It’s been a tough year for the games industry, and we’re only a month into it. Thousands of industry workers have already been laid off this year, following thousands more layoffs made throughout 2023. The tough year has seen several studios succumb to financial difficulties and close permanently, funneling thousands of former workers into an oversaturated and underfunded ecosystem.
A recently published report by GamesIndustry.biz outlined several key takeaways that are leaning in a more positive direction: Amidst the dark and bleak future of the games industry, there are some silver linings to look out for and focus on.
What are you waiting for?
An insightful report published by GamesIndustry.biz outlines seven key reasons to be “hopeful” about the future of gaming. At the top of the list is the yet-to-be-named Nintendo Switch 2 console, which is expected to be a technological turning point for the company. Although it was recently suggested that the console won’t sell as well as the first Switch console, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about Nintendo’s next-gen gaming tech.
Epic Games was recognized for its work with Fortnite and its successful attempts to turn it into a multifaceted gaming ecosystem. Late last year, Fortnite broke records for concurrent players, attracting tens of millions of users upon the release of “Fortnite OG,” followed by other games in the space, such as Lego Fortnite and Rocket Racing.
GamesIndustry.biz outlined that amid developments in mobile hardware and several developing markets around the world, the “convergence” of games, TV shows and movies is stronger than ever, with crossovers such as The Last of Us and Super Mario Bros. producing impressive results in the past year or so.
The breakdown concluded with a discussion of the benefits of AI and the promise of the “next generation” of gamers who are “finally” entering a world that is embracing gaming as a hobby, interest, and in many cases, a career path.
While there is still a lot of concern in the gaming market as a whole, lists like this one give players hope and excitement for the future. The industry has a long way to go, and we just have to wait and see what happens next.
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