The gaming industry has undergone a rapid transformation over the past two decades and is now well and truly in its mainstream era. Worth approximately $185 billion and pulling in global audiences of over 3 billion, gaming is big business, and it’s no wonder it’s now one of the world’s most popular forms of entertainment. Over the years, technological innovation has shaped the landscape and enhanced gaming experiences across all platforms, particularly on the PC.
In 2023, several significant trends have emerged that will continue to be game changers for both the industry as a whole and the PC segment as the decade progresses. From the ground-breaking decentralized tech that’s actively rewarding players to cutting-edge game design technology that will unlock captivating virtual worlds, here are the biggest trends that will revolutionize the gaming world.
Decentralized Gaming with GameFi
Thanks to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain technology has gained enough prominence in recent years to extend its reach into the gaming industry. Its decentralized, transparent nature has paved the way for a new era of gaming that is revolutionizing gaming economies. Whether players are seeking the best crypto casino USA platforms or are looking to earn NFTs while they play video games, the GameFi sector now makes it possible to do so on the PC.
Traditionally, PC games are built on closed-loop systems controlled by game developers, and they typically limit player agency and create challenges in terms of asset ownership and monetization. However, blockchain games have brought to the fore a new monetization model, one that rewards players for the time they spend gaming with digital assets like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies. Not only does the ownership of these assets pass to gamers, but they also possess real-world value, making them a valuable commodity to trade and sell.
Blockchain may well be an unpredictable industry, as recent booms and crashes have indicated, but it’s clear that technology is having a lasting impact on the gaming industry. According to Newzoo, the global GameFi market will be worth $3 billion in the next two years, demonstrating its rapid growth and potential.
Gaming in the Metaverse
A major theme that will have an impact on all types of digital entertainment in the years to come is the metaverse, a network of virtual spaces in which users can interact with a variety of different experiences. With the gaming industry being such a prominent big tech sector, it’s naturally positioned as a main player in the acceleration of the metaverse. However, even the bleeding edge games being released today will need to undergo further development to transpose in the metaverse successfully.
This is a fact that hasn’t escaped the attention of the brands behind game development tools and creation engines. In order to meet the changing demands of playing in the metaverse, Epic Games has recently announced the launch of a new game engine that will update its most valuable IP for metaverse gaming. The Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN) promises to deliver enhanced gameplay and asset control for content creators and could set a blueprint for future creation tools to follow.
Cross-Play Shatters Platform Barriers
For decades, gamers across the globe have been frustrated by the divide in gaming experiences between the PC, console, and handheld platforms. Desktop gamers have often had to wait extended periods before a new title hits their chosen medium, while Xbox players have been unable to access Sony exclusives (and vice versa). Cross-platform play (aka cross-play) is a game-changing functionality that will shatter the barriers between different platforms and foster a more connected and inclusive gaming community.
With cross-play, gamers will not only be able to play the same title on multiple platforms seamlessly but also connect and compete with all players in the game, regardless of the device they’re playing on. While cross-play features are still in their early days on the PC, it’s an innovation that the gaming community is eagerly awaiting – 57% of gamers surveyed by Nielsen would prefer to play with friends across different platforms. With the likes of Microsoft leading the way in cross-play development, it’s clear that the gaming industry is taking it seriously too.
Video Games Break Down Genre Divides
In terms of new gaming releases, there’s plenty still to look forward to in 2023. While game release schedules are often precarious, with some impending titles only coming together in the last few months of development, nevertheless, we can predict what the strongest trends in playable content will likely be. Although, at first glance, it seems like open-world gaming is dominating the line-up of expected releases, we also see scheduled titles that are breaking down traditional gaming genre divides.
The modern gaming demographic is so diverse that players are increasingly seeking engaging gaming experiences that blur the boundaries from one genre to another. Some of the season’s most anticipated games combine multiple genres for maximum impact: Manor Lords promises to fuse real-time strategy elements with city-building, while Nightingale places open-world survival gameplay in a Victorian mystery setting.
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
More Stories
Spongebob Squarepants: The Patrick Star Game Now Out for Console and PC
Limited Supplies Now Available for Pre-Order for the ELDEN RING Maliketh, the Black Blade Sukajan
Motion Twin’s WINDBLOWN Heading to Steam Early Access this Month, DEAD CELLS Now 50% Off