Gaming Trends in 2023: Our Predictions

‘Tis the season for mince pies, questionable Christmas jumpers and New Year predictions. With the improved availability of next-gen consoles, big releases in the wings, and AAA adaptations hitting streaming platforms; exciting times are ahead.

In 2023, all eyes are on cloud and PC gaming, the ongoing rise of indies, remakes and Web3. But as the lines blur further between entertainment, social media and gaming – what else can we expect?

1. It’s anyone’s game

Streaming giants aren’t just battling it out for big name adaptations; their sights are set on in-platform gaming. With Netflix bolstering its video game catalog and acquiring in-house game developers, all things point to growing investment. Despite less than 1% of subscribers playing, 55 games are in development, and we expect to see more exploratory games to test viewer engagement, alongside improved discovery on platform.

And social media giant TikTok has followed suit, responding to intensifying competition for users’ attention. They announced plans to introduce a tab on the homepage that will feature a variety of mobile games with ads and additional paid content. If the app sees success, similar moves by Meta wouldn’t be a surprise in the bid for eyeballs.

2. Sounds like a trend

Every gamer has?that?soundtrack which takes them back to a virtual world in an instant. It’s no surprise that we’re seeing that passion extend to uses beyond gameplay. This year saw the BBC Proms host their first concert dedicated to the history of video game soundtracks. This could be the beginning of grander settings for some of the best-loved classics.

Alongside making the jump from screen to stage, OSTs are finding a new wave of unexpected fans on social media. TikTok’s audio-first approach is surfacing tracks to users far beyond the usual gaming audience. From acoustic covers and remixes, to use as simple background music for user created videos, many tracks are developing new popularity and fandoms. For some it’s a glorious moment of nostalgia, for others it’s simply jumping on a trend. Creative users, and passionate fans are taking music to new heights. These new avenues have revolutionised how record labels approach producing and marketing mainstream music, and demonstrates the importance of designing game audio with more creativity possibilities in mind. Music to our ears!

3. Gaming’s fashionable darling!

We’ve seen Burberry and Ralph Lauren merge worlds with Fortnite and Minecraft, and with the continued exploration of NFTs and the Metaverse, these brand collaborations are likely the tip of the iceberg.

But with mass adoption comes the great responsibility. While 2023 is likely to see more brand placement and gamification than ever before, we risk audiences beginning to tire of frequent takeovers of previously untouched communities. The most successful campaigns will come from strategic partnerships where the brand's purpose and placement feel intrinsically linked to the audience's expectations and experiences in-game.

4. Choose your character

Upcoming game launches including the likes of Black Myth: Wukong demonstrate a new generation of gamers and developers who are more deeply influenced by diverse perspectives and mythologies. As nearly half of all gamers are women, and many young gamers are people of color, the industry still has a way to go to reflect the diversity of its audience. Diversity enriches narratives, adds depth to characters, and creates new game mechanics; all invaluable to the gaming ecosystem. Of course, it extends beyond game titles. Next year will see continued expectations from audiences to see themselves reflected everywhere, from game concepts to influencers partners and talent in marketing campaigns.

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While these trends have potential to shape the industry in the coming months, there’s a common thread across all prediction lists; the expansion of gaming culture into other industries, technologies and platforms. The most exciting developments will come from those who push beyond the expected boundaries, reaching new audiences with different experiences and expectations. Whether or not our thoughts are on the money, there is one truth that needs no crystal ball. The best way to predict the future is to create it.