The fast-moving gaming industry is always one step ahead of the game. Developers and creative minds are always keen to evolve gaming into the next big thing; the next immersive experience, the next step into the future of gaming.
No sooner has one innovation hit the shelves we’re already being teased by the next stage in gaming brilliance. Last year was a big year for gaming which saw a number of new and highly anticipated technologies, including virtual and augmented reality-based games, finally come to fruition. And in 2017 we look set to be in for even more treats.
CHEAPER CONSOLES
Whenever there’s been a bit of a dip in the console market we could always rely on the newest release helping to revive that interest.
Unfortunately, the gaming industry has changed so dramatically over the past decade it’s difficult to see just how new consoles will have much of an impact in the future. Whilst this fact may disappoint many gamers out there it could also mean that console prices could suddenly take a dramatic fall. In fact, the console industry as a whole will certainly need to make some dramatic changes to keep up the pace and successfully compete with all these new and emerging gaming platforms.
THE GROWTH OF ESPORTS
With it becoming far and beyond a phenomenal success last year it seems almost clichéd to mention the fact that Esports will likely be a continuing trend in 2017. The popularity of this unique new spectator sport has continued its successful run by and last year saw the first time that a number of high-profile gaming tournaments were actually televised on network TV.
Experts are predicting that this hugely money-spinning business will be worth around $1 billion this year with tournaments pulling in around 500 millions viewers. And with huge prize pools worth millions it won’t be too long before teams and players will be just as famous as traditional sports stars.
MOBILE GAMING
Mobile gaming has fast become one of the most adaptable of all online gaming platforms and the mobile gaming industry as a whole has enjoyed unprecedented levels of success in recent times even managing to surpass revenue figures of competing markets such as the console market.
2017 looks set to be yet another huge year for mobile gaming with independent developers striving to bring new and exciting gaming experiences to the market whilst mainstream games companies will continue to embrace this ever-expanding platform for quality releases and even more nostalgic reboots. The gambling industry has continued to thrive over the years especially thanks to mobile-based gambling and betting apps. Virtual casinos, sportsbooks and even playing bingo sites online is now easier than ever thanks to mobile gaming and it’s something that will continue to grow exponentially throughout the year and into 2018.