In 2024, gaming is reaching an exciting new level with digital and real-life gaming blending together like never before, making games more fun and interactive.
This exciting shift is transforming not just how we play games but also increasing physical activity through gaming.
While seamlessly switching from phone to console to smartwatch without any trouble and opening up amazing possibilities for playing your favorite games whenever, wherever you want.
Increasing Integration of Generative AI
When OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, I knew it would bring major changes in our tech.
But I never thought it’d be that fast.
Today, Generative AI is shaping the video gaming industry of over $350 Billion.
It all started when NVIDIA and Unity made some major announcements at the year’s biggest tech event CES 2024.
NVIDIA, along with its new GeForce RTX 40 SUPER Series Graphics Cards, showcased its commitment to using new generative AI technologies designed to create lifelike characters and scenarios for gaming and other applications.
Unity Software, on the other hand,
- Showed its intent to simplify the creation of three-dimensional game assets by providing early access availability of Unity Muse.
- Showcased the first look at Unity 6 which is Unity’s next major software release that’s expected to release in 2024.
With all this integration of Generative AI in gaming the opportunities will be endless for developers, thereby opening new avenues for creativity.
However, this does not mean that everything is a bed of roses in AI development for gaming. There will be challenges like ethical considerations and the need for a clear governance framework.
Despite these challenges, one thing is clear: Generative AI is no longer the future of the gaming industry; it’s the present.
Wearable Technology
Unlike traditional gaming where you play with a basic controller, wearable technology is all set to redefine how players experience and interact with games.
This means that with wearable technology becoming a reality, you will be able to play games wherever you want with a more personalized experience.
Wearable Technology especially VR headsets was in the limelight after the launch of Apple Vision Pro.
Although, it’s first gen, the Vision Pro supports 100 Apple Arcade games and is compatible with iPad games.
The initial success of Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and similar VR devices, have encouraged the development of games that are more personalized and adaptive.
FYI, VR headsets are just the start, we’re not that far from the reality where you start a game on your smartwatch, then keep playing on your phone, and end up finishing on your smart glasses.
Crazy, isn’t it?
Cross-Multiplatform Play
As I said soon we will be able to play a game anywhere we want, wherever we want using our interconnected smartwatch, smartphone, and smart glasses.
This will be possible with the help of Cross-multiplatform play where you’ll be able to play the same game together regardless of the device or platform you are on.
The main goal here is to bridge the gap between different gaming communities, making it easier for people to connect, play, and share experiences despite the hardware they own.
With games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, Minecraft, and Overwatch 2 already supporting this gaming trend, I still don’t think it would be fair for a player who’s playing on a PC to go up against someone playing on a Mobile.
The continued rise of esports
Esports are already hugely popular, with sports betting providers having a range of markets available. This space is only expected to become more competitive with prize money expected to rise as tournaments are broadcast across the world.
Where do you stand in all this? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Surge in Mobile Gaming
After the initial COVID boom, the PC market recorded the biggest collapse with sales declining by 14.8% in 2023.
And the biggest beneficiary has been the mobile gaming industry.
With more population buying smartphones, mobile gaming has witnessed the biggest growth in terms of sales and gaming landscape in the form of cross-platform development.
There are a few reasons why mobile gaming is booming right now:
- You can play mobile games anywhere and anytime you want.
- Faster 5G internet allows smoother gameplay.
- As compared to PC, most mobile games are free to play.
With new developments in cloud gaming, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), the possibilities for what you can do with mobile gaming are only going to get bigger.
Fitness Gaming
Fitness gaming, or “exergames,” is another gaming trend in 2024.
These games mix working out and gameplay with the sole purpose of making exercise fun. Post Covid-19, People are more focused on health.
And these fitness games are a nice way to kill two birds with one stone.
Not just that, these games come with a social side that lets you work out with your friends and family virtually for points and rewards.
So, because of all these factors, fitness gaming is set to become a big thing in 2024.
