The gaming industry is constantly evolving and innovating, creating new experiences and challenges for players and developers alike. But how can you keep up with the latest trends and technologies that shape the future of gaming? Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the game.
One of the easiest ways to keep up with game innovation trends is to follow the news and updates from the gaming industry. You can subscribe to newsletters, podcasts, blogs, magazines, or social media accounts that cover topics such as game design, development, marketing, business, and culture. You can also join online communities and forums where you can interact with other gamers and developers, share your opinions, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
The narrative could extend to how this practice can be woven into your daily or weekly routine, ensuring a consistent update on trends without being overwhelmed. Encouraging team members to also follow industry news and share interesting findings in a common forum can spark discussions and possibly ignite innovative ideas. Lastly, attending industry conferences, webinars, and engaging in networking events, albeit virtually, can also provide firsthand insights from industry leaders. Balancing between self-learning and collaborative learning could be emphasized as a holistic approach to keeping up with game innovation trends.
Remember that having an innovative game doesn't mean that people are going to play it! Innovation is good but only when paired with mechanics that are already known by your player base. People want something that feels familiar but with a twist( it all depends on your target audience).
Another way to keep up with game innovation trends is to play new games that are released or in development. You can explore different genres, platforms, mechanics, aesthetics, and narratives that showcase the creativity and diversity of the gaming industry. You can also check out indie games, experimental games, and game jams that often offer fresh and original perspectives on gaming. Playing new games can help you discover what works and what doesn't, what you like and what you don't, and what inspires you and what challenges you.
Funnily enough, this HAS to be stated. There's a growing number of brands building on Roblox/Fortnite and a lot of their team are not gamers or don't even play Roblox. If you want to build for native gamers you need to build with native gamers.
A third way to keep up with game innovation trends is to attend events related to the gaming industry. You can participate in conferences, workshops, webinars, festivals, awards, or exhibitions that feature speakers, panels, demos, showcases, or networking opportunities. You can also join or organize game jams, hackathons, or competitions that challenge you to create games in a limited time and with specific constraints. Attending events can help you learn from experts, peers, and mentors, get feedback, exposure, and recognition, and connect with potential collaborators, partners, or employers.
A fourth way to keep up with game innovation trends is to experiment with tools that enable you to create games or enhance your gaming experience. You can try out different game engines, frameworks, libraries, or editors that allow you to design, code, test, and publish your own games. You can also use tools such as VR headsets, motion controllers, haptic devices, or AI assistants that provide you with immersive, interactive, and adaptive gaming experiences. Experimenting with tools can help you develop your skills, express your ideas, and expand your possibilities.
It's key that each team member from each department or specialization takes time on a weekly basis to explore and try new stuff. Employers should really embed that in their daily work. It may costs you 2-4 hours a week (5-10% of their time in a week), but will surely pay off in the long run. Innovation is key in not lagging behind. And if we hate anything - it's lag ;-)
A fifth way to keep up with game innovation trends is to research and learn about the theories, concepts, methods, and practices that underpin the gaming industry. You can read books, articles, papers, or reports that explore topics such as game history, culture, psychology, ethics, or education. You can also take courses, workshops, webinars, or tutorials that teach you skills such as game design, development, art, sound, or writing. Researching and learning can help you gain knowledge, insight, and perspective, and apply them to your own gaming projects or interests.
A sixth way to keep up with game innovation trends is to be curious and open-minded about the gaming industry and its potential. You can ask questions, seek answers, challenge assumptions, and embrace uncertainty. You can also try new things, experiment, fail, and learn from your mistakes. You can also appreciate, respect, and support the diversity and creativity of the gaming community. Being curious and open-minded can help you grow as a gamer, a developer, and a person, and contribute to the innovation and evolution of the gaming industry.
Curiosity is one of the key personality traits we have as a kid, but (we) as parents often kill it, because we want to protect our children from (physical) harm... I try to remain curious and keep exploring new ways although in 80% of the cases it may not be immediately productive. It will still give me insights. Especially reading books and talking to random strangers.
Listen to your customers! If possible, former customers. Try to find out where people that left you moved on to. Not every trend may be suitable for you and your customer base, especially if you have a niche offering.
Embrace Change A seventh tip for staying updated with gaming innovations is to embrace change. The gaming landscape is dynamic, with new trends emerging constantly. Adaptability is key. Be ready to learn and evolve, shift gears, and adopt new approaches as needed. View change as an opportunity to grow and innovate, ensuring you're always in tune with the latest in gaming. Stay flexible, stay informed, and most importantly, stay adaptable!