Cloud gaming to AI, 5 trends that will drive your gaming experience in 2024

Gaming Trends 2024: As a new generation of gamers emerges across world, Game developers have a lot more on ir plates or than modulating cultural references and making ir games fun to play. From cloud optimisation to Virtual Reality (VR), gaming studios are building on top of some of highest standards of technology for an industry that is expected to grow past $300 billion by 2025. 

But what lies right ahe of you? If you are someone who lives and breas with a controller by your side, you must know following five trends that are going to drive your gaming experience this year. 

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming, also known as Gaming on Demand, is a of gaming that allows you to play AAA titles on your device without need to have high-end hardware specifications. Cloud gaming archives this by running games on a remote server and streaming game’s output directly on users’s devices. 

Gaming on demand makes a wide variety of titles available for a larger user base which does not need to invest heavily to own top-end gear to play graphic-intensive games, making gaming more accessible and affordable. 

Google Stia controller | Image credit: Unsplash

Services like Google Stia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming are leing segment, offering a vast library of games on a subscription basis. With se subscription-based services, users can enjoy some of most famous titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla without need for a console or gaming PC.

As fast internet becomes more accessible around world, Cloud gaming industry is likely to expand to include a major chunk of upcoming AAA titles and revival of some most popular games through cloud gaming optimisation. 

AI for Personalised Gaming

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly integral role in gaming, enabling developers to create personalised experiences tailored to individual players' preferences and behaviours. From dynamically justing difficulty levels to generating personalised content recommendations, AI-driven algorithms are building layers upon foundation of immersion and engagement in games across genres.

Last of Us | Image credit: NaughtyDog

‘ Last of Us Part II,’ a highly rated action-venture game, uses neural networks, genetic algorithms, decision trees, and reinforced learning to apt Non-Playing Character (NPC) behaviour based on player's actions, giving a human touch to in-game interactions and behaviours. 

NPCs’ dialogues that are typically pre-determined by game developers can now go way beyond surface-level details, allowing players to interact with ir sidekicks, villains, and or characters in life-like conversation using generative AI. 

FIFA 22, Red De Redemption 2, Rocket League, Halo: Combat Evolved, and BioShock Infinite alrey use AI and gaming studios are actively working to incorporate emerging technical consciousness in upcoming titles. 

AR, VR, and Metaverse Gaming

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual world of Metaverse are coming toger to create immersive gaming experiences that transcend tritional boundaries. Be it exploring virtual worlds, interacting with digital avatars, or participating in social experiences, se technologies are reshaping way we perceive and engage with gaming environments.

Image credit: Unsplash

With launch of Apple’s Vision Pro, VR segment is beaming with excitement as more and more developments around industry are likely to happen. Meta’s Quest 3 and Play Station VR alrey cater to a wide range of VR-optimised games such as Half-Life Alyx, No Man’s Sky, Horizon: Call of Mountains, Walkabout Mini Golf, Tentacular, Resident Evil Village, and Gran Turismo 7. 

However, AR-VR gaming is still struggling to achieve wide-range option due to high hardware costs, limited content availability, concerns about motion sickness, and need for user-friendly interfaces. Issues with comfort and ergonomics, as well as requirement for equate physical space, are also some of challenges that immersive gaming industry still has to overcome. 

Hyper Casual Gaming for changing attention spans

As attention spans dwindle in an era of constant digital distractions, hyper-casual games are gaining popularity for ir simplicity and accessibility. se bite-sized experiences offer quick bursts of entertainment that cater to on--go lifestyle of modern gamers, making m ideal for casual players and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Among Us | Image credit: Google Play Store

To play se games, you do not need hours of training, a deep understanding of controls, and elaborate strategies. Hyper casual games are designed to keep things simple and focus more on users’ enjoyment. Among Us, a simple-to-play video game that gained immense popularity during pandemic is a clear signal for industry that simple yet dictive gameplay mechanics can attract millions of players and le to immense profitability. 

NFTs in Gaming

integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is also changing concept of digital ownership in gaming, allowing players to buy, sell, and tre unique in-game assets with real-world value. From rare skins and virtual real estate to exclusive items and collectables, NFTs are reshaping gaming economy and allowing players to truly own ir gaming experience as well as ir earned assets.

Axie Infinity | Image credit: Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity, a game built on blockchain technology, started use of NFTs in gaming, enabling players to breed, battle, and tre digital creatures known as Axies, with some rare specimens fetching hefty sums in marketplace. As acceptance of decentralised technology increases, NFTs are also likely to make ir way in mainstream games. 

video gaming industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation driven by technological innovation and changing consumer preferences. As we navigate landscape of 2024, se five trends are set to redefine way we play, interact, and experience digital entertainment, shaping future of gaming for years to come.