The video game industry has seen significant growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding in the future. Technological advancements, such as virtual and augmented reality, have opened up new avenues for game development. Moreover, streaming video games have also been on the rise, leading to a boom in 3D game development. That said, let’s take a look at the 3D gaming trends that will shape 2023.
Blockchain-based games
Blockchain-based video games are changing the rules in the gaming sector, bringing new and exciting opportunities. Blockchain is the technology underpinning Bitcoin, and its features – like decentralization and faster transactions – have contributed to the massive growth of the crypto industry. Buying bitcoin is profitable and involves a 4-step process. Firstly, investors must figure out where to buy bitcoin and then consider how to store their crypto. Once they do so, they can make the purchase and, finally, create a long-term plan to manage the investment. The decentralized nature of the blockchain makes it ideal for the gaming sector, as it can provide players with greater control over their digital assets, secure transactions, and transparent record-keeping. Blockchain integration also helps address challenges related to ownership and transfer of in-game items, like virtual currencies. Moreover, the technology uses powerful data encryption, which helps prevent hackers from altering an online transaction.
Predictions show that people will likely spend around $200 billion on blockchain in-game purchases by 2023, showing the overwhelming potential of the market. Blockchain games are based on a P2E model, meaning players can earn rewards without paying the platform. This model is quite appealing to gamers, reducing costs associated with traditional gaming. Unlike other games where players buy convenience, play-to-earn enables them to make gains without paying a cent. It’s like making dividends by purchasing stocks – the only difference is that you only have to play. The GameFi P2E model isn’t only appealing to players but also developers, allowing them to earn money through referral programs or selling items on the platform.
Metaverse
The video game industry has shown significant interest in the potential of metaverse gaming. Many game studios are exploring the possibilities of creating immersive and interactive virtual experiences for players in a shared, multi-dimensional online environment. With technological advancements, metaverse gaming will likely bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the gaming experience. Besides playing games, the metaverse allows people to communicate, purchase virtual assets, and attend events. Simply put, the metaverse is a virtual space that results from combining different technologies, including VR, AR, AI, 3D reconstruction, and blockchain. The metaverse provides a functional economy through cryptocurrency, enabling people to purchase virtual goods similar to the real world. By engaging one or more senses, the technology offers an immersive sensory experience, allowing users to change their virtual environment.
Cloud gaming
The cloud is not a brand-new technology in the gaming sector; however, the market is now seeing incredible development, and its future looks promising. This is because the technology saves computer storage and spares low-end devices while bringing happiness to those who can’t afford a console. Cloud gaming enables players to enjoy high-quality, resource-intensive games on their devices without investing in expensive hardware. Players can access games on less powerful devices with a smooth and responsive performance by offloading the processing to the cloud. This makes gaming more accessible to a broader audience while also eliminating the need for frequent hardware updates.
The global cloud gaming market is estimated to rise considerably by 2025, reaching $8.17 billion. Many of the major players in the video game industry have launched cloud gaming services, allowing players to access a library of games via a monthly subscription. You may have heard of popular gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Amazon Luna – the only requirement for these services is an internet connection with a minimum speed of 10 Mbps. This eliminates the need for expensive and energy-intensive gaming hardware, making gaming more accessible and environmentally friendly.
Indie gaming
Indie games were launched by independent game developers, and they are a popular trend in the industry. But it’s through the development of game platforms that indie developers have succeeded in turning their visions into a reality. Indie games are created by small teams or individuals, ranging from simple, casual games to complex, high-quality experiences. They are known for their creative and unique gameplay and affordability, as they are often priced lower than big-budget games developed by major studios. For instance, Roblox is a platform that enables games ‘development and distribution without any costs.
Moreover, due to its child-friendly features, Roblox Studio allows everyone to make and share games – even those without coding experience. This free service is easy to use and has attracted a significant user base of 202 million. The rise of indie gaming has led to the creation of a vibrant and supportive community where indie developers can connect, collaborate, and share their challenges and experiences. This has helped spur innovation and creativity in the gaming industry, giving rise to some of the most memorable and beloved games of all time.
Cross-platform gaming
Latest technology improvements have made cross-platform play a possibility. Simply put, cross-platform gaming refers to the ability to play the same game on multiple gaming platforms, such as consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, with the same account and progress. This means that players can start playing a game on one device and then continue playing on another device without losing their progress or having to start over.
Cross-platform gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years as the gaming industry has become more connected, and players demand greater flexibility and convenience. By allowing players to play the same game on multiple devices, cross-platform gaming enhances the overall gaming experience. Plus, players can play with friends regardless of the device they are using. Cross-platform play won’t likely stay just a trend but will become a vital component in the industry.
The bottom line
The gaming industry has a bright future, and as technology advances, more exciting trends in gaming are rising, such as increased use of VR and AR, cloud gaming, and cross-platform gaming, among others. Along with it, the competition among game developers will keep being intense as they strive to make the best games and provide the best experiences for players.