The latest trends in gaming usually come on the back of technological advancements. This has been especially true over the last decade, as new technology steers the way for the latest trends. First came mobile gaming, boosted on the back of expanded 5G networks. Lately, there’s a stronger focus on AR as a more viable route for developers compared to VR thanks to new releases like the Apple Vision Pro.
The further tech boundaries are pushed, the more unique experiences gamers have at their fingertips. Along with developments like 5G networks and viable AR glasses, one huge hit in gaming is the live experience. Live gaming is a concept that focuses on live-streamed content, from live casino games to cloud gaming services.
Live gaming has taken off because it enhances the gaming experience and, potentially, could lessen the demands of gaming hardware. Plus, within entertainment, the more immediacy involved, the better the experience for the consumer. But what does live gaming look like in 2024? And how might it change in the coming years? Let’s take a look at some of the best experiences available now and how they’ll evolve.
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Live Casinos
Within the context of the iGaming industry, live gaming is all about trending casino and games experiences. Those who have spent a bit of time playing at an online casino have likely seen live dealer titles advertised. These types of games allow players to interact with a real-life dealer who is live-streamed straight to their device.
This is by far one of the most immersive and interactive ways to game, not only within the iGaming industry but throughout entertainment. Already, live dealer titles have helped spur interest in other types of live casino games, from Football Studio to Dreamcatcher. These titles place a brand new spin on the magic of table games and slots, blending them with the live dealer experience.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming, also referred to as live game streaming, is the idea that gamers can stream titles straight to their device—just like watching a movie on Netflix. Rather than owning that particular DVD in terms of hardware, remote viewers simply pay a subscription to watch at any time. Theoretically, this setup could enter the world of gaming.
Already, the Xbox Game Pass has proved that this idea has viability. Sony is still tweaking its PlayStation Plus Premium, as is Amazon’s Luna, which are both competing with Nvidia GeForce Now. However, Netflix has recently entered the cloud gaming arena—which could easily help generate new interest in gaming from subscribers who have only tuned in to watch TV or movies.
The Metaverse
Whether talking about Meta’s metaverse or The Sandbox, these virtual worlds are some of the most cutting-edge in terms of trends, tech, and gaming interests. One of the more unique elements of spending time in a metaverse is the user’s ability to not only play games but also create them.
These gaming experiences, which are still incredibly varied, happen in real-time—no pausing or resets allowed. Whether gaming or creating games, there’s a sense of immediacy. This new type of gaming experience requires quite a bit of hardware, from haptic gloves to headsets. However, it’s one of the most immediate and ‘live’ gaming experiences that’s available now—and it’s only going to become more accessible over the next decade.
It’s possible that existing games will launch their own metaverses, too, providing gamers with a fully immersive experience in a world they know well. Already, Epic Games has done this with its hit release Fortnite. Though it’s not a fully-fledged metaverse, the Fortnite virtual world is more than capable of hosting digital events, including big-name concerts where players can rub elbows and unwind.