The online gaming industry has only become more successful over time. As we move forward with new gaming consoles and online streaming, online gaming has been able to flourish. The gaming industry is no different from any other; trends come and go every year, and some will stick around.
For someone who is invested in the online gaming industry, it is important to stay aware of what is currently trendy. This article will explore some of the latest online gaming trends, from the rise of eSports to the current trend of fitness gaming.
It is unlikely that we will be able to explore every single trend, but if you want to learn more about what’s going on in online gaming, then this article is for you. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
eSports And The Impact Of Competitive Gaming
One of the biggest online gaming trends we have seen recently is eSports and the world of competitive gaming. Much like you would go to watch your favourite football player play a match, eSports gives you the opportunity to see your favourite gamers compete in real time against other gamers.
Online gaming and social media are intrinsically linked, with hundreds of gamers using platforms like YouTube and Twitch to share their gaming experience with fans. This culture of gamer ‘influencers’ is what has led eSports to become so popular.
No one wants to pay to see a random person playing a random game, but if they can watch their favourite streamer compete, they are more than happy to party with hundreds of pounds.
Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality – Immersive Experiences
Virtual and augmented reality is another gaming trend that has overtaken the world over the past few years. Virtual reality gaming is where a player enters a completely virtual world using a VR headset.
The VR headset will usually come equipped with surround sound and 360-degree views so players can have a fully immersive experience. Augmented reality is different in that AR uses a real-world setting and places a computer-generated image on that real-world view.
Pokémon Go is a prime example of augmented reality, as players can catch Pokémon in real-world settings just by walking around. The most recent development in virtual reality has to be the Metaverse, designed by Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.
The Metaverse gives players a chance to escape into an entirely virtual world and play as a personalized avatar. Although the Metaverse has been hyped up quite a bit in the media, there is still a long way to go, so you may have to hold out just a bit longer before you can escape into the Metaverse!
Mobile Gaming – Gaming On-The-Go Made Possible
The rise in mobile gaming has coincided with the evolution of mobile phones. As our phones have become more high-tech, it has allowed gaming companies to develop more advanced games that are suitable for our devices.
Finding a mobile game takes no time; if you have a smartphone, all you need to do is go into your App Store and browse the many games available; it really is that easy! Some popular mobile games are Football Manager, online casinos, Candy Crush, Shadowgun Legends, and Alto’s Odyssey.
Online casinos have risen in popularity over the past few years, giving people fun ways to make quick cash. A lot of online casinos will offer free spins for first-timers, which can be an easy introduction to the world of online casinos.
The free spins give you a little taste of online casinos without getting too intense, so they are a good option for someone who has never played in an online casino.
Cloud Gaming And Streaming – The Future Of Video Games
Cloud gaming and streaming are fairly new gaming trends on the scene, but they have proven very popular. A great way to understand how cloud-based gaming works is to think about streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+.
Just like the aforementioned streaming services, cloud-based gaming allows users to stream games directly from a private server instead of installing a game onto a console or buying a physical game.
Just like video streaming services eliminate the need for a physical DVD, cloud-based gaming eliminates the need for physical games. While some may argue against this, ultimately, cloud-based gaming is more accessible, as you do not need a particular console in order to play the game.
Video streaming services have completely taken over the entertainment industry because they are convenient and accessible, and there is a good chance that cloud gaming will do the same.
More than anything, people want fast streaming and easy access to the games they love, and cloud gaming is able to provide just that.
Low Risk And Casual Gaming – Finding Your Own Adventure
While some people play games for the thrill or to beat a personal target, others use gaming as escapism. Low-risk, casual gaming has been a huge trend in the gaming industry, likely stemming from the pandemic.
During the pandemic, people needed a way to stay entertained and fun casual games that won’t stress them out. Games like Animal Crossing and Sims are excellent examples of low-risk and casual games as they are easy to play and accessible to everyone.
There is no real goal to reach or time limit on certain tasks; you can just play the game however you want and create your own adventure.
These times games have become very appealing to so many people, so we wouldn’t be surprised if more games like Animal Crossing and Sims make their way onto the scene within the next few years. So, keep your eyes peeled!
Fitness And Gaming – Get Fit And Have Fun
Gaming and fitness have experienced a major crossover in the last few years as our technology has advanced. If you don’t enjoy hopping on the treadmill but want to get your steps in, you may find getting involved with some fitness games useful.
The great thing about fitness gaming is that it is very diverse; no matter what exercise you enjoy, there will be a game to match. Things like Zumba: Burn It Up, Fitness Boxing 2, Ring Fit Adventure, and Beat Saber are all super popular fitness video games at the moment.
In addition to this, a recent development in fitness gaming has been Peloton Interactive. The Peloton Interactive is an indoor-cycling bike that has a touch-screen tablet attached to it. You can use the tablet to generate a number of different environments to work out in.
So, whether you want to cycle through the south of France or you want to do some off-road cycling, The Peloton has got you covered. The bike also comes equipped with a personal instructor for each session, so if you struggle with maintaining motivation, this could be perfect for you.
