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Every year seems to bring new developments to the iGaming industry. Recent trends like mobile gaming have allowed gamers to play online casino games for real money, and the industry seems to be moving toward even bigger things. In 2023, game developers will be keen on harnessing the potential of emerging fields like esports and the Metaverse. Let’s look at how that may play out during the year.

Esports

The esports sector may see some slow days this year, and shrewd providers are gearing up for this by diversifying their revenue sources. Of course, the field will remain firmly rooted in competitive gaming. However, it may also grow to include content creation, merchandise, and products. There is currently an entire market of gaming creators bringing in revenue through streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. As a result, esports’ reach may extend beyond streaming viewers to the consumers of these products and merchandise and the fans of said creators. 100 Thieves has already implemented this new model, announcing an in-house video game, increasing merchandising, launching an energy drink, and signing more content creators in the past year alone. 

The Metaverse

Most people still don’t fully understand the Metaverse and what it plans to achieve, including in the iGaming sector. However, experts guarantee that it will become more mainstream in 2023. Evidence of this in the gaming world includes the upcoming VR model release from Apple and the new Meta Quest title that recently went live. Beyond gaming, the Metaverse is also making its debut in other industries, bringing in notable brands. Great examples include the recent collaborations between Ralph Lauren and Fortnite, and Burberry and Minecraft. 

Player Game Designs

Fandoms have allowed gamers to contribute to game narratives in the past, sometimes influencing spin-offs, in-game stories, and more. This year, game developers could take this contribution even further, allowing players to design their own games. A great example is the sandbox RPG Hytale in which players can write their own quest story scripts and construct buildings. Similarly, the first-person building-and-raiding title Meet Your Maker allows players to design missions and levels. It is too early to say how this relationship between players and developers will evolve, but it will be exciting to see.

NPC Chatbots 

Developers have been working on making NPCs more intuitive for a while, but 2023 could see their efforts enter the language arena. Creators are currently playing around with the idea of using Chatbots and generative language models to introduce evolving conversations into game environments. Essentially, you can expect to have adaptive dialogues with NPCs in open-world/RPG titles. These games will use open-source language models and further measures to ensure trustworthy talking NPCs.

AI Game Development

AI has already carved out a place for itself in the gaming industry, recently dipping its toes in game production. For example, EA recently used machine learning to improve the real-time animation of its most recent FIFA titles. 2023 may see more game developers follow suit and use AI tools to produce design ideas. High on Life recently enlivened its environments using art generated through Midjourney. If this trend continues, AI game development could take root in the industry.

Game Adaptations

Last year, Netflix notified its shareholders that it would add 55 new names to its game catalog. Riot Games, the developer behind Arcane, were one of the beneficiaries of this move. Their Netflix animated series set in the League of Legends world launched to universal acclaim, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. Subsequently, industry experts are predicting an increased investment and production of game adaptations. You can look forward to a Gears of War film and animated series. 

Conclusion

2022 was a great year for the iGaming industry, complete with the full implementation of AI in gaming systems and the further development of VR, among other things. Going into 2023, some sectors that got a start in 2022 will be looking to grow their influence, attract more fans, and become more mainstream. It should be exciting to see.

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