The gaming industry saw a surge in demand during the pandemic in 2020, and this piece highlights the top trends to watch out for in 2021. These include the continued development of virtual and augmented reality technology, cloud gaming, mobile gaming, cross-platform play, and e-sports. The rise of powerful hardware and the need for socialization in a socially distanced world has led to innovative solutions like cloud gaming and cross-platform play, enabling gamers to play together regardless of the platform they use. As the industry continues to evolve, these trends will shape the future of gaming in 2021 and beyond.
The Gaming Trends to Watch in 2021: From VR to Cross-Platform Play
Introduction
The year 2020 has been a transformative one for the gaming industry. With the widespread lockdowns, gamers found solace in virtual worlds, leading to a surge in the gaming market. The need for socialization in a socially distanced world has pushed the gaming industry to innovate and adapt to new trends. In this article, we will explore the gaming trends to watch in 2021, from virtual reality (VR) to cross-platform play.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been hot topics in the gaming world for years, with the latest generation of consoles delivering powerful hardware capable of rendering immersive virtual worlds. In 2021, VR and AR technology will continue to make strides, as we see more game developers leverage this technology to create more immersive experiences. With the upcoming release of the Oculus Quest 2 and the PlayStation VR 2, expect to see more VR and AR-enabled games in 2021.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming has been gaining traction over the past few years, and it’s one of the more exciting trends to keep an eye on in 2021. Cloud gaming allows players to stream games directly to their devices, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware. The technology behind cloud gaming has been improving steadily, and in 2021, we expect to see more streaming services like Google Stadia and Microsoft’s xCloud.
Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has been breaking boundaries in the gaming industry, with mobile gaming revenue surpassing console and PC gaming in 2020. The growth of mobile gaming is showing no signs of slowing down in 2021, with game developers releasing more mobile games each year. With the rise of powerful smartphones and tablets, mobile gaming has become a legitimate competitor to traditional gaming platforms.
Cross-Platform Play
Cross-platform play has been a long-awaited feature in the gaming industry, and it’s finally becoming a reality. Cross-platform play allows gamers to play together, regardless of the platform they are using. This means that console players can play with PC players, and mobile players can play with console players. Fortnite and Call of Duty have already implemented cross-platform play, and we expect to see more games follow suit in 2021.
E-Sports Gaming
E-sports has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and it’s quickly becoming a mainstream form of entertainment. In 2021, we expect to see more gamers turn pro and earn a living through e-sports. With big names like ESPN and Turner broadcasting e-sports on their channels, and massive prize pools in tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup, e-sports is going to be a significant player in the gaming industry in 2021.
In Conclusion
The gaming industry is in constant evolution, and 2021 is sure to bring exciting new trends and challenges. With the rise of VR and AR, the growth of mobile gaming, the implementation of cross-platform play and cloud gaming, and the increasing popularity of e-sports, gamers have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming year. The future of gaming looks bright, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.