linear. This is just one puzzle from the whole picture, there are many more. Gradual integration of technology will help the gaming industry offer better services.
