IMAGE by Felix Lichtenfeld from Pixabay

Gaming is experiencing a very special time in 2022, as we have already reported. Let's dive deeper into this topic: What are the trends that will define this year? What's on the minds of gamers around the globe, where are we headed? Of course, as always, most game-loving people are waiting for the upgrades and sequels of their favorite games. Usually, the games get "better" with each installment, that is, more detailed and technically advanced - with a few exceptions that are considered slips. This is true for the well-known series like FIFA, Grand Theft Auto, Doom and so on. In addition, however, another trend has established itself that has great potential for growth.

Trend number 1: Casual games
Trend number 1 is the growing hype for "small" casual games. Most people don't sit at the computer or console all day, but they are out there somewhere "briefly" holding the cell phone in their hand. It's hard to get into an epic game on the bus on the way to work or during lunch break, but short puzzles or a few slot games always fit the bill. So-called free spins casinos facilitate the entry, on the comparison platforms, you will find a whole series of reputable providers from this area. The portal can be used free of charge and without obligation, and interested parties can quickly find the right website and game after a thorough comparison. Such a round of slots does not take long, but is quite exciting and can even bring a certain profit.

Trend number 2: Blockchain games
Blockchain technology has long been growing far beyond the cryptocurrency sector. Meanwhile, more and more game developers are using this cutting-edge technology or plan to do so in the near future. Blockchain can power random number generators and spur other innovative applications. It also remains a secure and transparent digital payment method that will continue to gain momentum in online gaming in 2022. Payments with cryptocurrencies are still quite rare, but they are spreading. Cryptos work independently of country and currency borders, and that fits very well with a global gaming world.

Trend number 3: Single-player
So far, more and more players loved to get together in large hordes or small groups to fight "evil" in an open world. The storyline follows a linear path, usually ending with the final boss. This has no end in 2022, but in the meantime, there is an effort to play alone again, which was already evident at the Gaming Awards 2021, where the producers presented a conspicuous number of single-player titles such as "Alan Wake 2" (survival horror), Silent Hill and Splitterhad. It remains open whether these games will be well received. Since the gaming world has its traditions but also likes to take new paths in between, the signs point to victory.

Trend number 4: Subscriptions
The major game providers are increasingly relying on subscription systems to secure their revenues in the long term. Many gamers gratefully accept this, because they get access to large game libraries for their subscription pass and don't have to pay for every single game every time. Up until now, everything has been crowding into Steam, but there are now significant drop-offs. Microsoft's Game Pass, for example, boasts 18 million subscribers, and the number of blockbuster games is growing. A "Netflix for games" is forming here, which is also growing desires at Nvidia. Nvidia GeForce Now creates an exciting incentive by enabling games of high-end quality on graphics cards from its data center. The fidelity and latency are correspondingly fantastic.

Trend number 5: Games in the cloud
GeForce Now thus also sets trend number 5: Why should everyone equip themselves with sprawling and expensive hardware when you can also play in the cloud? Then the game providers provide the hardware, usually in higher quality than the gamer can afford. 3080 graphics cards are hard to come by this year anyway, and if they are, they'll be at premium prices. The crypto farmers have hogged it all. Gaming fans can bypass shopping with cloud games, but only if they have stable and fast internet. So remote places can run into problems, but fewer and fewer places in the world are actually still "remote" in terms of digital connectivity. So, the cloud revolution can come! And if you're not sitting at a console or PC with a large display, the small single-player games on your cell phone can help. This is how one trend complements the other.