Since 2020, the gaming industry has become a world-leading entertainment market. With external factors like global lockdowns forcing us to find new ways to stay entertained and socialize, pretty much everyone with an internet-connected device turned to the digital gaming sectors. In stark contrast to the games that populated the market at the end of the 20th century, there’s now an almost overwhelming array of genres and experiences out there, from open world RPG games to first person shooters, and even interior design games and mobile gaming apps!
Yes, playing digital games is now viewed on the same level as streaming a TV show, going to the movies or even watching a sporting event — in the case of eSports and pro gaming. But what are some of the key trends that have driven digital gaming to become such a powerful Big Tech and entertainment industry?
Cross-Platform Play
If you aren’t a console gamer then you may not have come across the term cross-platform play, or cross-play, before. Nevertheless, it's becoming a significant trend in the digital gaming industry for the fact that it allows gamers on different devices and platforms (such as Xbox or PC) to play together.
For much of the gaming industry’s history, there have been barriers between different gaming platforms, meaning that even in vast digital multiplayer games, only players on PC can team up with or compete against other PC players etc. Cross-play, on the other hand, breaks down these barriers, enabling gamers across the entire spectrum of devices from PC to mobile to connect and play together in the same game. This can increase the pool of both potential teammates and opponents, meaning that matchmaking becomes more dynamic and multiplayer games are played to their fullest potential.
In addition to enhancing players' experiences, cross-platform play has opened up new market opportunities for game developers and publishers. This surprisingly groundbreaking development enables brands to reach a broader audience than they were if they just focused on single-platform play, leading to increased game sales, higher engagement levels and greater revenue potential. There are also sustainability benefits to cross-play, since gamers can invest in a single device and use it for longer (as opposed to needing multiple devices).
Online Casino Gaming
Casino games like roulette and blackjack are centuries old, so it's pretty remarkable that they’re still such popular gaming activities here in the 21st century. Despite their longevity, though, such games have felt out of reach by certain demographics due to the fact that, prior to the emergence of iGaming, they could only be played in brick and mortar venues. Thanks to digitalization, more and more people have been able to take-up playing casino games online, which, in turn, has also boosted the profile of the digital gaming industry as a whole. GGBET esport is just one example of these online platforms.
The popularity of online casino gaming has also been accelerated by the fact that gaming in the digital realm brings more rewards and benefits than doing so at a land-based casino. With so many promotions available at iGaming platforms, from $200 no deposit bonus codes to free spins offers, in many cases, gamers can actually participate in a whole host of casino games without even needing to play with their real money.
Free to Play Games
At the opposite end of the scale from iGaming, in which gamers actively play with and for real money, we have free to play games. The free-to-play (F2P) gaming model is what most browser games are based on, but in recent years its caused a stir for the sheer quality of premium games that are now available to play on a F2P basis.
As the name suggests, free to play games are titles that are completely free to players to access. By removing the barrier to entry associated with having to pay $30 or more for a digital game, the F2P sector can attract a larger and more diverse player base. Gamers can try out the game without making a financial commitment, which has led to increased adoption rates and player engagement.
We only have to look at leading F2P titles to see just how powerful a trend this is. Epic Games’ Fortnite Battle Royale is a veritable cultural phenomenon and the basis of a global eSports tournament, but it remains to this day a game that is fully accessible and free to play.
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