Trends are human perception and changes in their needs as well as requirements. From watching the news on the TV to reading about current events on a smartphone, hiring a guard for security to installing CCTV cameras in Coventry, people want to follow the latest trends. In recent years, esports has gained popularity and it is one of the most talked-about subjects in the gaming industry and media business alike. The underlying trends in both industries have changed the way people look at gaming and media. Read on to know more about these trends.
Creator and live streaming tools
In the past decade, most players preferred playing the game themselves over watching the gameplay. With high-speed internet and better streaming quality, this attitude has changed. Today, live streaming has become a multi-billion-dollar industry in itself, with millions of people enjoying the thrills of watching video games or their favourite gamers on various streaming platforms. Twitch was acquired by Amazon in August 2014 and the e-commerce giant has slowly built the streaming service into an integral part of the gaming culture. The amount of time spent watching game video content has exploded with the arrival of live game streaming services. Famous Twitch streamers such as Ninja, Daequan and DrDisrespect have served to create more interest in the platform and have inspired many gamers to try their luck at live streaming.
Video channels and communities
With the introduction of YouTube, reaching millions of people with user-generated content has become very easy. Vlogging has become very popular among young people in recent years and it is changing the traditional media industry. “These creators have millions of subscribers and have an audience, that many brands and companies don’t reach anymore or not in that way,” says Mounira Latrache, YouTube’s spokesperson in Germany. The integration of on-demand and live video content in social media platforms has enhanced the possibilities for consumers to create communities around their favourite content. The fact that content creators are famous in some online communities makes it easier for gaming and media companies to improve their marketing as well as increase their sales.
Games as a Service
In gaming, Games as a Service (GaaS) represents providing video content or video games on a
continuing revenue model. Games as a Service are ways to monetize games either after their initial
launch or to support a free-to-play model. The service began with the introduction of massively
multiplayer online games, such as World of Warcraft. Complex software for games has made it impossible to introduce a bug-free version for distribution and business models are aligning across all devices. This has made a tremendous effect on the ways of game distribution and distribution of games through retail is quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Creation and involvement
Consumers and users now expect more from a video game rather than just a cool experience. They now want to be involved in the game, create the content themselves and share that with their
friends and the world. Esports are providing new opportunities for enthusiasts to get involved in the games.
