For more than two years, online gaming has gained pace with tremendous speed because of technology development and changes in user demand. With each improvement that is made to online gaming, the gameplay is more engaging and exciting.
In this article, we will explore some exciting trends that are here to shape the future of online gaming.
Virtual reality and augmented reality change the way video games are played. The technologies can allow completely immersive experiences so that the player feels he is a part of the game world. Games have become much more real in their experiences because of VR headsets or AR applications that offer to take a player inside the virtual world to make it real.
It needs game developers to invest in VR and AR so that the gamer gets something beyond screen-based games. For example, virtual reality gaming arcades are popping up where people would love to lose themselves in another reality. And once the hardware becomes cheap, then VR and AR will become an integral part of the gaming industry.
Cloud gaming or perhaps more aptly termed games-as-a-service, gives a new connotation towards how we enjoy gaming and access games today. Anyone can download a game through the web to enjoy an experience without bothering about equipment such as high-powered machines needed for gaming consoles and pricey PCs.
Hence, because of this trend, the players' market increased significantly. Games are becoming available more widely to greater people segments since users no longer require them to have any gaming or expensive PC consoles.
This future has already started with Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming, where gamers can now experience the best games on any device. This trend makes possible minimum dependency on physical gaming hardware and therefore makes the whole process of gaming flexible and affordable for everyone.
New forms of ownership and monetization using blockchain technology are disrupting everything. NFTs unlock unique in-game assets imbued with real-world worth, and these digital collectibles can be bought, sold, or traded in to create a new economy for games.
Blockchain also offers transparency and security in transactions related to gaming. Therefore, the gamer can win rewards that will be used in cross-playing multiple games or even get converted into real money. Such a trend changes the paradigm of how people understand ownership and participation in gaming economies.
It has changed the prospect of gaming among gamers since earning real money by playing a few games now becomes possible. It is very apparent in blockchain-based games wherein players are paid in cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
More online platforms are adopting this model where players can play money-making games and convert their skills into cash. With the growing popularity of these games, they will shift the landscape of the gaming industry and make gaming a source of income.
Multiplayer and social games are in very high demand as people feel a need to share the experience. The games turn into community games in today's scenario because it is now possible for players to have real-time interaction. The fact that online games have voice chat, live streaming, and even team-based playing makes an online game much more social.
This leads to games that are no longer single-player but collaboration and competition. Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming have been able to connect gamers with people all over the globe, thus transforming gaming into social entertainment.
Some trends of the future of online gaming include VR, cloud gaming, blockchain, social gaming, and play-to-earn models. All such innovations bring an even livelier and stimulating gaming landscape open to vast possibilities in entertainment for a player.