Hoping For The Best: What’s Coming to the Video Gaming Industry in 2021
2020 brought about unprecedented losses both in the video gaming industry and around the world, but thankfully 2021 is already off to a much better start. With new innovations, advances in technology, and more than a few surprise releases, it’s safe to say that the gaming industry is looking up. Here’s a look at what we can expect from the video game industry this year.
New Gen Consoles and Platforms
The start of 2021 brought with it the release of two new-gen consoles: the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. In addition, ranging from small indie startups to major industry players, new gaming platforms and services are popping up all over the place. From Google Stadia to Microsoft’s xCloud, these platforms are allowing more gamers to join in the fun by playing on any device with an internet connection.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
The global pandemic has also brought about a surge in interest for mobile gaming. Thanks to app stores such as the App Store and Google Play, gamers can download their favorite games anywhere with an internet connection. According to Newzoo, the mobile gaming market is expected to reach $77.2 billion in 2021, boosted by shifting technology trends, expanding mobile networks, and higher disposable incomes amongst millennial gamers.
VR and AR Games
2020 saw a huge rise in the use of virtual reality (VR) tech and 2021 is going to be no different. VR is no longer an elusive novelty at the arcade, it’s starting to become mainstream. With the release of Oculus Quest 2 and the various improvements to existing headsets, we can expect to see more 360-degree games that offer intense immersion for players. Augmented reality (AR) games are also becoming more popular as companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google are making big investments in the technology.
Cloud-Based Gaming
Cloud-based gaming is becoming more and more popular as companies are increasingly looking for online alternatives. According to estimates, the cloud gaming market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 33.6 percent from 2020 to 2026. Cloud gaming has huge potential; it can reduce the cost of game development, give faster access to new releases, and create a more reliable gaming experience. We can expect to see more cloud-based gaming services in 2021.
Conclusion
2021 looks to be an exciting year for the gaming industry. We can expect to see more new consoles, platforms, and games as well as a surge in mobile and cloud gaming. It’s clear that the gaming industry is adapting and improving to meet the demands of a new generation of gamers and we can only hope that 2021 brings with it more innovation and success.
