#Focus Australia: 2021 Gaming Trends

The online gaming industry showed no signs of slowing down in 2021. After years of continuous growth, gaming seems set to have the best year yet, thanks to the global situation caused by the COVID pandemic and advanced technology. A booming gaming industry creates an excellent environment for developers, entrepreneurs, and players alike. We invite you to check out some of the main gaming trends in 2021 and their impact on everyday gamers.

Even More Increase in Smartphone Gaming

Even though hardcore gamers that prefer a PC or console for entertainment may not even consider mobile gaming a component, the reality is that most players take to their mobile devices for games. The growth was evident in 2020 when mobile phone use for gaming increased by 13%, and another spike of around 15 to 20% is expected for 2021. Especially with the new technology used in smartphones allowing more detailed games to run on these mobile devices, the sky’s the limit. Let’s not forget about the massive advantage brought by devices like the Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Quest, or Google Cardboard, making mobile gaming a lot more interactive at an affordable price.

More AR and VR

Since we mentioned the advantages of portable VR devices when talking about smartphone gaming, it’s only fair to continue with what this technology does for all gaming sectors. And a great example comes from Sony and their PSVR 2. Earlier this month, Sony confirmed that the next generation of PlayStation VR is coming for PS 5 consoles. This headset will offer the ultimate entertainment experience with dramatic leaps in performance and interactivity – to quote Sony. Unfortunately, the company also confirmed that, despite wide rumors, the VR gear wouldn’t be available in 2021. Xbox doesn’t seem to be interested in getting VR gear for their Series X consoles, however, all VR and AR fans can turn to PC gaming for many options.

Further Boost in eSports

After an awesome year with most sporting competitions suspended, eSports continue their spike in 2021 as well. New teams are being formed, and more players are interested in turning pro. Popular eSports like CS: GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, StarCraft II, and many more will continue to attract lots of players, and the eSports calendar for 2021 looks busier than ever.

Classic Casino Games When Money Is At Stake

Turning our attention to online casino games such as slots and other types of games, these too will register a boost in 2021. Even though the ACMA is still looking for a way to regulate online gambling in Australia, we could not leave this sector out. After all, there are many common things between video games and casino games, and the same technology that will bring better games in 2021 applies to casino gaming. In this sector, VR and AR will also play a big role together with live dealer games like the ones provided by Evolution Gaming. Big game providers like NetEnt or Microgaming are investing a lot in developing new games every month to meet the needs of the new generation of gamers. New technology attracts new gamblers but a survey conducted by Australia-Casinos, reveals the Aussies prefer the classic old “pokies” when money is at stake. When it comes to real money casino games, the Aussies play games like Gonzo Quest, Jack and Beanstalk, Starburst, and Thunderstruck II, due to their consistent payouts over many years.

Cloud Gaming Services to Expand and Grow

Another trend that started in 2020 and will clearly expand in 2021 is cloud gaming. This new concept of gaming allows players to enjoy the latest titles without worrying about hardware limitations or any other compatibility issues. Basically, instead of downloading or buying a game to play on your computer or console, you just stream it via the cloud. With a good internet connection and a decent monthly subscription, players can enjoy all the latest titles, no matter the platform, without having to always spend serious bucks on upgrading their hardware. It makes top-quality gaming a lot more accessible, and it’s interesting to follow this trend to see where it will go.