As the year closes in on the end of the second financial quarter,
predictions for the future of gaming are becoming clearer. Many
things in the gaming industry are changing including all kinds of
fluctuations with what seems like a new device or preferred process
every month. But some things stay the same. In this article we’re going
to look at a few important trends for the coming year.
Here are our best guesses at the industries top trends for 2015.
Free-to-Play Mobile Games
Remember the winding snake game on your old Nokia cell phone,
circa 1999? That game, despite its simplicity and mind-numbing
addictive powers, was a pre-cursor to today’s free game apps available
on smartphones from the moment of purchase. People are just as
addicted as ever, and with the ease of discovery, ability to interact with
friends, and no charge to play, the love just keeps growing. With more
and more of the top cell phone companies offering free smartphones
with every new contract or renewal, these games are only going to
expand in number and diversity. Plus, many of those same apps are
available on tablets and mini-computers. The tip would be to look to
integrate a free game or a free, slimmed down version of your game
into smartphones and smartphone software. This way you let the
smartphone sellers and data plan providers do the selling for you.
Wearable Technology
This trend is just plain obvious — wearable technology is the next bold
movement in gaming. Combining the physical world with gaming via
devices for the body will continue to rise as people begin to embrace
the concept. Of course, Google Glass is one option, but another is a
wristwatch style device. Both have their limitations, but kinks will get
worked out along the way. Initially only those who are risk takers and
thought leaders will accept wearable devices, but if done well, it will
catch on by everyone.
Virtual Reality Simulators
The Oculus Rift and Project Morpheus headsets are two examples of
virtual reality simulators that are gaining popularity. Although it hasn’t
reached its ceiling, simulators like these are expected to climb the
ladder of fame and fortune. Games for these devices are currently
being developed. “Words With Friends” co-creator, Paul Bettner,
showcased a titled called “Lucky’s Tale” at the recent Los Angeles E3
convention.
Although the general public hasn’t yet embraced this
technology, virtual simulators are expected and anticipated by
gamers worldwide. Facebook’s recent acquisition of Oculus makes it
poised to reach a huge social audience that will most likely embrace
the next big thing.
Business Gamification
Business owners and corporations are recognizing the potential
to increase sales, encourage repeat customers, and improve
reputation via online games added to their websites and mobile sites.
Gamification motivates consumers to remain on a particular website
and thereby boosts the selling power of the associate enterprise.
Developers should be prepped for requests from businesses for
personalized games suitable for average online users. These users
may be less game-savvy than others, so unfussy interfaces and simple
commands will dominate.
Emerging Global Markets
Emerging gaming markets in Brazil, Russia, India, and China –
commonly referred to as BRIC – have the economic standing to
back a budding interest in the gaming industry. According to a recent
Oxford Economics report, the BRIC markets have the capacity to
support new industries because they are mostly debt-free and
cash-rich. By 2018, China is forecasted to become the world’s
largest economic stronghold as measured by purchasing power.
And in Brazil, the leader of the South American and Latin gaming
movement,sales of digital games are expected to rise to $2.4 billion
in 2015.
Conclusion
There’s no fortune telling magic or crystal balls here, but we do
suspect to see the above trends grow for 2015. More than that, the
face of gaming is changing – old and young, educated and average,
nerds and fashionistas will all likely encounter gaming in some way
during 2015 and beyond.
Source: www.xlocinc.com
