What are the best ways to learn about new gaming trends through your professional network?

I've learned so much from Discord Communities aligned to Game Development. These communities are great because they are teeming with subject matter experts, enthusiasts and everyone in-between chatting, collabing and creating often in real time. Even if you're just a bit of a lurker, being privy to the discussion, with an option to use your voice if you want too is invaluable.

LinkedIn far and above is a great place to rely on for industry news. From podcasts, to newsletters, to a host of individuals who post curated news and updates (typically with commentary or a fresh perspective) -- there's usually something for everybody. Even if they won't Connect, feel free to Follow. There is a reason both types of relationships exist here. Discord, Twitter (X) and Reddit are fine complementary communities. As Tim mentions, there are a ton of different Discord channels that you can use to actively engage with others in the industry OR to lurk. Don't be afraid to sit and soak up information like a sponge. There are also a handful of Substacks that deliver nuggets hot off the presses... right into your inbox.

LinkedIn is where I continue to find inspiration and stay updated on gaming marketing trends. Following relevant companies and journalists keeps my feed fresh with updated articles, newsletters, podcasts and thought-leadership pieces which is so valuable. On top of that, searching relevant hashtags always brings interesting news you might not find in traditional industry publications.

Webinars have their place, but hardly anything compares to the experience of live events in the industry. No matter the angle you're approaching from, no amount of articles can provide the same crash course or energy that attending TwitchCon, CDL Champs, GamesBeat or any other large-scale production can. I know that hardly anyone has liberal travel budgets right now (shout out to the company card days of 2015-2018), but if you are able to make a pitch to HR or your leadership that at least one of these events can bode well for your professional development and increase the value you can bring to the organization and its clients? At least give it a shot!

Personally, the experience of live events with real face time is incomparable to any other medium for gaming marketing. Industry events from The Drum, Digiday, IAB Playfronts, Advertising Week, CES, Programmatic IO and so many more are a great start. Being able to have a real conservation that isn't a one-way article or passive listening allows you to gain an incredible amount of insights and stronger connections than anything digital. Webinars can be good for passive learning, and I prefer on-demand rather than live for my own convenience, but the physical events continue to be unmatched.

When subscribing to a newsletter, make sure it's connected directly with the gamedev industry and not just games. It's different reading news about video games on IGN than reading through Gamesindustry.biz to know what's actually throughout gamedev space and big players on the market. Choose your sources carefully and make sure they are the ones that are bringing you value: otherwise you're just inviting noise that won't bring you any luck. I would also suggest having at least one or two newsletters & podcasts connected directly within the space that you work in (e.g. mobile gaming or AAA games development). It will keep feeding you information that's closest to you, while others might keep you informed about the industry in general.

One of the most useful ways to stay updated is to subscribe to media that provide analysis and insight beyond just information. I've discovered naavik recently and can only recommend it

Game reviews = The method that you have to master to not pay for something that is generally seen as bad by the entire industry!! Believe me, it is not nice to pay for something that it is not playable.

To stay informed about evolving gaming trends by checking game reviews and ratings from reputable sources like websites, game stores, blogs, and YouTube. Analyze player feedback and understand preferences, technological advancements, and emerging genres. Look at the comments and reviews to discern player desires and identify competitor weaknesses, giving you tools to innovate and deliver standout gaming experiences.

One thing I've found super helpful for keeping up with what's happening in the game industry is connecting with experienced folks and thought leaders. When you do that, your LinkedIn feed starts filling up with their posts, and you can find all kinds of valuable insights there. They discuss new discoveries, share what excites or concerns them, celebrate their achievements, and break down complex topics. For example, this year, I got really into learning about AI in game development. I connected with some experts in that area, and now I don't have to go hunting for info. I just check my LinkedIn feed daily, and I'm always surprised by the interesting things I learn from their posts. This really helps keep me on top of relevant trends.

There is very little substitute for this. Having a group of people that you can discuss about the industry in general, what works for them and sharing wins is extremely important and more valuable than anything else. I tend to travel to most events and arrange informal dinners and drinks with many people and these times are by far and away the most useful

Gaming comes in all sizes and shapes. Mobile games are usually easier to start and require much less time investment than PC or console games. To get a good sense, you must try them all though. Important thing to look out for will be multi-platform games (mostly online multiplayer games) that cut across platforms as this is an increasing trend within the world of gaming. An alternative or a complement to trying is to watch others play on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. If you read briefly about a game and watch others play with commentary, you can potentially get a good sense about the experience.

Para mi, este punto debería de estar en primer lugar: Jugar y jugar. Hoy en día, puedes encontrar juegos gratuítos muy de moda que te puedes descargar con un solo click. También, puedes ver vídeos de cómo juegan otros. Todo esto combinado con leer rese?as de profesionales y jugadores y tendrás una visión completa de las tendencias. ?Cómo vas a conocer las tendencias de los videojuegos si ni siquiera los pruebas ni sabes cómo se sienten los usuarios de primera mano? - Entender qué hace ese juego divertido y popular. - Conocer distintas mecánicas e interfaces. - Entender el Core Loop y las estrategias de retención de los usuarios, así como los sistemas de progreso y customización. - La estética (...)

There are many ways indeed, and my favourite is to connect and follow industry experts on social media, associations, or events. Learning from others, and then investigate, play, and explore further on my own. These individuals often share their insights, opinions, and news about new gaming trends. Easy and nice way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Join communities, subscribe to newsletters and podcasts, and connect with people who aren't in your immediate bubble of expertise. Learning something new comes from getting out of your comfort zone in topics that might be more complicated or intimidating to get into. Expanding outside of familiar topics is a great way to learn and hear about trends that could still impact your immediate interests. Even better it introduces you to other topics that could pique your interest.

Staying updated with gaming trends is crucial in our industry. Here are some effective ways: 1. Follow Thought Leaders: Engage with posts from industry experts on LinkedIn. 2. Join Groups and Discussions: Participate in gaming law and online betting groups. 3. Subscribe to Newsletters: Get updates from sources like GamblingCompliance and iGaming Business. 4. Attend Webinars: Learn from top professionals through virtual events. 5. Leverage Your Network: Connect with colleagues and mentors for informative discussions.

In the era of AI, definitely use Bing Chat and chat gpt to ask your questions and form leading questions to deepen your knowledge. This is tried and tested as I’m newly exploring gaming and can vouch that this works wonders as compared to you looking for resources first and then diving in deeper !