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The Biggest Mobile Game Development Trends of 2022

Updated: Nov 23, 2023


Game Development Trends

Have you ever picked up a newspaper, seen a crossword or puzzle, and eagerly grabbed a pen to tackle it? Game developers do the same to our minds, play with our minds and build interactive and neurocognitive games. With the ongoing technological changes and game development trends in India, the revolution of the gaming industry is of paramount importance. Despite recent disruptions to conventional notions of entertainment, the gaming industry is on the cusp of explosive growth because of mobile game development trends.


India claims a significant stake in the gaming industry, with over 560 million gamers, making it the second-largest market. Further, the worth of the Indian game development market is estimated to be $930 million by the databases of the World Economic Forum. This rapid evolution in the future of game development reflects the surge in mobile gaming and the increasing appetite for gaming content among Indian youth.


Staying ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape of the game development industry is imperative for game developers and designers. As we delve further, it’s significant to keep up with the current trends which will shape this dynamic business. We'll discuss the biggest game development trends in this blog that are taking the world by storm, with an emphasis on those that are unique to India, a country that is quickly becoming a major hub for the industry.


A Closer Look at the Latest Game Development Trends


Let's dive into the biggest game development trends which are turning you away from TV and are rapidly shifting you towards gaming platforms.


Rising Reign of Hyper-Casual Games

  • Hyper-casual games are easy-to-play mobile games that are instantly playable and follow simple mechanics.

  • Some popular hyper-casual games are Helix Jump, Tall Man Run, Join Clash, Rise Up, Jelly Jump, Fun Race 3D and Crowd City.

  • These games are highly addictive, thus making them incredibly popular among gamers of all ages. This ultimate game changer has redefined the mobile gaming market and has improved app marketing.

  • With faster development time and better-quality execution, these games are rapidly gaining ground in the market and are emerging as a profitable mobile game development trend.


Amplification of AR & VR Technologies

  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that create a virtual and real-world environment around their users. VR is 75% virtual and requires a headset whereas AR is only 25% virtual and doesn't require a headset for experience.

  • Some popular AR and VR games are Pokémon Go, Jurassic World Alive, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and many others.

  • The huge demand for AR and VR technologies in the gaming industry has enabled players to engage with games in a digital environment. It has increased virtual and real-world experience, thus making game development more dynamic and captivating.

  • The integration of these technologies has resulted in the biggest game development trend in India as the potential of gamers to experience better gameplay is ascending.


Transformation in 5G Connectivity

  • 5G is the fifth-generation network which helps in connecting everything and everyone virtually. This wireless cellular technology is designed to increase speed and improve the flexibility of services.

  • Some games that can benefit from this biggest game development trend are Fortnite, Cyberpunk, Ghost Runner, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty.

  • The introduction of 5G technology has the potential to completely transform mobile gaming. More and more game developers are taking advantage of 5G connectivity to improve their titles.

  • This technology can aid game developers in creating reliable cloud gaming, providing better graphics and visual effects, adding realistic sound effects and reducing lags.


Blockchain and NFT Integration

  • Blockchain is a decentralised technology which keeps track of all transactions in a ledger across multiple computers. It is a secure and transparent system and can't be hacked. Whereas, NFT (non-fungible token) is a unique digital asset which is stored on the blockchain.

  • Some popular blockchain games are Alien Worlds WAX BNB Chain, Farmers World WAX, Sweat Economy Ethereum Near and New Seg Finance BNB Chain.

  • These technologies allow for ownership, transparency, and the buying, selling, and trading of exclusive in-game items by players. Players' interactions with virtual worlds and the in-game economy could be completely changed by blockchain technology and NFTs.

  • This game development trend has brought up a huge benefit to developers as it boosts player engagement and opens up new revenue streams.


Major Factors Transforming the Game Development Market


Sustainability and Green Game Development


The carbon impact of the gaming business is expanding along with it. A developing trend in game production is sustainability as a countermeasure. Developers are actively working to promote eco-friendly practices and lower energy use in line with the global trend towards environmental responsibility. This major transition is shaping the future of game development.


Popularity of Game Streaming Services


With the rise in popularity of game streaming platforms, gamers can now access top-notch games on a range of devices without requiring powerful hardware. This trend will have a big impact on game creation in the upcoming years because it is altering how games are distributed, played, and made money. Therefore, this surge in demand for efficient game streaming platforms and services is set to be a prominent game development trend in India.


Future of Game Development in India: What Lies Ahead?


The 39% rise from 2020 to 2021 in transaction-based games signals hope for game developers. India is leading in the fantasy sports market with a 180 million user base. Further, the game development trends are evolving, and the target industry is expected to bolster by 20% in 2025. With three gaming unicorns – Game 24X7, Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, India has created its mark as the world's largest mobile game development market.



In addition, the future of game development is aided by heavy investments from the state government and the presence of over 400 million gamers in India. Above all, emerging mobile game development trends such as generative AI in gaming, gaming on-demand, blockchain-based or play-to-earn games, are positioning India as a gaming hub for both local and international audiences.


Summary


In conclusion, it is essential for developers, players, and industry stakeholders to remain informed about the ever-evolving landscape of mobile game development. The biggest mobile game development trends that we've covered here are only the tip of the iceberg; this dynamic industry will continue to advance due to innovation and ingenuity. It is essential to closely monitor the future of game development, both worldwide and in quickly developing nations like India, as markets grow and technology evolves. Accepting these trends will help you succeed in the fiercely competitive mobile gaming industry.


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