2021 in gaming has been, to say the least, a little different than usual, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than coming home from school or work and playing for an hour or two, many people have found themselves in the house for 24 hours a day and spending more and more time on their gaming platforms.
This has been a welcome, and sometimes necessary, escape from the stress and boredom of lockdowns and restrictions. But, as we are hopefully moving towards the end of the pandemic, how has the gaming industry coped, and what can we expect in the future?
Let’s dive in and consider how the gaming industry might look post-COVID 19.
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Social Interaction in Gaming
One of the most interesting aspects of gaming during the pandemic has been its contribution to social interaction. People have been unable to meet with friends and family, and in years gone by, this would have meant communicating over the phone. But, gamers have enjoyed jumping into fantasy worlds, chatting and laughing while playing online.
This has been a fantastic way to interact with others even when unable to leave your home. The social side of gaming has been invaluable and could be a growing trend towards the end of 2021 and beyond.
Larger Free-to-Play Market
The gaming industry has a reputation for being innovative, and the free-to-play market has made games more affordable than ever before. Gamers can choose characters, complete levels and immerse themselves in new environments for free. But, those who want to spend money can purchase items, skins, and more merchandise if they choose.
This means there is a much-reduced barrier to entry which is great for gamers. But, it can also benefit the game creators as they have a larger audience on their platforms. They can then market their digital products and enjoy huge sales revenues.
As the market size continues to grow, you may see a lot more online advertising for free-to-play games. For example, companies may make considerable investments in PPC and SEO marketing campaigns. If you want more information on how these strategies work, click here.
Increase in Mobile Gaming
While many gamers have been playing on consoles in their homes, post-covid players are likely to spend more time at places of study or work. When traveling or if having a rest break in their day, players can use mobile devices to continue their game progress. Mobile gaming is already popular but could be set to become even bigger in the near future.
2021 in Gaming Won’t Be Boring
The gaming industry has been developing at a remarkable rate for a long time. But the COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated this progress even more quickly. There is virtually unlimited potential with the advancements in hardware and software, and the gaming industry giants are in a race to get the most significant market share.
These factors mean that 2021 in gaming circles could be a fascinating time. Getting more high-quality games for free would be a massive benefit, and the creators can also profit. They are already using clever strategies that encourage players to part with their money during gameplay.
You’re probably keen to get back to playing, but before you go, be sure to browse more great posts in our Games section.