Gaming has always been about learning what the audiences are looking for and then delivering the best possible gaming experience. This year is no different. Advances in gaming technology in 2024 are going to give gamers an even more immersive experience than ever.
One of the biggest developments in gaming technology this year is virtual reality (VR). This revolutionary technology has been gaining traction over the past few years, and its potential to revolutionize the way we play games is finally being realized.
Safe to say that this year and beyond, the future of gaming is more exciting than ever before, thanks to the continuous development of technology in games. Hence, the possibilities are endless, and the excitement is palpable!
Let’s dive in and take a look at what new technologies are being adopted and developed in the video game industry this year:
1. Rising Popularity of Mobile Gaming
According to the Digital Australia 2020 research report conducted by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), an impressive 70% of Australian gamers are utilizing their phones for video gaming. This has led to a rise in mobile gaming development, with more and more developers creating games specifically designed for mobile devices.
With the increasing accessibility of smartphones and the improving quality of mobile games, it’s no surprise that mobile gaming is on the rise. In 2023, we can expect to see them continue to gain popularity!
From Words with Friends to Call of Duty Mobile, connecting with other players has never been easier. With amazing graphics, more immersive gameplay, and more complex storylines, mobile gaming has never looked better.
Not only this attracted young people, but older gamers who may not have played video games before now have a way to participate!
However, there are still challenges in mobile game development as developers often design their games to run on the latest and most powerful devices, leaving older or less powerful devices unable to run the games smoothly.
In 2023, we expect game developers to mitigate these issues and continue pushing the limits of what’s possible in mobile gaming. With more advanced technologies such as augmented reality and cloud gaming, mobile gaming should continue to thrive in 2023 and beyond.
2. Augment Reality (AR)
If you know Pokemon Go, then you probably know what to expect in AR games.
AR gaming has come a long way since. In 2023, we expect to see more exciting and innovative games that blur the lines between the real world and the virtual world!
The possibilities of augmented reality technology are almost endless. From interactive board games to virtual scavenger hunts, AR allows players to experience worlds beyond their own in a unique way.
Other AR games may use everyday objects like coffee cups or furniture as part of the game or transform the player’s surroundings into a fantastical world with magical creatures and hidden treasures to discover. Players can also team up to solve puzzle games and complete challenges together in the real world!
AR has also created Instagram filter games that are also making waves in the world of social media. But the impact of AR filters on Instagram goes beyond just entertainment. They have helped connect people around the world in new and exciting ways.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more and more developers experimenting with it. We may also start seeing more games that combine different elements of virtual and augmented reality. So, this year, watch out for more AR-enabled games, apps, and experiences!
3. Virtual Reality (VR)
When it comes to full-blown immersion, virtual reality is the technology that game developers use. It’s the closest you can come to experiencing a virtual world as if it were real life.
Virtual reality gaming has been on the rise for many years now, but somehow, it’s not catching on as quickly as one would expect. Several factors come into play here, but the main problem is that VR headsets are still relatively expensive and require powerful machines to run.
Still, we expect to see more growth in the AR and VR dev tech gaming space in 2023 as more developers create games specifically designed for such. More than that, we can expect to see more advancements with higher-quality VR headsets with more realistic displays.
Accessibility is the priority in the gaming industry. Thankfully, VR headsets like Meta Quest 2 are becoming cheaper. Gamers now find them more affordable, and their quality is also improving, so expect to see more people playing VR games in the coming year.
Although VR gaming hasn’t yet overtaken traditional gaming, it has definitely come to the forefront in recent years and is here to stay. If this is a technology you want to take advantage of, this year is the time to do it!
4. Accessible Gaming with Cloud-Based Technology
Nowadays, video game majors are taking advantage of cloud providers to deliver their games because it eliminates the cost of gaming consoles or computers. This year, cloud gaming technology is set to take off.
By using cloud-based technology for gaming software, gamers will be able to access their favorite games from any device, anytime, anywhere. It potentially opens up a whole new world of online games and experiences.
How does it work?
Instead of downloading the game onto your machine, it’s stored in the cloud. This means that all you need is an internet connection and a compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to play the game. Hence, online gaming is more accessible than ever before.
Cloud gaming also delivers a faster, smoother experience with enhanced graphics and sound, making for an even more immersive experience. Some examples of this are Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and PlayStation Now.
The growth of the cloud gaming market has also led to more competition in the gaming world. Game developers are now creating games that are designed specifically for cloud gaming. This is great news for gamers, as it means that they will have more high-quality games to choose from in the coming years!
If you’re looking for game development, this is the trend that you want to consider as you plan your next project. Cloud gaming is the future of gaming, and it’s set to become even more popular in 2023 and beyond!
5. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Game Design
AI is not only dominating other industries, but it is also starting to make its presence felt in the gaming industry. So, when playing games this 2023, expect to come across AI-powered characters and stories.
Game designers are now using AI algorithms to create more immersive and engaging games for players. AI technology is allowing developers to create games that are more responsive, adaptive, and challenging, all while minimizing the amount of manual labor required in the game development process.
Additionally, generative AI is the tool that developers use to create realistic responses of non-player characters (NPCs). It gives them more human-like behaviors and dynamics, especially when players start interacting with them.
Creating the gaming world and environment also becomes easier with AI and machine learning. AI computer algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, allowing developers to create intricate gaming landscapes with the help of procedural generation and virtual agents.
Ultimately, AI can provide game testing and quality assurance. Machine learning algorithms help gaming companies identify any possible bugs or issues in the game beforehand so that they can be fixed prior to its public release, thus providing a higher-quality gaming experience for users.
It goes to show that AI has several applications in the video game industry, and its impact will only become more pronounced as technology continues to evolve.
6. Next-Generation Gaming Consoles
The Nintendo Switch is an absolute game-changer in the world of gaming tech! Not only is it an awesome console, but it’s also incredibly portable, allowing you to take your gaming adventures with you wherever you go.
This 2023, the gaming industry is set to release next-generation video game consoles that will take your gaming experience to the next level!
We’ve just seen the Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) release of PlayStation 5, but what can we expect for the next series of consoles?
More powerful, faster, and able to display games in 4K resolution. Now that’s something to look forward to! There are also rumors that the Nintendo Switch Pro is in development, which will likely provide even more portability, stronger processing power, and plenty of improvements over its predecessor.
In the next years to come, we should expect to see more powerful video game consoles being released. The next generation of consoles will undoubtedly be pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming and give us the immersive gaming experiences we’ve been dreaming of!
7. Cross-Platform Gaming Technology
Cross-platform games are making huge strides in 2023, with new advancements that are set to change the way we play games forever!
Cross-play games, as the name implies, are playable on a variety of platforms, including PCs, consoles, tablets, Android phones, and iPhones. These captivating titles offer unparalleled entertainment that you can enjoy from multiple devices!
In the past, cross-platform gaming was limited to a few select games, such as Final Fantasy XI and Kingdom Hearts II. However, we are now seeing the gaming industry embracing this technology.
What does this mean for players?
Simply enough, this means more social and multiplayer gaming experiences, which is great news for gamers who want to connect with their friends and family online. Big game publishers like Microsoft and SIE are already touting the benefits of cross-platform gaming, and many more are sure to follow suit.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and expand, cross-platform technology promises a more accessible experience for players of all ages. This new generation of gaming is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, creating an exciting environment where everyone can participate!
8. Emerging Business Models in Games
In 2023, the video game market is seeing the emergence of new business models that are changing the way games are created, marketed, and monetized.
A familiar business model in the gaming industry is the free-to-play model. You’ve probably already encountered some of these games, which typically offer a free base version with extra content available for purchase.
One business model emerging in the video game market is Gaming as a Service (GaaS). It works by offering a subscription-based model for gamers, in which they can access all of the game’s content for one low price. It’s also becoming increasingly popular for developers to offer additional microtransactions to help sustain the games.
Another one is “play to earn,” where players can earn real-world money by playing and winning in-game challenges. This model is especially popular in the world of mobile games, where players can earn rewards by completing certain tasks or progressing through the game.
In the world of online gaming, you want to really think about the business model you want for your game project. Now more than ever, there are so many possibilities to make sure you get the most out of your game.
Develop Your Gaming App with StarTechUP Game Developers!
Tech advancements in gaming will not slow down anytime soon. As gamers gear up for the next generation of consoles, game developers are continuing to develop innovative solutions that unlock new creative possibilities.
Hence, hiring independent developers may not be enough to catch up with the rapid changes in gaming tech.
At StarTechUP, we have developers and experts who specialize in gaming-related technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and more. We are always ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging gaming trends and can provide you with the resources necessary to build a premium gaming app that meets the needs and expectations of gamers in 2023!
So, what are you waiting for? If you want to join the gaming revolution and develop the next big hit, get in touch with us today! We look forward to helping you reach your goals.