The gaming industry will undergo significant transformations in the next three years, thanks to the recent PS5 and Xbox Series X launches.
However, next-gen hardware is just one aspect of the pivotal trends shaping the gaming industry in 2024. There are other noteworthy trends we should pay close attention to.
The gaming industry is all set to catapult into 2024 with new gaming trends, developments, and advancing technologies.
The video game market will hit $583.69 billion by 2030.
Unsurprisingly, the video game industry is rapidly expanding and maintaining its position as one of the most lucrative industries. Both commercially and technically, the industry has surpassed every benchmark.
Technological trends like immersive technologies (AR, VR, MR) have encouraged people toward mobile gaming. On the other hand, the rise of streaming video games is the primary reason behind the dramatic boom of 3D game development.
With keeping all the glories of existing gaming trends, some new 3D video game trends are just around the corner. So, let’s pile up all the gaming trends that will steal gamers’ hearts worldwide in 2024.
AR and VR
Regarding immersive first-person video game playing experience, Augmented and Virtual Reality gaming have few alternatives. Pokemon Go catalyzed AR gaming’s overnight popularity. MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games like Leagues of Legends and Dota 2 will likely receive augmented reality upgrades.
Moreover, the MMORPG genre will significantly benefit from Virtual Reality integration. Imagine stepping into an environment like the world of Warcraft that is completely VR, making it feel like you are teleported into a different world.
The AR and VR video game market may reach $ 11.0 billion by 2026. That is an 18.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2026.
Integrating AR and VR solutions in mobile and wearable devices and people’s appetite for immersive gaming will propel this growth. Additionally, the anticipated drop in VR headset prices in the coming years will further fuel adoption.
Contrary to the total immersion in the fantasy of VR games, AR imposes digital objects and sounds on the reality of the gamer. It makes the format even more accessible and engaging. The massive adoption of smartphones has helped game developers tap into AR to tell stories.
Generative AI in Gaming
In 2024, the gaming space will start seeing the impacts of Generative AI. Generative AI can transform players’ experience. You can create believable characters who can interact with players without reading from scripts. You can also develop whole new content depending on the player’s behavior merely by employing real-time generative AI during gameplay.
The dynamic and responsive nature of Generative AI leverages exclusive language models for players to interact on the fly. In simple terms, generative AI games can create content based on the player’s implicit and explicit actions, from instantly generating new elements to levels to in-game characters interacting in human-like discussions.
These instances portray a new paradigm of player personalization and game interaction, a departure from anything the world has seen.
Competitive Multiplayer Mobile Gaming
The meteoric rise of popular games like PUBG Mobile and eSports made multiplayer mobile games a prominent gaming trend in 2023. It will likely continue to dominate in 2024.
One reason for this phenomenon is the multiplayer format keeps gamers engaged through social interaction. It gives them a sense of achievement over other players. More and more gamers are happy to make in-app purchases and pay to stay in the game.
Fitness Gaming
Gone are the days when people thought video games were for lazy people who disliked staying active. There is a rising clamor for active video games, AKA fitness gaming that can help you get into shape.
More and more people are leaning more toward fitness gaming daily because it works.
Fitness gaming or Active Video Games (AVG) have existed for some time. Still, the use of advanced technology has made it much more attractive.
For example, VR fitness gaming employs a 3D environment. It offers users a feeling of being physically present in a fitness center or a gym while exercising. AR fitness is also becoming increasingly popular because it is fun.
These games use augmented reality development to create a virtual fitness experience combining physical exercise and interactive gameplay.
Enhanced Security With VPNs for Routers
In online gaming, security and privacy are paramount concerns for players. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) used for routers have become increasingly prevalent among gamers seeking to safeguard their online activities.
Protecting personal data
VPNs for routers encrypt internet traffic. They protect sensitive information such as payment details, personal data, and login credentials. This added layer of security is crucial for you if you engage in online transactions or share personal information while gaming.
Bypassing geographical restrictions
VPNs enable you to bypass geographical restrictions that game publishers or streaming platforms typically impose. Masking your IP address and routing traffic through servers in different locations will enable you:
- To access region-locked content
- Participate in global gaming events
- Connect with players worldwide
Reducing latency and DDoS protection
Certain VPN services offer optimized routing and DDoS protection. This reduces latency and protects you against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks during online gaming sessions. These services ensure a smoother and more secure gaming experience. They are especially beneficial in competitive multiplayer environments where performance is critical.
Privacy and anonymity
VPNs for routers provide anonymity by hiding your actual IP address and online activities from ISPs (Internet Service Providers), gaming platforms, and third-party entities. This anonymity enhances your privacy and prevents data tracking or profiling based on your gaming habits or preferences.
Family-friendly filtering
Some VPNs offer family-friendly filtering options for routers. These tools allow parents to control and monitor internet access for younger gamers. They can set age-appropriate content filters, block malicious websites, and manage online gaming time effectively.
By incorporating VPNs for routers into your gaming setups, you can enjoy a more secure, private, and unrestricted gaming experience. You’ll have peace of mind while exploring the vast digital realms of 2024’s gaming landscape.
Image by Tai Bui on Unsplash
New Platforms for PC Gaming
Many people think that the days of PC gaming are numbered. However, this is not true. PC gaming shows no sign of stopping in 2024.
The PC gaming market will hit $31.52 Billion by 2028.
For years, Steam has been the preferred PC gaming platform. However, new platforms are giving Steam a run for its money.
One of these is GOG’s digital distribution network, which has an enormous collection of recent releases and classic titles. Others to watch include Origin, UPlay, Epic Games Store, and the folks behind Fortnite. Another online gaming platform, Roblox, has paved the way for a massive spurt in indie games and is a serious contender in this space.
Blockchain-Based Gaming
The potential of the blockchain video game market is quite overwhelming. Blockchain-enabled video games are changing the rules by transforming gaming into a sector with many exploration opportunities. Blockchains use powerful data encryption technologies that keep hackers from interfering with online transactions.
The market value of in-game purchases is predicted to surpass $74.4 billion by 2025.
Gaming could benefit from this technology by making in-game purchases safer. Apart from opening safer and newer territories for developers, blockchains will allow greater control for the players to move from play-to-win to play-to-earn. Additionally, blockchain is a revolutionary platform for creating and storing in-game assets.
It has been one of the prominent 3D video game trends to watch in 2022. It will stand at the tipping point of the video game industry trend 2023.
Metaverse Gaming Trends
The debut of video games in the metaverse is already hype. Many game studios have already initiated carving out their first and best shot in metaverse gaming. The implementation of metaverse game development in various sectors is growing daily.
The video game industry is not out of it. Metaverse gaming is one of the most prominent gaming trends in 2023 and shows no sign of stopping.
The metaverse video game market will reach 710.21 billion by 2027.
Whether centralized or decentralized, metaverse video games are becoming sensations among gamers. And the market prediction reflects that this sensation will last long beyond 2023.
Metaverse offers a more immersive and engaging gaming experience than traditional games. In a metaverse, players can explore virtual worlds, create avatars, and engage with others in real time. This creates a sense of community and social interaction lacking in traditional games.
Cloud and Streaming Video Games
Cloud gaming or Gaming as a Service (Gaas) could redefine the entertainment and gaming industry. Cloud gaming will make it unnecessary for gamers to purchase expensive hardware and enable remote access to gaming content.
The gaming world will likely experience less dependency on purchasing games as 5G is on the verge of redefining internet speeds. Instead, gamers can stream games, eliminating the need for downloads and encouraging large-scale multiplayer gaming.
The Future of Gaming
The video game market is constantly in motion, marching in step with technological innovation and evolving gameplay choices. The fierce competition among developers will also be critical in propelling the gaming experience.
