By Video games have been around for ages. However, times have changed since video games launched for the first time. The video gaming industry has moved way forward in the past few years. Online gaming trends have changed now. Things are not the way they used to be in the initial days of Final Fantasy, Max Payne or Freedom Fighters, etc. Yet, one thing that remained constant throughout the years is entertainment. Video games are one of the most popular sources of entertainment for kids, teens, and adults alike. In fact, many people consider them e-sports as many gaming events are held online and a number of people actively take part in them. Whereas, a number of people enjoy watching these gaming events just like they would watch an F1 race or another sporting event.
The number of people playing video games increased as the pandemic spread to all parts of the world in 2020 and the people became confined to their homes. During this time, the video game industry turned out to be the primary means of entertainment and a way to stay connected with our friends. Furthermore, the video game industry is getting larger day by day, even larger than the music or film industries. Video games are so popular among the youth that even students who seek help from a cheap assignment writing service UK to complete their academic tasks, spend hours playing Fortnite and PUBG. The cost of designing and developing a game is millions and the competition among renowned video game companies like Ubisoft, Capcom, Tencent, Riot Games, Microsoft, etc. is high.
These 5 Online Gaming Trends are transforming the video game industry
1. Diversity and Inclusion
One of the noteworthy online gaming trends is diversity. Video games are gradually becoming more inclusive and diverse. Black, Asian, Latin, and Middle-Eastern characters have made their way into some popular games. One can’t deny that gaming is a male-dominant industry. Yet, some recent games like The Last of Us, Unknown 9: Awakening, and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice have featured female protagonists. Video game series like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Syndicate, Liberation, and Odyssey include both male and female protagonists from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and races. It is always refreshing to see video games becoming more inclusive with diverse characters and featuring protagonists who are not just white males.
2. Streaming and Viewership
Online gaming streaming is becoming the new trend in the video game industry. While many people love to play video games, there are some who like to watch others play and compete online. The number of people streaming video games has increased since the pandemic. As mentioned before, people see video games as e-sports now and online gaming events provide a massive source of entertainment for them. Online gaming viewership has influenced kids and adults alike. Many nongamers now enjoy watching these online gaming events. Be it people working 9 to 5 jobs or students struggling with homework and online academic writing UK, online gaming streaming has got everyone hooked. In addition to that, several tech companies like Apple, Meta, etc. are taking an interest in the gaming industry to make online video game streaming as efficient as possible.
3. Remakes and Remasters
Remaking and remastering older games has also become a popular online gaming trend. It allows people to enjoy their favourite games but with better sounds, quality, and graphics. Moreover, older games get updated and redesigned for new platforms and audiences. It is an effective way to engage people who usually don’t play old games because of their outdated gameplay and design. Remaking games from scratch may change the plot, characters and setting of the game completely. Some remastered games include Assassin’s Creed III Remastered, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered. Upcoming remakes of popular games include Uncharted: Legacy of Thief Collection, Resident Evil 4, Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake, Dead Space Remake, etc.
4. Virtual Reality or VR Gaming
VR gaming gives gamers the first-person experience of games. Additionally, we can say that one of the most prominent trends in online games may be the incorporation of virtual reality in online games. Virtual Reality gaming involves the use of an artificially generated 3D environment to play computer games. This gives users the real essence of the game and they actually feel like they are in the story. Back in the day, experiencing the gameplay in real life was a part of our imagination only. However, thanks to the VR software, we can now truly immerse in the gameplay. Popular games that can now be played in a VR setting include Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR, The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, etc.
5. Gaming Merchandise
As developing an online video game cost quite a lot, video games must generate as much revenue as they can to continue their developmental processes. Gaming merchandise is popular among gamers and fans throughout the world. Online gaming companies promote their brand by producing top-quality merch, for instance, shirts, hoodies, mugs, notebooks, etc. Nevertheless, gaming merchandise is not limited to these accessories and apparel. Gaming companies go as far as creating films and TV series to promote their brand. One of the all-time famous and hit games, Assassin’s Creed was turned into a film in 2016 featuring top actors. Similarly, another popular game, Resident Evil has been made into several films and recently, Netflix also created an animated and a TV series on it. Apart from Assassin’s Creed, many other video games like Hitman, Mortal Kombat, and Tomb Raider have been made into films.
To Sum Up
The video game industry is continuously changing with time. Advanced technology is paving the path for online gaming trends. All these trends are in the process of development and are dependent on technology and will grow with the advancements in technology. Moreover, with the increase in mobile users, more people are entering the gaming industry. Gamers from all over the world compete with each other online through competitive multiplayer games like Asphalt, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, etc. This provides an opportunity for people to connect on a global level.
