Pocketpair, known for its imaginative and engaging games like Palworld and recently Overdungeon as a surprising new Nintendo Switch despite their lawsuit against Palworld allegedly patents violation, is now venturing into the publishing sphere.
The company has announced its formation of a new publishing business aptly titled Pocketpair Publishing.
Pocketpair Publishing aims to provide comprehensive support for indie game developers and small studios. This includes financial assistance, development aid, and much-needed publishing resources. A key aspect of their vision is to maintain a hands-off approach where they respect the creative autonomy and vision of the developers. They aim to support the creation and completion of dream projects without imposing strict conditions.
First Project Collaboration: Surgent Studios
Their first major project involves collaboration with UK-based Surgent Studios. Surgent Studios, known for the horror game Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, is set to release a new horror title. This standalone game, scheduled for 2025, is not a continuation of their previous work but promises to bring fresh narrative experiences to players.
According to Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios, the collaborative effort will focus on exploring a unique pattern in the entertainment industry through an unconventional and experimental horror game.
The following is what it has been shared to VGC by Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios.:
Both Surgent and Pocketpair are well-versed in taking risks.
We noticed a pattern in the entertainment industry, and Pocketpair has given us the opportunity to make a horror game about it. It will be short and weird, and we think players will be interested in what we have to say.
We’re still in earnest conversation about further projects set in the Tales of Kenzera universe, but this will be a standalone piece: a mile marker between where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
Also, the Head of Pocketpair Publishing, John “Bucky” Buckley added:
As the games industry continues to grow, more and more games find themselves struggling to get funded or greenlit. We think this is a real shame, because there are so many incredible creators and ideas out there that just need a little help to become incredible games.
We were instantly fascinated by Abubakar’s creative vision for a horror game on a topic he’s uniquely qualified to explore. The ultimate goal of Pocketpair Publishing is to find creators with a genuine passion for games and enable them to create fun, new experiences for gamers all over the world.
The video game industry experienced a turbulent year in 2024, witnessing a significant decline in hardware sales. According to data from Circana, video game hardware sales in the U.S. dropped by 29% compared to the previous year. This blog post delves into the intricate details of this decline, examining the factors that contributed to this downward trend and what it might mean for the future of the gaming industry.
December 2024 U.S. Video Game Market Highlights from Circana – December 2024 projected U.S. consumer spending on video game hardware, content and accessories declined 8.9% when compared to a year ago, to $7.5B. Spending during the 2024 year fell 1.1% compared to 2023, to $58.7B.
In 2024, video game hardware sales fell from $1.55 billion in 2023 to $1.11 billion, marking a steep 29% decrease. Several factors contributed to this decline, most notably the lifecycle stage of current gaming consoles and consumer anticipation for upcoming innovations.
The Impact of PlayStation 5 Pro
November 2024 brought a glimmer of hope with the release of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) Pro. This release temporarily boosted hardware sales; however, the surge was short-lived. By December, hardware sales had plummeted again, reflecting a 25% year-over-year decrease. The initial excitement around the PS5 Pro was not enough to sustain sales momentum through the holiday season.
Platform-Specific Sales Trends
Each major gaming console experienced its own unique challenges and declines in 2024:
Nintendo Switch: As the Nintendo Switch approached the end of its lifecycle, its sales dropped by a staggering 38% in December 2024. The console, which enjoyed immense popularity since its release, now faced the inevitable slowdown as consumers anticipated a new generation of Nintendo consoles.
Xbox Series Consoles: Microsoft’s Xbox Series consoles also faced a significant decline, with a 38% decrease in year-over-year sales for December 2024. Despite price cuts and holiday promotions, the platform could not escape the overall downturn in the market.
PlayStation 5: The regular PS5 saw an 18% drop in sales year-over-year. Even though the PS5 Pro’s release provided a temporary boost, it was not enough to offset the decline in sales of the standard model.
The Best-Selling Console of 2024
Despite the overall decline in hardware sales, the PlayStation 5 emerged as the best-selling console for 2024 in terms of both hardware spending and unit sales. Sony’s efforts to revitalize its offering with the PS5 Pro contributed to this achievement, albeit the gains were not as substantial as hoped.
Accessory Sales Remain Steady
While hardware sales took a hit, accessory sales remained robust. Accessory sales in December 2024 mirrored those of the previous year, showing no significant year-over-year change. Overall, accessory sales in 2024 saw a 6% increase compared to 2023. The PlayStation Portal topped the charts as the best-selling accessory, while the DualSense Midnight Black controller recorded the highest unit sales.
Total Revenue Overview
December 2024’s total revenue for video game hardware and accessories was $4.85 billion, significantly lower than December 2023’s $6.45 billion. This drop further highlights the extensive impact of the decline in hardware sales on the gaming market.
The Insider Gaming article encourages readers to discuss these findings in their forums, providing a platform for gamers, analysts, and industry insiders to share their perspectives and insights. The discussions could offer a deeper understanding of the market dynamics and factors influencing these trends.
The steep decline in video game hardware sales in 2024 signifies a notable shift in the market. This trend may be driven by the lifecycle of current consoles, consumer fatigue, and anticipation for future technologies. Console manufacturers will likely need to adjust their strategies, possibly accelerating the development and release of next-generation systems to rekindle consumer interest and drive future sales.
The decline in video game hardware sales in 2024 poses significant challenges but also opens up opportunities for innovation and growth in the gaming industry. As we move forward, it will be crucial for manufacturers and developers to understand and adapt to these evolving market dynamics, ensuring that they stay ahead of consumer trends and technological advancements.
Ted Price, the founder and president of Insomniac Games, announced his retirement after over 30 years with the studio. Price, who has been instrumental in creating beloved franchises like “Spyro the Dragon,” “Ratchet & Clank,” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” shared his decision to step down at the end of March 2025.
In his blog post, Price expressed his gratitude for the fulfilling career he has had and his confidence in the new leadership team. He introduced Chad Dezern, Ryan Schneider, and Jen Huang as the new co-heads of Insomniac Games, who will continue to lead the studio into the future.
Price also acknowledged the challenges faced by the team due to recent events, such as the LA wildfires, and praised the Insomniac employees for their resilience and dedication. He emphasized his commitment to supporting those affected and ensuring a smooth transition for the studio.
Therefore, last week, I felt comfortable announcing to the Insomniac team that after having been incredibly fortunate to enjoy such a fulfilling career in games, I’ll be retiring from the industry at the end of March. Today, I’m sharing this news more broadly.
I actually made this decision last year. For me, after over 30 years of leading Insomniac, I felt it was simply time to step aside and let others pave the way for our team.
During the past year, I had the opportunity to work with the senior leadership team at Insomniac to create a succession plan that I know will provide the continuity, stability and strong leadership necessary to deliver more of what our fans cherish over the next several decades.
Ted Price founded Insomniac Games in 1994 as Xtreme Software, which was later renamed Insomniac Games in 1995. The studio’s first project was “Disruptor” for the original PlayStation, which didn’t perform well commercially.
In 2019, Insomniac Games was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment and became part of PlayStation Studios. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the studio, solidifying its position within the PlayStation ecosystem.
Ted Price has been the president and CEO of Insomniac Games for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the studio has grown and produced numerous successful games.
The 14th Annual New York Game Awards, hosted by the New York Videogame Critics Circle, celebrated the best games of 2024 with a spectacular ceremony held in Manhattan. Among the night’s biggest winners was Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, which took home the coveted Game of the Year award, along with two additional accolades for Best Kids Game and Best Music.
Released in September 2024, Astro Bot has been a critical and commercial success. The game, which allows players to control Astro as they attempt to save lost Bots and restore the PS5 mothership, has been praised for its charm, environmental design, and innovative use of the DualSense controller. With a player rating of 100 on OpenCritic, Astro Bot has become the most awarded platformer in history, boasting 110 Game of the Year trophies to date.
During the ceremony, Astro Bot’s director, Nicolas Doucet, expressed his overwhelming shock and gratitude for the win. Doucet admitted that he didn’t expect to win the coveted award and remembered very little of his acceptance speech due to his excitement.
The game’s winning streak doesn’t seem to be over just yet, as more accolades keep pouring in.
While Astro Bot led the night with three wins, other games also received recognition. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree won Best World and Best DLC, and Studio Zero’s Metaphor: ReFantazio took home the award for Best Writing in a Game. Indie hit UFO 50 was named Best Indie Game, and Troy Baker received the award for Best Acting in a Game for his portrayal of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
With its incredible success, fans are eagerly awaiting what Team Asobi has in store for Astro Bot. Recent rumors suggest that more DLC may be coming in 2025, including a possible Tekken crossover. Additionally, a new speedrunning level for Astro Bot was featured in the finals of a recent PlayStation Tournaments XP event, though it’s unclear when this will be added to the game.
The 14th Annual New York Game Awards Winners
Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year Astro Bot
Off-Broadway Award for Best Indie Game UFO 50
Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game Metaphor: ReFantazio
Statue of Liberty Award for Best World Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game Astro Bot
Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game Troy Baker as Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game Batman: Arkham Shadow
Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game Astro Bot
A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game Zenless Zone Zero
Freedom Tower Award for Best Remake Silent Hill 2
Chumley’s Speakeasy Award for Best Hidden Gem Mouthwashing
NYC GWB Award for Best DLC Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Knickerbocker Award for Best Games Journalism Simone De Rochefort & Clayton Ashley
While it shouldn’t be a surprise for those following up this topic, Electronic Arts has announced the end of its 14-year-old Origin PC Launcher. The decision to sunset Origin comes as a response to the decline in 32-bit software support, with Windows 11 no longer supporting 32-bit applications. This move marks a significant shift for EA, as it transitions users to its newer EA app.
Origin was launched in 2011 as EA’s answer to Valve’s Steam platform. The goal was to create a dedicated storefront and launcher for EA’s games, allowing the company to retain more revenue by bypassing third-party platforms.
However, Origin faced criticism and unpopularity among users due to its lack of features compared to Steam and its controversial decision to pull titles like Crysis 2 from Steam.
Despite these challenges, Origin remained a staple for EA gamers, especially for older titles that were not available on other platforms. Over the years, EA attempted to migrate users to its newer EA app, which launched in 2022 with a more modern interface and improved features.
Transition to the EA App
Starting April 17, 2025, the Origin PC Launcher will cease to function, and users will be directed to install the EA app. EA has assured users that their local and cloud saves, as well as their friend lists, will sync seamlessly between Origin and the EA app.
Additionally, users can merge their Origin friend lists with those on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.
However, there are some caveats. Mods may not transfer to the EA app, and users will need to check with mod creators to see if their content can be transferred. For those switching to a new device, redownloading games and manually transferring data will be necessary.
To use the EA app, PC users will need a 64-bit version of Windows 11 or Windows 10, while Mac users will need macOS Catalina 10.15.5 or later. This requirement aligns with the broader industry shift away from 32-bit software support1.
The sunsetting of Origin marks the end of an era for EA gamers. While the transition to the EA app may come with its challenges, it also represents a step towards a more unified and modern gaming experience.
As EA continues to evolve its platform, it remains to be seen how the gaming community will respond to these changes.
A 58-year-old man named Fumihiro Otobe from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was arrested for selling modified Nintendo Switch consoles loaded with pirated games. This is the first arrest of its kind in Japan.
Otobe modified second-hand Switch consoles by soldering hardware components to their circuit boards, enabling them to play pirated games. As reported by NTV News and translated by Automaton, he sold these modified consoles for approximately ¥28,000 (around $180) each, with 27 pirated games pre-installed.
Upon his arrest, police found four modified consoles in his possession.
In a public statement, Fumihiro Otobe said:
I was curious to know whether people would think I was great if I sold modified consoles.
This significant development marks a turning point in Japan’s legal approach to video game console modifications, which have long been contentious due to concerns about piracy and copyright infringement.
For Nintendo, this is the first arrest of its kind in Japan. The arrest highlights increasing efforts by authorities to crack down on such activities and protect intellectual property rights, acknowledging that modded consoles are not legally sold in major retail stores worldwide.
Nintendo’s efforts are aimed at protecting the integrity of its intellectual property and ensuring that game developers and publishers can continue to innovate and create new games. The company cooperates with law enforcement worldwide to pursue legal actions against those involved in piracy.
The year 2025 beckons with the promise of extraordinary gaming experiences, a year poised to redefine interactive entertainment with video games. From long-awaited sequels that reignite cherished franchises to ambitious new IPs pushing the boundaries of creativity, this year promises to be a landmark period for gamers worldwide. The anticipation is palpable, a collective breath held in eager expectation as developers unveil their masterpieces and players prepare to embark on unforgettable journeys.
The landscape of video games releases at 2025 is already shaping up to be a vibrant tapestry of diverse gaming experiences. Confirmed releases offer a tantalizing glimpse into the year’s potential.
Confirmed Releases:
The year will undoubtedly kick off with a bang, as several highly anticipated titles are confirmed to grace our consoles.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, slated for a March 2025 release, transports players to the captivating backdrop of 16th-century Japan. This installment in the beloved franchise promises a thrilling blend of stealth, action, and historical intrigue, immersing players in a period of profound social and political upheaval. Players will embody a skilled assassin navigating the intricate web of Japanese society, experiencing the beauty and danger of this era firsthand.
Monster Hunter Wilds, scheduled for a Q3 2025 release, marks a significant evolution for Capcom’s iconic hunting series. By introducing a vast open world, the developers aim to enhance the sense of exploration and freedom, allowing players to traverse breathtaking landscapes while encountering and conquering a diverse array of formidable monsters. This shift promises to redefine the core gameplay experience, offering a greater sense of agency and immersion.
South of Midnight, anticipated for a Q4 2025 release, is a narrative-driven adventure game that promises a unique and haunting experience. With a focus on a captivating Southern Gothic atmosphere, this title aims to deliver a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant story that will stay with players long after the credits roll.
Rumored Releases (High Probability):
While not yet officially confirmed, several highly anticipated titles are rumored to grace 2025 with their presence.
Grand Theft Auto VI, the long-awaited successor to one of the most influential video game franchises of all time, continues to be shrouded in secrecy. However, persistent rumors suggest a late 2025 release window, fueling immense speculation and excitement among fans.
Starfield(next expansion), Bethesda’s ambitious space RPG’s next expansion, is expected to launch late this year, assuming Bethesda’s clarification that the first expansion, Shattered Space, was made with new assets and not recycling the game’s original assets and expect the same thing for the next expansion. While it was not confirmed officially, it is rumored that the next expansion will comply on offering players the opportunity to explore a vast and awe-inspiring galaxy. With countless quests to undertake and a deep character customization system, Starfield promises to be a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
The Elder Scrolls VI, though still in the early stages of development, has already captured the imagination of countless gamers. While a release date remains elusive, the mere possibility of a new Elder Scrolls adventure is enough to generate immense excitement and anticipation within the gaming community.
Doubtful Releases (But Still Possible):
Several highly anticipated titles face uncertain release timelines, leaving their 2025 fate shrouded in doubt:
Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania, has been in development for an extended period. While fans eagerly anticipate its release, the developers have remained tight-lipped regarding a definitive launch date, leaving the possibility of a 2025 release uncertain.
Perfect Dark (remake): Despite a Rare original game, back in 2020 it was confirmed that the other Xbox Game Studios, The Initiative was co-developing a Perfect Dark remake along with Embracer Groups’s Crystal Dynamics. Reportedly since then, Perfect Dark reboot development has faced significant hurdles and after being a The Initiative’s original involvement, Crystal Dynamics was brought into co-develop the game. Since no more details has surfaced and maybe people are in the expectations for some 2025, but I highly doubt a 2025 release.
Wild Cards:
The gaming industry is renowned for its unpredictable nature. Throughout the year, we can anticipate unannounced titles making their debut, potentially shifting the landscape of anticipated releases and surprising even the most seasoned of gamers.
Pretty much, the norm is that gaming studios and independent developers often unveil entirely new game concepts and franchises throughout the year. These surprise announcements can generate immense excitement and shift the focus of anticipation within the gaming community.
Along with the classic franchises can be revived through reboots and remasters, offering fresh perspectives on beloved games and introducing them to new audiences. These unexpected announcements can reignite nostalgia and generate significant buzz.
As challenging as the past year has been, for the gaming industry as much unfortunate, gaming acquisitions and mergers within the gaming industry can have a profound impact on the competitive landscape and the types of games being developed and honestly there is a chance that we might hear some news regarding of this aspect of the industry and hopefully, it can be converted as job cuts avoidance, but recent acquisitions proved that it is not necessarily avoid job cuts due redundance or instant duplicate workplaces due mergers.
Finally, and also an unfortunate thing to say it is unavoidable are unexpected challenges faced by development studios, such as unforeseen technical difficulties or internal issues, can lead to delays or even the cancellation of highly anticipated projects.
These “Wild Cards” add an element of unpredictability and excitement to the 2025 video game release landscape. They highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
A Note of Caution:
It is crucial to remember that release dates are subject to change, and development cycles can be unpredictable. Unforeseen circumstances can lead to delays, and even the most promising titles may face unforeseen challenges. Therefore, it is essential to manage expectations and approach these anticipated releases with a degree of flexibility.
In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced the cancellation of two more live service games, one of which was a highly anticipated God of War title. The affected projects were being developed by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, two of Sony’s well-regarded studios.
As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment past CEO Jim Ryan’s legacy, one of his last main task was having Sony announcing an ambitious plans to launch over 10 new live service games by 2026.
However, the company’s recent decisions indicate a significant shift in strategy. The cancellations follow the mixed results of their live service experiments, with notable successes like Helldivers 2 and notable failures like Concord.
BREAKING: PlayStation has canceled two more live-service games, from subsidiaries Bend and Bluepoint, Bloomberg has learned.Fans have long wondered what Bluepoint has been working on for the last couple of years. I can report it was a live-service God of War game. www.bloomberg.com/news/article…
The two cancelled projects were part of a larger initiative to expand Sony’s portfolio of live service games. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, Bluepoint Games was working on a live service game set in the God of War universe. This news came as a shock to fans who had speculated about Bluepoint’s new projects since their well-received PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls.
Bend Studio, known for their work on Days Gone, was reportedly developing a new IP with multiplayer elements that built upon the open-world systems of their previous game. Unfortunately, neither project will see the light of day.
In response to the cancellations, a Sony spokesperson emphasized that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games would be closed down. The company is working closely with both studios to determine their next steps. Sony’s CEO Hermen Hulst had previously indicated a renewed focus on single-player games, which seems to align with the recent cancellations.
Needless to say that the cancellations have raised concerns among PlayStation fans about the future of Sony’s software lineup. With several live service projects scrapped, there is speculation that Sony may be shifting its focus back to single-player experiences. While this may disappoint fans of live service games, it could also mean exciting new single-player titles from Sony’s talented studios.
Sony’s decision to cancel these live service games marks a significant moment in the company’s gaming strategy. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony adapts and what new projects they will bring to the market.
In a recent turn of events, both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have publicly denied claims regarding their financial performance, as reported by various sources. This comes amidst ongoing scrutiny and speculation about the financial health of the two companies, especially in light of their proposed merger.
A little back story…Microsoft and Activision Blizzard announced their merger agreement back in January 2022, with the deal valued at nearly $70 billion. The merger aims to create a powerhouse in the gaming industry, combining Microsoft’s technological prowess with Activision Blizzard’s extensive game portfolio.
The report came form The Information, which states that things were not lookign good for Xbox in2021 and pretty much and after a maratonic defense of the buyout of Activision Blizzard as a subsidiary of Microsoft Gaming (instead on being folded within Xbox Game Studios umbrella) in 2022, the purchase has not served the purpose of Xbox Game Pass capitalization.
To provide some context, Activision Blizzard’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022 showed a significant increase in net bookings, growing 43% year-over-year to a record $2.33 billion. For the full year 2022, the company reported net revenues of $7.53 billion, compared to $8.80 billion in 20211. Despite the slight decline in revenue, the company’s operating margin and earnings per share (EPS) remained robust.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has continued to show strong financial performance across its various business segments, including its gaming division. The company’s recent quarterly reports have highlighted growth in revenue and profitability, further supporting their stance against the claims made in the report1.
The denial of these claims (noted by Insider Gaming as sources are behind paywalls) is crucial for the ongoing merger process. Both companies have emphasized that the merger will enable them to better serve their players, create greater opportunities for their employees, and succeed in an increasingly competitive global gaming industry1. The deal, which has faced regulatory scrutiny and delays, is now expected to close by October 2023.
In conclusion, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s strong financial performance and denial of the claims highlight their commitment to the merger and their confidence in the future of the combined entity. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, this merger could set a new standard for innovation and growth.
As we are already at first half of the first month of 2025, I think is time to bring up the notion that the gaming industry is poised for a transformative year filled with groundbreaking advancements and exciting trends. From cloud gaming to virtual reality, mobile gaming to artificial intelligence, the landscape of gaming is evolving rapidly, promising gamers an unparalleled experience.
Let’s delve deeper into each aspect with supporting data and trends that highlight this evolution.
1. Rise of Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is expected to revolutionize the way we play games by eliminating the need for high-end hardware. According to a report by Newzoo, the cloud gaming market was valued at approximately $1.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of 5G technology, which provides the necessary bandwidth and low latency required for a seamless gaming experience.
Services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Cloud (formerly Project xCloud) are at the forefront, offering expansive libraries of titles that can be streamed to various devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This accessibility is democratizing gaming, making it more inclusive for a broader audience.
…And yes, in an alternate universe, Google Stadia leaded this segment of the gaming industry as even after its demise, its tech stack remains unmatched and DO NOT CHANGE MY MIND!
2. More Immersive Virtual Reality
Honestly, I am not into Virtual reality (VR) but of course, I will not ignore that this segment of the gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of immersive gaming.
The global VR gaming market was valued at $11.56 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $92.31 billion by 2027, according to Grand View Research. This exponential growth is fueled by advancements in VR headsets such as the Oculus Quest 2 and the PlayStation VR2, which offer enhanced graphics, more intuitive controls, and improved comfort. Developers are leveraging these advancements to create rich, interactive stories and social experiences that allow players to explore virtual worlds together.
Titles like “Half-Life: Alyx” and “Star Wars: Squadrons” showcase the potential of VR to deliver deeply engaging narratives and gameplay. As VR technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more innovative and immersive experiences.
3. On the Rise: Mobile Gaming
Despite my admittedly original dislike on how he mobile gaming gained momentary a front seat ahead of console and PC gaming in the previous decade and how embarrasing its was “the leadership” (thanks for nothing people like Konami), but data suggest that the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by the increasing power of smartphones and the release of high-quality titles.
According to a report by App Annie, mobile gaming revenue reached $98 billion in 2021, surpassing both console and PC gaming.
In 2025, this trend is expected to continue with the release of games like the BETA of “Destiny Rising ” and “Need for Speed Mobile,” which offer console-quality experiences on handheld devices. The convenience of playing games on the go, combined with the accessibility of smartphones, ensures that mobile gaming remains a dominant force in the industry.
4. Integration of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is in indeed a “11 bullet shirt” of a topic depending on who you are talking about it, but it indeed transforming the gaming landscape by enhancing gameplay mechanics and creating more dynamic environments.
AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs) are becoming more sophisticated, capable of reacting to player actions in real-time and providing more realistic interactions. According to a study by PwC, the AI market in gaming is projected to grow from $3 billion in 2020 to $87 billion by 2025.
This growth is driven by the demand for personalized gaming experiences, where AI tailors challenges and content to individual players’ preferences and skill levels. Games like “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “The Last of Us Part II” demonstrate the potential of AI to create immersive and engaging worlds.
5. Esports Expansions
In my blog, I will try to covert a little bit more of Esports as a FGC competitor myself and while some view that the 2010’s explosive growth reached its peak, some view that a ressurgance is being observed, taking in account on millions of viewers and participants worldwide.
The global esports market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2021 despite the break that the recent pandemic of 2020 brought, and is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2025, according to a report by Newzoo.
This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of competitive gaming and the rise of mobile and cloud gaming platforms, which provide greater accessibility for players. Major tournaments, leagues, and sponsorships are emerging, contributing to the expansion of the esports ecosystem. Esports is not just a form of entertainment; it’s a cultural movement that brings people together from all corners of the globe.
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As we look ahead to 2025, the gaming industry is on the brink of a new era of innovation and immersion. With advancements in cloud gaming, virtual reality, mobile gaming, artificial intelligence, and esports, gamers can expect an exciting and dynamic year ahead. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, there’s never been a better time to be part of the gaming community.
