It seems like the gaming boom is finally slowing down. After meteoric growth during 2020 and 2021, the proliferation of games, consoles, and trends has led to a truly new era in gaming. That being said, not all new fads have lasted the test of time. MOBAs, for example, remain hugely popular—but they don’t have quite the stranglehold on eSports or streamers that they used to.
As the industry evolves and as new technology emerges, gaming’s next frontier continues to shift. Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest trends to spark interest since the start of the new year, along with how they might take off in the near future.
Mobile Casino Slots Taking Over
Casino games sit in one of the most quietly popular sectors in the industry. Though casino games like blackjack and slots are classed under iGaming, that doesn’t mean they aren’t popular for all sorts of gamers—especially the mobile versions. This year, slots, in particular, have taken off in the realm of mobile casino gaming, performing fourth globally in terms of revenue behind RPGs, strategy games, and puzzles, according to a study from NewZoo.
As mobile casinos have taken off, slots have become the premier title. Along with unique themes and characters, each game offers its own RTP. RTP stands for ‘return to player’ rate, showcasing each game’s relative volatility. By adding notes like these, developers have helped slots players make more informed decisions, leading to more virtual reel-spinning.
Game Streaming Goes Global—as Does Subscription Play
Game streaming has been touch-and-go for years. Though everyone loves the idea of game streaming, it takes quite a bit of bandwidth and advanced tech to be functional. However, that’s changed this year. Along with classics like Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, new streaming services like Shadow and Nvidia GeForce Now have paved the way for streamlined game streaming.
The same is true for subscription game models. Legacy options like Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus are being usurped by more accessible models, including Ubisoft’s launch of the Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store. Since 2020, the subscription model has grown by 34%.
Accessibility Options Are Expanding
Though less-explored than other hard-hitting (and lucrative) new trends in gaming, there’s one positive frontier in the realm of peripherals. Traditionally, game mechanics are dependent on handheld controllers or keyboards. Neither option is universally accessible for gamers who have limited motor functions or rely on voice commands.
However, the recent uptick in peripheral development has helped steer new interest in accessible controls. There are joysticks, wearable vests, and more. Not only are companies creating diverse controllers for all types of gamers, but developers are also using AI tools to help roll out features like voice control, too.
Handheld Hype Leading Up to Nintendo Release
Above, we outlined the rise of mobile gaming, from MOBAs to casino slots. However, now that the mobile gaming hype is starting to plateau, there’s added interest in handheld consoles. The fad kicked off in 2017 when Nintendo introduced its innovative Switch device. Since then, Valve has released the Steam Deck and ASUS its ROG Ally.
Rather than fork over thousands for a state-of-the-art PC setup, gamers are now pivoting to focus on handheld devices that offer the same power. Not only are they portable and convenient, but they offer a similarly competitive and cutting-edge gaming experience. At the moment, all eyes are on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release, scheduled for next year.
AI Use Cases are Expanding
Lastly, one of the biggest trends to hit gaming this year is the rise of AI use cases. Though there’s been plenty of speculation regarding the future of AI and gaming, its applications have been rather limited. However, user-generated content is one avenue that seems primed for growth.
Already, UGC has made its way into dozens of popular game mods (or player-made modifications). The most well-known example is probably Skyrim, one of the biggest open-world RPGs in the industry.