The world of online gambling is a hub of cool new stuff, and more and more people are getting in on the action. This means tons of fresh ideas and hot trends are popping up all the time, and we’re about to see some seriously cool stuff in 2023.
From ultra-smart gaming powered by AI to the wild world of the Metaverse, the future looks super bright for iGaming. Check out some of the biggest trends that are already shaping the scene or soon will be.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency has been a popular subject over the last five years, with the majority of people discussing its buying and trading prospects. But, how will it affect iGaming? Here are some significant areas where blockchain technology and smart contracts, built on it, have already influenced the domain industry.
Crypto Payments
Cryptocurrency payments have been adopted by online casinos, and in some cases, like with crypto gambling on Bodog, they have even created a new marketplace solely dedicated to crypto gambling.
People who value the ownership of their digital assets tend to prefer using cryptocurrency, and they would prefer online casinos that also use crypto as a payment method. More so, crypto payments are one of the quickest forms of payment available, and its potential for widespread use is believed to be untapped. Hence, players should anticipate seeing cryptocurrency being used more often.
P2E and NFTs
Even though NFTs aren’t as cool as they used to be, they still matter a lot in the gaming biz. Some big shots like Ubisoft and Square Enix dig ’em, but others ain’t so hip.
NFTs are super important in P2E games, which are totally lit with gamers who aren’t ballers. These games let them make dough while they play, without needing fancy gear. Some hot ones to check out are:
– Axie Infinity
– The Sandbox
– CryptoKitties
– Ember Sword
– Splinterlands
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a totally rad new trend that’s all the rage ’cause it lets you play really cool games that would normally require a super badass and pricey gaming rig on any device you’ve got.
And with the low membership fees and how much of a blast it is, it’s no shocker that loads of tech whizzes are getting in on the action. Here are a few more deets on how this tech is shaking up the world of online gaming.
Improved Performance
Cloud gaming lets you play the top-notch graphics and smartest games by giving you access to the newest and best hardware and computing power. It’s way better than having your own gear because it might not keep up in the long run.
You don’t need to bother with constant updates or cough up cash for a console either. So many folks have struggled with this dilemma, but now you can enjoy high-end games using just a web browser, as long as you’ve got a wicked-fast internet connection.
No Gaming Gear Limitation
Another major contribution of cloud gaming is that it eliminates the limitations of gaming gear. Although running a video game may require significant computing power, simply replaying the game requires very little. As a result, any device capable of playing videos, including televisions, old computers, or even mobile phones, can theoretically be used to play games through cloud gaming services.
Artificial Intelligence
By the year 2023, AI has had a massive impact on all sorts of industries, and the internet can’t stop talking about it. The world of online gaming has also caught the AI bug, with buzz around do-everything computer programs creating a stir in the market. Check out some ways that machine learning and AI are driving the gaming world forward.
Copyright: niserin / 123RF Stock Photo
Open-World Environments
Game makers these days are all about making their virtual worlds as believable as possible. They want to make sure players feel totally immersed in the experience and that everything responds in a way that makes sense. For example, there’s Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2, which drops players into a hyper-realistic Old West setting that’s bursting with non-playable characters to talk to or interact with.
NPC Actions
It’s no shocker that AI is behind how NPCs behave in video games, with things like finding the best route and making choices based on decision trees. This adds to the fun factor by leading to different outcomes depending on what the player does. Here are five games that ace it with AI-powered NPCs:
- The Last of US 2 (GameNews)
- Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty (Mutio86)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Ubisoft)
- Creativerse (Playful)
- Halo 5: Guardians (Xbox)
Metaverse Gaming
The arrival of video games in the Metaverse has caused quite the buzz. Loads of game studios have already jumped on board with Metaverse gaming, and more and more industries are incorporating Metaverse tech every single day.
The experts at Global Market Estimates predict that the Metaverse video game market will hit almost $700 billion by 2025, with no signs of slowing down come 2023. Check out a couple of the hottest Metaverse-based platforms below.
Second Life
Linden Lab’s Second Life is a boss example of the Metaverse, which was one of the first 3D digital worlds made for online use. Folks can make their own characters, tweak them out, and connect with others, as well as do stuff and venture out into the virtual realm. Second Life is mad dope for its fresh design and its respect for user-made stuff and encounters. Plus, it’s one of the few digital worlds that’s been able to make real cash from customers signing up and buying things in the virtual world.
Roblox
Another online gaming platform that enables players to design and share their 3D games is Roblox. It features native support for Metaverse, enabling anyone to immerse themselves in virtual reality experiences. Hyundai Motor has established a virtual space on Roblox called Hyundai Mobility Adventure, where users can explore upcoming mobility concepts such as autonomous driving and flying cars. The Adventure includes interactive content such as quizzes and challenges.
AR & VR
Virtual reality totally ups the ante for gaming because it makes you feel like you’re actually IN the game. Big-time games like Minecraft have jumped on board with this tech, and that’s helped virtual reality gaming get bigger and bigger. Now there are a bunch of augmented reality games out there, like:
– Pokémon Go
– Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs
– Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
– Jurassic World Alive
Gamification
One possible application of gamification in augmented reality games is to incentivize healthy behavior, such as incorporating a scoring system and obstacles into a workout routine.
Other Implications
In augmented reality gaming, QR codes or fiducial tags can be utilized to anchor virtual objects to the physical environment. This can provide the game with accurate information about the position, orientation, and scale of the scene, enabling it to render computer graphics more realistically. For instance, a card game might include markers on the cards so that, when viewed through the game app, the characters appear to be standing on the cards in 3D.
