Mobile gaming, cross-platform gaming, and cloud gaming are expected to be hot trends in 2021. With 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, the mobile gaming industry is projected to generate $77.2 billion revenue this year, driven by titles such as Among Us, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact, which offer high-quality gameplay and easy accessibility. Cross-platform gaming enables gamers to play on multiple devices regardless of the platform used and cloud gaming provides high-end gameplay on low-end devices. Trends such as VR gaming and loot boxes may have already peaked, while Battle Royale games’ popularity is waning due to repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation.
An Overview of Gaming Trends in 2021: What’s Hot and What’s Not
Gaming has come a long way since its inception, with technology advancing at a rapid pace and new trends emerging every year. As we move into 2021, it’s time to take a look at what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world. Here’s an overview of some key trends to keep your eye on this year.
Hot Trend: Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming continues to be a dominant force in the gaming world. With over 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, the industry is projected to generate $77.2 billion in revenue this year. Games like Among Us, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact have seen massive success, with their easy accessibility and high-quality gameplay. And with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic keeping people inside, mobile gaming has become the go-to entertainment source for many players.
Hot Trend: Cross-Platform Gaming
Another trend that has been on the rise is cross-platform gaming. This term refers to the ability to play a game on multiple devices, regardless of the platform you are using. For example, gamers can play Fortnite on their PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or mobile device, and still play with their friends. Cross-platform gaming has opened up new opportunities for gamers, allowing them to connect with players across different platforms.
Hot Trend: Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming has been gaining traction in recent months and is expected to continue in 2021. This technology lets players access games from their devices without the need for expensive gaming consoles or high-end computers. With cloud gaming, the game is processed on a remote server and then streamed back to the player’s device. This means that gamers can now play high-end games on low-end devices, without any lag or latency issues.
Not So Hot Trend: Loot Boxes
Loot boxes have been a controversial topic in the gaming world for some time now. Essentially, they are virtual treasure boxes that players can earn or purchase in-game, with the potential to unlock rare or powerful items. However, the use of loot boxes has been criticized for promoting gambling among young players and being overly addictive. As a result, some countries have banned their use, and the trend seems to be losing popularity as a result.
Not So Hot Trend: VR Gaming
Virtual reality (VR) gaming has been a buzzword for several years, but it has yet to take off in a big way. While VR technology has come a long way in recent years, it still faces obstacles like high costs and the need for specialized equipment. VR gaming also requires a high level of immersion, which can sometimes be uncomfortable for long periods. As a result, it seems that VR gaming will remain a niche trend, rather than a mainstream one.
Not So Hot Trend: Battle Royale Games
Battle Royale games were a major trend a few years ago, thanks to the success of games like Fortnite and PUBG. However, it seems that their popularity has begun to wane, with fewer players participating in these types of games. The repetitive nature of Battle Royale gameplay and the lack of innovation may be contributing factors. While the trend isn’t completely dead yet, it seems that its time in the spotlight may be coming to an end.
Wrapping Up
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and new trends emerge every year. In 2021, we can expect to see continued growth in mobile gaming, cross-platform gaming, and cloud gaming. However, trends like VR gaming and battle royale games may have already peaked. Ultimately, it’s up to gamers to decide which trends will rise to the top and which will fall by the wayside.