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When it comes to online gaming, it seems like there is always some new twist to keep the field interesting. As technology continues to advance, it only makes sense that our entertainment would advance right along with it. Here are five gaming trends for 2023 that look like they’re very much here to stay.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming has been around a few years but it’s very much picking up speed. Basically, cloud gaming means you stream the game through the internet, rather than downloading and installing it on your PC or console. There are several ways you can access these games in terms of gaming hardware and the actual cloud-based service itself. There are multiple formats you can play off, such as older model consoles like the PS4, smartphones, window devices, and other such popular tech.
The benefit of cloud gaming is you don’t have to have every single console or system to play a game you love. You don’t even need the actual game itself, just the cloud service, which is usually a monthly or yearly fee to access. One huge benefit of this is you can often tap into a library of classic or retro games, which you otherwise might have no way of playing at all. Game libraries for cloud services are expanding every day, keeping offerings fresh and exciting. That said, the vulnerabilities of internet-based technology can be a pain. If your ISP (internet service provider) is having an outage, you’re out of luck. There are also game lags, delays, and other glitches that keep the cloud from being perfect. Cloud gaming can be a brutal business. Google Stadia’s flaws caused it to fail, something of which other companies should be mindful. Still, as tech advances, problems will decrease. In the meantime, it’s a solid solution to play games you might not otherwise be able to access.
Artificial Intelligence Gaming
There’s always been some form of AI in gaming, even if it was simpler in days gone by. Enemies chase you, NPCs (non-player characters) interact with you. Sometimes even encounters are randomized, shifting and changing depending on your actions and behaviors. The advancements of AI are making all of this much more immersive, bringing life to non-player characters and enemies. Making experiences richer, more realistic, and sometimes, in the case of horror games, more terrifying because you don’t know what the monster is going to do next. Being able to interact with a more lifelike entity in gaming has and will deepen the experience, making it easier to lose yourself in the world. That said, AI will undoubtedly have plenty of glitches and oddities to work out, especially as it is given more reign both in the programming and even the writing world of video games. If nothing else, it should be fascinating!
Augmented Reality
Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality is more of a hybrid where you interact with the game partially in real life and partially through digital means. Basically, digital objects and characters are infused into the real world. A prime example of this would be the once-popular Pokemon Go. Gamers could use their phone to find Pokemon in real world locations, viewing them through their phone’s camera. Other such games might utilize GPS and other real world elements to guide gaming features, such as portals or characters located in relevant local areas.
The biggest limitation of AR games is the lack of advanced tech to keep them interesting and immersive. As augmented reality glasses and headgear continue to evolve, you can bet that AR gaming will leap ahead with it.
Casino Games
People have been gambling for centuries, but with modern times come modern methods. Online casinos are literally at your fingertips thanks to smartphones and mobile devices. There are hundreds of popular games to choose from, live betting, slots, lottery, TV games, the list is endless. What’s more, with Bitcoin and other forms of protected payment, you can feel more secure about keeping your finances safe. Still, it’s important to be sure the sites you’re using are reputable and trustworthy. Fortunately, there are experts who review these types of gambling entities for exactly these kinds of features, like these new online casinos in Canada that have been vetted by the team of experts at Maple Casino for safety and other qualities.
Retro Games
What’s old is new, right? Though it may sound odd, retro games are very much trending right now. Gen-X and Millennials grew up playing classic gaming consoles and have plenty of favorites that time has not diminished. Now, thanks to things like cloud gaming and emulators, these old school games are getting new life, both with the original generations who played them, and newer fans. Some are even getting remastered or reimagined, like the currently popular racing battle royale F-Zero 99 on Nintendo Switch. Even Dr Mario and Tetris, from the original NES, have a cult following of players, some facing each other in tournaments. No matter how fancy and advanced gaming gets, there will always be a place for old school content, even for the younger generations. Speaking of old school, here are the top 5 old puzzle games from previous Microsoft Windows releases.
