Like every other industry, the video games industry also ushered in the new decade with 2021. Moreover, the new decade is an extra special one because it supersedes the pandemic year. If 2020 was the year of disruption, 2021 is the year of unique adaptations to embrace the new normal. 

 Besides ushering in a new health-conscious era for people, 2021 will hopefully bring a phase of revival for businesses. Fortunately for the video games industry, 2021 is a year of prolonged growth and profits. According to reports, the global video gaming market will value a whopping 200 billion US dollars by 2023. From its valuation at $159.3 billion in 2020, the video gaming industry is in for a period of tremendous growth in the next couple of years. The number of video gamers reached 2.5 billion worldwide in 2020. The number is set to increase by 200 million by the end of this year. 

The video games industry has diversified from console gaming to PC gaming or the on-the-go experience of online gaming. Each of these subsectors of the gaming industry has its own user bases increasing day by day. The predicted growth rate of the video gaming industry for 2021 is a CAGR of 12%. In a post-pandemic world, this growth rate is only set to increase.  

What does 2021 have in store for the video gaming industry?  

Below, we explore the video gaming industry trends that will play a massive role in its growth. 

·       The revival of the gaming hardware 

Yes, gaming technology research mainly focuses on advanced gaming software and features. However, game development companies are also investing in bringing back the charm of the old console. The hardware and packaging matter as much as the software that powers the gaming experience. There are many reasons why game inventors are reinventing gaming hardware. According to reports, the average age of a gamer is 35 years old. Therefore, it is natural for a gamer to associate nostalgia with gaming. As most gamers are adults, gaming companies create new consoles that help them recall video gaming’s glory days.  

·       Gambling shifts to online 

With video games and sports shifting to the online space, gambling has also shifted its axis. Subsequently, traditional gambling arenas give way to online casinos where gamblers can bet on a professional player or the result of a battle. Video games and esports are becoming as popular as traditional physical sports. The popularity of online gaming has catalysed the rise of online gambling. Gambling affiliates like this Casino Select site are feeling some of the benefits from these knock on effects. Especially after the pandemic, people prefer to gamble from the comfort of their homes, so online casinos can be fantastic to gamble at your convenience.

·       Open world adventures get a makeover 

Open-world adventures are very popular among gamers. Open-world adventures stitch a story together via landscapes. Moreover, open-world games vividly draw out the landscape of different worlds. The complexity of these landscapes depends on the level at which the player is playing. Open-world adventures help gamers experience a variety in one game. The gamer feels in control because his progress depends on him. Open world adventures will improve in 2021 to create a more immersive gaming experience. Moreover, the use of augmented reality will be instrumental in bringing open-world adventures to life. Now that artificial intelligence is used in gaming, AI will respond to the gamers’ choices and create a more customised gaming landscape. 

·       The delight of horror games  

Because of the thrill and unpredictability of horror video games, horror is a popular game genre today. People are opting for psychological thriller games that intrigue them and are challenging to play. Horror games are very popular among adults for the thrill they serve. Moreover, horror games are very gripping and help you forget all your worries. Many horror games are also popular because of their storyline and plot twists. 

·       Extended reality is a new reality 

The use of virtual reality for a better gaming experience is common today. Virtual reality touched its peak in the pandemic when people wanted to explore different scenarios from their homes’ comfort. 2020 was the year of virtual and augmented reality. However, 2021 is the year of extended reality. Popular game development companies are creating consoles that support extended reality gaming. 

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Reference

Global Gaming Industry: Trends and Forecasts for 2021 & Beyond! (codecondo.com)

Top Video Game Industry Statistics (2020) | Fortunly

10 Interesting Gaming Industry Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About | GAMERS DECIDE

• Video game market value worldwide 2023 | Statista

10 video game trends to look out for in 2021 | GamesRadar+