How Video Games are Emulating Online Titles in 2017
Posted by Harry Kane on Friday, February 24, 2017
Just a decade ago, console platforms remained omnipotent in the world of gaming. Generational consoles such as the PlayStation and the Xbox dominated global sales and revenues, for example, while online platforms were struggling to contend with legislation issues and perceived issues concerning security.
The same cannot be said in 2017, however, as online gaming has become increasingly popular and lucrative as the associated technology has evolved. This has been driven predominantly by a rise in mobile gaming, with smartphones alone generating a staggering $12.1 billion in revenue during the course of 2016.
How Video Games Are Beginning to Emulate the Online Experience
With online and mobile gaming closing the gap on consoles and likely to supersede the traditional market over time, it is little wonder that video game platforms are increasingly looking to emulate virtual experiences. So, let’s take a look at this in further detail and explore the primary ways in which online gaming is beginning to shape console titles:
1. Embracing the Freemium Business Model
Let’s start with the obvious, as the key to the success of online and mobile gaming lies with the freemium business model that underpins these concepts. This allows developers and online casino operators to create the illusion of free and empower players with choice in terms of how and when they spend their money, while driving a flexible experience that delivers optimal enjoyment.
We have already seen console games embrace this concept, as developers look to create episodic and tiered titles that reduce the upfront cost charged to players. Take the recent Hitman: Agent 47 release, for example, which was presented as episodic content with individual missions available on an optional basis.
This instantly reduced the cost of console titles and enabled players to shape their own experience, creating a superior value proposition that can compete with online games.
2. Introducing a Corporeal Element to Console Gaming
Virtual casinos have emerged as a key driver of online and mobile gaming growth, particularly in an age of live gameplay and real-money wagering. These elements help to forge a connection between the real and virtual worlds, creating a more immersive gaming experience that is far more engaging over time.
Historically, video games have leveraged high quality graphics to achieve this aim, but this is no longer enough in the modern age. As a result of this, developers have borrowed heavily from online platforms to breathe life into their own titles, with some of the recent GTA titles providing a relevant case in point.
More specifically, the GTA 5 Online development team took the innovative step of introducing three, real-money gambling modes into the game, enabling players to access their favourite casino games within a fun and engaging narrative. We can expect more of this on the future, with online casino games likely to be particularly heavily featured.
3. Reaching Out to the Female Audience
While the online gaming market has become increasingly proactive in recent times, we have seen video game brands and developers become more reactive. This is particularly true when it comes to recognising prevalent demographics within the sector, which have clearly a seismic shift during the last decade.
It is now accepted that 52% of all gamers are female, for example, with this number expected to grow over the course of the next decade or so. Online platforms have been quick to react to this as demographics have changed, with a host of innovative titles conceived, designed and aimed at female players.
In contrast, video game developers have been slow to recognise the change, although this is beginning to change now. By taking their cue from online gaming and gambling hubs, video games are finally beginning to cater for the increasingly influential female audience.