Online gaming is the sector that has conquered the gaming world. These types of games have never been more advanced or more popular. Players hailing from all backgrounds regularly go online to meet their friends, vanquish their enemies, or experience something new. Every year brings with it something new, and 2023 will be no different. If you’re curious about what 2023 could have in store for online gaming, here’s what you need to know.
iGaming Continues its Development
The iGaming sector is already established, but poker, sports betting, and real-money casinos are predicted to grow even further in the year ahead. Prominent iGaming trends, such as more mobile games, further functionality, and augmented reality, are all primarily driven by legalization in many areas of the U.S. Analysts expect further expansion across different U.S. states, which would bring more jurisdictions in line with the likes of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. Advanced technologies are also expected to further bolster the iGaming sector in the next 12 months. The movement toward next-generation games with fully customizable platforms is expected to attract more players and increase revenues.
Premium Titles Will Dominate the Gaming Landscape
Although it may seem like an obvious statement to say that premium titles are expected to dominate, this has not been the trend in recent years. Developers often released games and forced out further patches to refine and polish their creations after players had already purchased a new release. Player anger at games that were not perfect, and increasing competition among developers, have led to gaming brands rethinking their existing strategies.
For example, one of the biggest flops in history was the ill-fated release of Cyberpunk 2077, which resulted in over $50 million in refunds. While the problems were later fixed, and more than 20 million copies of the game were sold, Cyberpunk 2077 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Developers saw this as a warning sign and have taken to pushing back release dates to ensure that their titles are player-ready. Some of the big titles set for this year include Final Fantasy 16, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Starfield.
The Rise of Crypto Gaming
Crypto had a tough year in 2022, but it hasn’t deterred developers from thinking up ways to bring crypto into gaming. While most blockchain and crypto gaming focus on NFT and P2E gaming, the outlook for the year ahead is that crypto gaming will come closer to resembling traditional gaming. In other words, players will be encouraged to log in and play for fun rather than to earn real-money rewards. It’s an approach that’s already made significant waves in the sector. For example, Epic Games has released Blankos Block Party, a blockchain-enabled game. Mainstream gaming companies jumping onto the crypto craze in gaming is a signal that crypto gaming is about to take off, and 2023 could be the defining year for this niche. Combining fun and the social atmosphere of a genuine gaming community is how most experts expect crypto gaming to blow through its glass ceiling.
Mobile Gaming Hits New Heights
Mobile gaming is the most popular gaming segment in the world. Not everyone has a high-powered PC or a next-generation console, but everyone has a smartphone. Today, mobile gaming has generated more revenue every year than console and PC gaming combined since 2018.
Mobile offers a simple, cost-effective way to indulge in your greatest passion. In 2023, gamers can expect more movement in the direction of premium games that support better multiplayer/eSports options.
Sadly, mobile gaming has been largely held back by technological limitations, but advances in the hardware have opened up new possibilities. The substantial improvements in the hardware and software available on smartphones and tablets have opened the way for developers to create games that can rival, and even surpass, console and PC games. Note that premium quality gaming doesn’t have to just pertain to the sounds and graphics. The look, feel, and replayability also play a massive role in mobile gaming performance within both mainstream and hardcore gaming circles.
Conclusion
Online gaming is the golden calf of gaming. No sector is bigger, and the allure of playing with people from across the globe means that nothing will threaten its dominance over the next decade. However, online gaming must continue to innovate. Developers in all sectors are thinking up new ways for players to access and play their favorite games, whatever genre they prefer. These advancements are forcing innovation and leading to better-quality games for the humble player. Which trend are you most excited about in the online gaming landscape of 2023?
