7 Future Trends Shaping the Esports Industry
Emerging out of relative obscurity, the esports industry has exploded in popularity from a handful of niche tournaments to packed stadiums and live streams with millions watching at home.
But where is it going next? Pull up a chair, grab some food and here are seven things that we believe will define the future of esports. Slant headshot clipSpoiler alert: it’s not all about wall hacks and shiny graphics.
1.Console Gaming’s Comeback
Console gaming has been a thing forever, but it hasn’t always had the best reputation. Prior to now, PC and mobile gaming have led the market but there has been huge buzz surrounding next-generation console launches from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
These are consoles that boast really impressive visuals and performance, which arguably make them perfect for esports competition.
Your old Xbox 360 sits, covered in dust as these new consoles serve to show you that console gaming is making a resurgence and coming back stronger than ever.
If you are — maybe it’s time for that console under your TV to move somewhere else. Dust it off; it’s cooler now.
2. Mobile Esports Taking Over
If you believe that mobile gaming was exclusively Candy Crush and Clash of Clans, then you are mistaken.
Mobile Esports, however has evolved and games like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire have installed the right settings for a gaming platform in mobile phone.
The fundamental principle of ease to play using mobile devices allows almost anyone partake in competition literally from anywhere as soon as you are not behind the wheels.
Mobile esports is expected to scale up, primarily in countries where mobile phones are the main gaming device.
Just don’t get caught “working” on your phone. We see you.
3. Cross-Platform Play: Bridging the Gap
So imagine it: you are on a mobile, your best friend is playing on PC and cousin is gaming in PS. Cross-platform play is enabled, allowing people on any device to all come together and destroy.
For example, Fortnite and Minecraft both let players compete or join forces across different platforms This is a trend we expect to continue moving forward and soon, it won’t matter if you are team console, PC or mobile cause everyone’s invited to the digital party!
It’s like a family reunion, but with fewer awkward questions.
4.VR & AR: Ready to Get Virtual?
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) are not just science fiction anymore. #skin In esports, we see them sprouting as well.
VR headsets are still a while from becoming ubiquitous in esports, but newer tech is making them more appealing and (finally!) more comfortable designs.
AR, meanwhile, enriches the real world with virtual characters and maps as in Pokémon Go. Picture your avatar standing next to you in the living room (we hope this doesn’t scare the dog).
5. The Rise of Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming works just like a new through that enables telecast of movies and TV shows in the Netflix platform.
You stream games instead of owning or downloading them In other words, you can play pretty high-quality games without having to have the beefiest gaming rig.
Players can use services like Google Stadia or Xbox Cloud Gaming to play no matter where they are (so long as there is minimal lag).
Better cloud gaming means more people to jump into esports without a jet-engine PC
Finally, you can play without waking up the neighbors.
6. Blockchain and NFTs: Because Why Not?
The block chain and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), when applied to the gaming industry is trending. These were better described as digital collectibles.
It would be like you unbox a super-rare skin in a game and rather than sitting with it your inventory, imagine selling/trading as an NFT.
For example, games such as Axie Infinity have already introduced “play-to-earn” models in which players acquire real crypto currency.
That gaming could be making more than your 9-to-5 soon!
When your mom said to stop playing video games, did she know you’d be earning crypto? Probably not.
7. Esports as a Legit Career (Yes, Really!)
Esports is not just for “people who sit around and play video games all day” What was once a hobby has now become an official career path, with universities offering scholarships and coaching staff.
Even high schools are now offering esports leagues that could lead to a professional career for young players.
Esports is suddenly big business, with huge brand sponsorships from the likes of Coca-Cola and Nike.
Oh yeah, this one is real parents — your kid literally sign a professional contract with the first glamour boy of Aussie rule!!
The future looks bright… and it has RGB lighting.
Wrapping It Up
Esports were never just a trend, but it is now also an industry that grows quicker each day.
The world of esports looks set to be a dramatically different place with innovation and ingenuity as far the eye can see, from the resurgence in console competition dying down, forcing it really on mobile madness more than before.
Today’s standard may well feature VR headsets; who knows… even NFTs might become integral parts of their experiences.
Well, when they roll their eyes about gaming next time, just know that it’s not going anywhere and on the way to being so much more.