Top 5 Game Development Trends For 2022
Game development trends change as technology develops, and the demands of gamers change over time. It is necessary to keep the development goals aligned with trends as currently, there are approximately 3.24 billion people playing games. It is adequate to evaluate that the gaming industry’s future is quite lucrative.
Moreover, knowing about the trends is necessary as it allows the development to be aligned with emergent trends and can result in higher visibility and potential sales volume. A game that is not aligned with the trends is more likely to fail despite being technically sound.
Gaming is one of the industries that profited and showed a significant growth rate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 3.24 billion gamers globally last year, the industry is poised to generate more than $196 billion by the end of 2022.
Game development trends tend to run in tandem with technological improvements, depending heavily on state-of-the-art tools and software programs. As new technology and mechanics cross the threshold of the gaming industry, and with the advent of the metaverse, 2022 brings with it a number of trends that may define the direction of the gaming industry for the next few years.
Let’s take a look at the top five Game Development trends for the year 2022:
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Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming is one of the more profitable sub-segments of the gaming industry. As smartphones become more powerful and capable and the number of users rises with cross-platform expansions becoming a possibility, the ROIs are showing a continuous upward trend. This cross-platform approach can be highlighted via popular titles such as Among Us and Apex Legends Mobile.
Smartphone computation power has advanced in recent years and can provide higher screen resolutions on comparatively smaller screens. In addition, the launch of 5G and low latency wireless connectivity means that companies can offer a far more immersive experience with mobile gaming. -
Live Streaming and eSports
With a total market value of more than $1.1 billion at the end of 2021, eSports is the fastest-growing segment in the gaming industry. A report by a publicizing analytics company highlights that more than 375 million users will regularly watch eSports by the end of 2022.
In addition, streaming platforms such as YouTube and Twitch let audiences connect with streamers and e-gamers to watch live events and competitions. -
Blockchain Gaming
Blockchain Gaming appears to be the next big thing in gaming. In 2020 and 2021, the world saw titles starting to emerge that operated at the conjunction of gaming, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology.
With the investments rising over $4 billion, blockchain gaming is sited to showcase extraordinary growth during 2022. Incorporating cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has directed several indies and AAA games, including NFT-based gaming, play-to-earn, and pay-to-earn. An example of this is the upcoming blockchain MMO game titled Star Atlas. -
Cloud-Based Gaming (Gaming as a Service)
It refers to a gaming platform where games are distributed to gamers over the cloud or as a service—through this technique, the platform gives access to the game content to the user through an application or web browser instead of installing games on a Desktop or console. Gaming as a Service (GaaS) only requires a stable internet connection. Examples are the Luna platform by Amazon and Google’s Stadia. Both offer a monthly subscription model that allows users to play games via their browser or a dedicated application. The advantage of this trend is that it bypasses the hardware requirements at the user’s end. As stated, the main requirement is a stable internet connection.
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Extended Reality (XR) & Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality (AR / VR)
Gaming developers are incorporating AR and VR technologies into smartphones and gesture games. Organizations distort the line between gaming and experiences, adding in-game recitals, distinct proceedings, and alphanumeric goods.
The metaverse is a momentous inclination in this industry, manipulating online gaming development. Moreover, the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality gaming industry will grow to $11 billion by 2027.