The world of gambling has changed so dramatically over the last five years that it’s difficult to say what direction it will take over the next five years. However, based on recent advancements in technology, it’s possible to at least predict how gaming will look in 2030.
A lot can be learned from the online gambling market. An increasing number of avid iGamers have switched from brick-and-mortar casinos to digital casino alternatives.
By taking a look at the best payout online casinos, you can understand why so many gamblers are changing to digital alternatives. The slot and table games are live, feature great mobile-friendliness, and accept crypto – which are three aspects that are likely to become more prominent in the world of video games.
It is to be expected that cloud and mobile gaming will likely dominate in the year 2030. Digital and streamable games already outsell physical copies of games. Plus, many of the most popular games of the last couple of years are digital exclusives. For example, Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most popular games of 2023, was initially released as digital-only.
As more gamers make the switch from disk and cartridge-based games to digital-only options, the need for physical games will lessen. By 2030, we will likely see very few physical game options as a result of this.
However, it is unlikely that this will spell the end of physical game consoles themselves. The CEO of Xbox gaming Phil Spencer recently stated that the company doesn’t plan on completely phasing out physical media, suggesting that Xbox and PlayStation consoles as we know them today will still exist in 2030.
As with crypto casino games, many gamers will be turning to alternative consoles for their games – i.e., their mobile phones. According to GlobalData’s Mobile Gaming Thematic Intelligence report, the mobile gaming market will reach $190 billion by 2030, which is a significant increase from $124 billion in 2023.
As the mobile gaming market increases, graphics and the overall quality of mobile games will likely increase. By 2030, we could see mobile-friendly games with powerful processors and premium graphics.
Out of all the online gaming options, crypto-based gaming is one area that is predicted to grow exponentially over the coming years. Blockchain gaming – i.e., games that incorporate cryptocurrency in gameplay – is projected to grow by 68.3% between 2023 and 2030 according to Grand View Research.
This is a faster rate than the online gaming industry is expected to grow in the same period. So, crypto-based games such as the Sandbox, Axie Infinity, and MOBOX will likely become more prominent over the coming years – especially as crypto becomes more widely adopted.
Another aspect of modern gaming that will likely become more widely adopted is VR. While virtual reality gameplay is already available, it is not widely accessible to all. The cost of VR headsets has limited its widespread adoption.
However, over the next 5 years, we’ll see the emergence of new VR headset models at different price points. The headsets will also be lighter, more flexible, and user-friendly. These price and design bonuses will instigate VR becoming more heavily integrated into mainstream gameplay.
VR may also develop so much that the line between virtual and reality will become totally blurred. VR glasses and contact lenses would be the next big move in game technology development. This would allow gamers to enjoy the VR experience while out on the move.
From all these gaming advancements will come the emergence of new gaming genres, new game series, new ways to interact and connect, and a whole host of other aspects that are impossible to predict.