It is fair to say that it has been a busy time in the gaming industry since the start of COVID-19. People of all ages have taken to gaming as a way to pass the time at home, and there are all kinds of different games that people have been enjoying in this time. During this period of activity, there are various gaming trends that have emerged, and it will be interesting to see what impact these trends have on the gaming industry moving forward. Keep reading to discover the main gaming trends shaping 2021 and the impact that they are having.
- Retro Gaming
One of the most interesting trends to develop in 2021 (and since the start of the pandemic) has been the rise of retro gaming. People have always enjoyed going back and playing games from their youth, but in 2021 this has become a major trend, with people digging out old consoles and finding games from their youth to play online. Nostalgia has been prevalent during COVID-19, and it will be interesting to see if the demand for retro games continues moving forward.
- Esports
Esports have been on the rise for a number of years, but popularity has exploded since the start of the pandemic as a result of practically all live sports coming to a halt. This left an enormous gap in people’s lives that has been filled with esports, which can provide the same thrill and excitement of watching a live sporting match. Interestingly, esports has retained this popularity even with sporting events resuming around the globe (including the Euros and the Olympics).
- Slots and Casino Games
Many people have been turning to online slots and casino games in 2021. These games have always been popular, but in a time where people are socializing less and spending more time at home, it makes sense that people turn to fun activities like this to pass the time. Places like Fortune Games have all kinds of fun, gripping and easy-to-play slots and casino games that can bring joy to people’s lives and give them a casino experience without leaving home.
- Social Gaming
With social restrictions in place, gaming has been a lifeline for many and a way for people to stay in touch and have fun both with friends and people all over the world. Gaming has always been associated with being an antisocial activity, but people are now seeing that actually, it can be highly social, and for many people, it has been crucial for their mental health during COVID-19. Even with life returning to some normality, many people are continuing to use social gaming as a way to socialize and stay in touch with friends.
These are the main trends that are shaping gaming in 2021. It is fascinating to see how the pandemic has changed both life and the gaming industry, and actually, gaming has been hugely important and helped many people to cope during this challenging period.