Gaming is immensely popular among a lot of different demographics within society. This has meant that the industry as a whole has seen a huge expansion and record-breaking profits year upon year. This is largely because gaming is so accessible; you can play via a PC, console or even your mobile phone. In order to continue to capture the imagination of players around the world, game developers have had to best themselves and provide revolutionary experiences continually. So, the question is, then, what can gamers expect from the industry this year? Read on to find out.
A Holistic Approach to Gaming
Gaming is set to continue to become more immersive and well-rounded this year, thanks to the development of the metaverse. The metaverse in reference to gaming refers to the combination of a number of different elements which help to pad out the gaming universe to make it more all-encompassing, like social networking, digital currencies or even VR or AR. The idea of making video games as interactive and immersive as possible is not anything new; however, it is only in the last few years that the technology available has finally begun to catch up and allow this. It seems to be geared towards making gaming more accessible and perhaps drawing new players to the hobby too.
A Shift Away from Mainstream Developers
There are a number of hugely successful and popular game developers today, like Sony, Nintendo and Ubisoft. While these businesses are unlikely to experience any real difficulty in terms of sales or profits, in the year 2023, players are likely to encounter more games from smaller or indie developers. Big game developers do have some worthwhile offerings; there is no doubt about it. However, they have become a little samey in the eyes of their players. This is precisely why independent studios are set to become more popular this year. Technology has finally become accessible enough that smaller developers can really take advantage and show what they have to offer on a bigger scale. This is simply going to translate into more choice for players in terms of games and genres, which is always advantageous.
A Renewed Interest in Cloud Tech
The idea of the cloud has been around for years; however, to most people, it is simply some abstract thing that holds information seemingly in the air. In recent years it has allowed developers and players to take a different approach to gaming, and this is expected to see more interest in 2023. A lot of developers are funneling more money into this technology because it is primed to take off with players in a big way. The games themselves are streamed via the internet, negating the need to purchase physical copies and, in some case, consoles too. This approach to gaming is a lot more environmentally friendly, and environmentalism is a growing movement in itself. It is set to be explored further this year, and the gaming experiences offered to players are set to become more diverse.
A Chance to Earn Money Gaming
Obviously, making money via gaming is not necessarily a new thing; however, 2023 is set to provide players with more opportunities than ever before. There is, of course, online gambling which is by no means new, although there have been developments in the way in which you can bet and the formats that gambling takes. For example, OnlineCasinos is one such site which allows players to learn more about the games themselves while compiling information and stats on the different platforms, all of which help to increase your chance of success as a player. There has also been the introduction of cryptocurrency to gambling and gameplay, in-game currencies, which sometimes translate into real-life funds and finally, the money that good players can earn from taking part in gaming tournaments too. Simply put, as a hobby, gaming is only becoming more rewarding, figuratively and literally.
A Rise in Gaming Subscriptions
Traditionally, hard copies were some of the only ways in which you could access the game; you needed a hard copy to play. However, as mentioned above, the growing interest in environmentalism has forced developers to look for alternatives. This has led to the creation of gaming subscriptions which aim to replace the need for hard copies. You simply need to make an account with the relevant developer or platform and an internet connection. Once you have these in place, you can then purchase games and gain access to any number of other exclusive perks. Although, there is likely to be a cost to the subscription itself, and you may also be expected to pay for the games or other elements. All in all, this might cost more than purchasing the hard copies, so it really will be up to you to work out whether or not it is a worthwhile purchase.
A Greater Interest in Watching Gamers
Also, this year, gamers can expect to see a push from different streaming platforms wanting to build an audience of those interested in watching other gamers stream their gameplay. There are several different platforms on which you can find gamers all streaming their gameplay, like Twitch or YouTube. Some streamers do choose to stream via a split screen which allows you to watch their gameplay and them whilst they play; others only stream the gameplay, choosing instead to use animations or voiceovers to retain some level of anonymity.
Final Thoughts
2023 is quickly passing by us; in the blink of an eye, we are likely to see 2024 on the horizon. In gaming terms, this year has only begun to unveil what there is in store for players around the world. Technology and gaming go hand-in-hand with the advancements in technology, often leading to progress within the gaming industry. Truthfully, all of these advancements are all geared towards ensuring that they are delivering the best possible experience to the players; without an audience, the industry would be nothing. It is hard to work out where these trends are headed next. This year will need to play out a little more first.
