Today, the gaming industry revolves around the creation of captivating virtual realms. As a result, it seamlessly aligns with the concept of the metaverse. Moreover, modern-day gamers can generate tangible value from their digital creations and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Let’s delve into how the metaverse, web3, and innovative revenue models are revolutionizing the future of gaming.
Keys Gaming Trends
#1 Metaverse
Gaming has always been leading the charge in technological advancements, and the metaverse is no exception. As games evolve to achieve greater immersion, they are bound to become crucial elements within the broader metaverse ecosystem.
According to a survey conducted by Ernst and Young, a staggering 97% of gaming industry executives recognize gaming as the core of the existing metaverse.
In theory, any virtual reality (VR) game can be part of the metaverse. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that interconnectedness lies at the heart of the metaverse. Players must effortlessly transition between different games and experiences, carrying their digital identities, assets, and achievements along with them.
#2 Cloud Gaming
The need for high-performance gaming hardware is growing every year, but not everyone can keep up with them. Now it is not necessary to do so. You can resort to cloud gaming and rely on the processing power of remote servers. They will process everything you need and send you the finished result to your device. Your PC will only play the picture, and this requires many times fewer PC resources. Leading the charge in this arena are Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud with their service subscription models.
For instance, Google Stadia lets you play games even on smartphones, tablets, and low-end PCs. If you don’t want to miss the latest releases but don’t have the hardware, this is your chance. You can play Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077 even on a calculator (just kidding).
Along with the increase in the dependence of players and games on the Internet, the risks have also increased. Those who do not use VPN for gaming are at risk. Simply discovering an IP address can lead to packet spoofing and downloading a virus to the device. Hackers can also arrange a DDoS attack. With a reliable VPN like VeePN, you can protect yourself from many attacks. What’s more, VeePN allows you to bypass regional restrictions and disable price discrimination based on your location.
#3 Play-to-Earn Models
Gaming is rapidly evolving into a legitimate profession, and this trend will persist as future internet technologies advance.
With the rise of web3 technology, play-to-earn (P2E) models are gaining traction. These models allow players to monetize their in-game activities and achievements. Players are rewarded for task completion, battles, and level progression, typically with in-game tokens or NFT assets. These tokens and assets can be traded, sold, or redeemed for real-world value. This innovative approach disrupts traditional gaming business models and incentivizes player participation, making gameplay more rewarding.
P2E models democratize gaming, offering earning opportunities, especially in regions with limited access to traditional financial systems.
Axie Infinity, a blockchain-based P2E game, stands out as a popular choice. Players can earn rewards in Axie Infinity by breeding and selling digital pets known as Axies, engaging in battles, completing daily tasks and questions, and locking up AXS tokens in a wallet or smart contract.
#4 Web3
Web3 technology, which harnesses the power of blockchain and decentralized protocols, has the potential to completely transform the gaming industry. It empowers players with true digital ownership and control over their in-game assets.
While buying assets is already possible in many games, these items are often tied specifically to the game itself, rather than to the players or their avatars. However, with Web3 technologies, players will have the ability to trade, sell, or transfer their digital items across different platforms as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). This will create a seamless experience for players and open up new revenue streams in a thriving digital economy.
Thanks to the transparent and secure nature of blockchain technology, web3-enabled games can establish trust and security in in-game transactions, ownership, and asset provenance. This eliminates the need for intermediaries and gives players greater control over their gaming experiences.
#5 AR and VR-based Gaming
VR and AR are revolutionizing gaming by delivering unmatched immersion and interaction. With VR headsets, players are transported into captivating virtual worlds, while AR integrates digital elements seamlessly into reality. These technologies redefine the boundaries between the real and virtual realms.
For instance, the Oculus Quest 2, an exceptional wireless VR headset, combines high-resolution displays, integrated sensors, and advanced hand-tracking capabilities. This enables players to delve into immersive VR adventures like Half-Life: Alyx or engage in AR gaming with popular titles such as Minecraft Earth, where virtual objects are seamlessly projected onto the physical environment.
Conclusion
The Metaverse, Web3, P2E games and other trends are what have changed the gaming industry already, but their potential is far from exhausted. Many of these technologies will be revealed only over time, when companies can better integrate them into game worlds. In the coming years, the whole field of games will revolve around these trends, this is not given or taken away.