Technology will steer the future of gaming… but how? Each year, tech, gaming, and economic publications attempt to forecast how both industries will intersect. Two decades ago, the focus was on VR—before Apple’s app store threw a wrench into things and brought the world something they weren’t expecting: mobile gaming.
In this case, the software and hardware demands of creating a seamless VR experience were simply out of reach. However, VR has now effectively entered the gaming market; headsets are affordable, the technology (mostly) works, and casual gamers know how to set up a rig in their living room. Mobile gaming, meanwhile, continues to surprise industry experts.
Throw in other gaming-related developments, including the global rollout of eSports leagues and teams, the ongoing dominance of Twitch streamers, and brand-new consoles like Nintendo’s handheld Switch, and predicting the future of gaming and technology becomes even more nuanced. Wondering what the future holds? Keep reading for predictions from top companies, including NewZoo and Business Insider.
All Eyes on Live Streaming
5G networks have changed the nature of remote gaming. Boosted connectivity has revolutionized when and how casino players access their favourite titles. For example, online roulette is one of the most popular games—but it’s been a challenge for casinos to replicate the hype that surrounds a physical table at a brick-and-mortar establishment.
However, some companies now offer live dealer games. This means that a live video stream connects a real-life dealer to a remote player, closely recreating the actual brick-and-mortar experience. Not only does this add a social element for gamers, but it also makes the experience feel more real.
But it’s not just casinos that are shifting toward live-streaming technology. Huge companies, including Amazon and Microsoft, are also focusing on the future of cloud gaming. Cloud gaming allows gamers to stream games straight to their device rather than download them or use a disc insert. Think of it like Hulu or Amazon Prime… but for games.
However, network demands are much greater for cloud gaming than live dealer casino titles. Though many analysts predict cloud gaming is the future of the industry, developers still have years of hard work before its totally viable.
Extended Reality Joins AR & VR
Above, we discussed how VR technology has seen incremental improvements over the last decade. In reality, AR found its footing with gamers first—largely thanks to 2016’s Pokémon GO. The mobile app laid out how developers could use AR for mobile devices, which is much more achievable than a VR game.
However, eXtended Reality (XR) has now entered the field. XR combines the fields of VR, AR, and Mixed Reality (MR). Abbreviations aside, MR and XR look to rework the human-to-screen nature of modern gaming. Looking (far) into the future, XR could see gaming shift to more dynamic interfaces—that might not involve a screen as we know it, but immersive worlds.
Another element of XR is the incorporation of wearables. In other words, what new forms of gaming could exist beyond a human-to-screen setup? In the future, it’s possible that wearables like smart glasses could offer new avenues for gameplay mechanics. While this is a far-fetched idea, some groups are already focused on AR helmets.
Mobile Gaming a Focus for the Future
Some of the most in-depth studies available today focus on mobile gaming. NewZoo predicts that 3.2 billion people will play a digital game this year, contributing to almost $200 billion in global spending on games. In Western Europe alone, the company predicts there are almost 209 million mobile gamers alone.
Developers are more likely to focus on mobile gaming because the demands are much less than creating a game for Xbox or VR, say. This has helped diversify the range of games available, including highly casual titles suitable for gamers of all interests and experience levels. This has also introduced older demographics to gaming, which has greatly expanded the market reach of the mobile sector, particularly in areas like Southeast Asia.
