Gaming is one of the most popular hobbies around the world. From incredibly simple mobile games to massively complex world-building RPGs and everything in between, video games have an audience. And that audience is growing slowly but surely.
Part of this growth is fueled by video games attracting an increasingly wide demographic. As games diversify, gaming systems become more accessible and stereotypes around gamers fade, those who had never previously considered playing video games feel more comfortable giving them a try. The response from game developers is to expand what they offer to appeal to more players. This is where creativity and change come from.
The future of gaming embraces more of this inclusive and diverse approach to gaming. Advances in technology are also driving the future of gaming. Video games have always been one of the first industries to implement new technologies. It is one of the most consistently positive features of the industry.
This article will discuss what the future of gaming looks like. We’ll take a look at some of the key developments that we can expect to see in the next few years.
Virtual reality and augmented reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been buzzwords in the game development world for years. The highs of the early days of VR were followed by years where the topic wasn’t addressed at all. In the late 2010s, VR became a hot topic again, with developers putting a lot of attention into creating headsets and games that make the most of this improved technology.
VR headsets have become more affordable and that trend is likely to continue. We’re also likely to see more companies creating their own VR and AR headsets. There will also be an improvement in the quality of games offered and in the immersiveness of the VR world.
Expansive online casinos
Online casinos are already a major feature of the gaming industry. They have been rapidly expanding and improving, especially in the last five years as user numbers have climbed steeply. Online casinos have become such a lucrative business that even traditional casino brands like MGM have created digital versions.
One indicator of that success is casino brands that operate multiple sites. These parent companies operate at least three to five online casinos. Some use identical platforms for each site, only changing the graphics while others build unique sites for each of their brands.
This Casinomeister guide to the sister sites of PlayOJO provides a good example of this phenomenon. PlayOJO is operated by SkillOnNet Ltd. Each of PlayOJO’s sister sites is designed to appeal to a different demographic or operate in a different international market.
The future of online casino gaming is quite exciting. In the very near future, we can expect to see continued improvement in the slot games being developed. We can also expect more variety of table games and new games like Slingo.
The real innovation will come from live table games. These are already being created and reflect wider interests in things like board games and game shows. These new live table games show how much creativity there is in the online gambling industry.
Alongside these innovations within the games, we’re likely to see the creation of AR and VR casinos. These expansive online casinos will be more immersive and allow players to really feel like they are playing at a casino. There is even the potential for actual famous casino floors to be recreated in VR so that players can walk through the Luxor or Caesars Palace. Recreating vintage casino floors would be an interesting and creative project that will hopefully get some attention.
Games as a Service
Games as a Service (GaaS) is a controversial development in the gaming world but it is unlikely to stop. Subscription models work in theory because they mean that users don’t have to purchase each movie, album, game etc separately. However, the problem comes from the fact that a single subscription rarely offers everything a user wants, so they need to subscribe to multiple services.
With GaaS, we’re already seeing this issue. Each console platform has its own subscription service. This development does have the positive aspect of encouraging players to try more games they might not have previously considered buying since they don’t have to pay for each individual game.
AI development
Artificial intelligence is another controversial topic. The use of AI for game development, however, is less controversial than its use in other areas. One of the most interesting uses of AI in gaming is in improving the narratives and NPC interactions.
The weird, repetitive, and out-of-context dialogue from NPCs has long been a source of humor and memes for players. AI will be used to make the stories of NPCs and their associated dialogue more relevant and natural. This development will improve the entire gaming experience because it will enhance the storytelling element of these games.
What about the metaverse?
There were high hopes for the metaverse. Not only had it been a key sci-fi concept for decades, it had the power of one of the wealthiest social media companies behind it. Then we all saw the legless reality behind the glossy trailers, and interest died almost immediately.
Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse is still limping along. There is plenty to do in the metaverse, there just isn’t anyone doing it. There are very few users and even fewer who use the platform consistently. At this point, the only real hope that the metaverse has of being the gaming platform of the future is to come offline, get completely redesigned and rebranded, and try again with a relaunch in a few years’ time.
Final thoughts
We’re at an exciting point in the future of gaming. It feels very much like trends and developments have been steadily building up for the last few years. 2025 is unlikely to be the year that we reach a peak but each year, we’re getting closer and closer. This year the most dramatic developments will likely be in AI and GaaS.