The game industry develops quickly and new technologies appear constantly. Every year game developers come up with new ideas and make their irreplaceable investment in gaming. Due to quarantine restrictions, a lot has changed since 2021-2022: people began to spend more time at home and, of course, video games were the only entertainment.

game design development

Such a world situation has given a great impact on the gaming industry. More and more interesting game ideas began to appear that were invented by developers to amuse people. In this way, gaming began to develop faster, there were more users, and the developers earned twice. Although quarantine restrictions decrease, people continue to spend a lot of time at a computer, console, or phone, because the last two years have changed the lives of millions of people.

Since game development is actively developing now, we want to tell you about the game design trends in 2024. Today’s article is going to be interesting for many gamers.

FINANCIAL GROWTH AND GENERAL CHANGES

As previously mentioned, the gaming industry continues its rapid evolution, offering developers substantial earning opportunities. In 2024, the industry’s total revenue surpassed $230 billion, and projections indicate that by the end of 2025, global gaming revenue could exceed $260 billion.​

In 2025, several standout titles have captured the attention of gamers worldwide:​

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this turn-based RPG has become the best-rated game of 2025, achieving a 92 on Metacritic and selling over 500,000 copies shortly after release.

  • Monster Hunter Wilds: Capcom’s latest installment in the Monster Hunter series sold over 8 million copies within three days, making it the company’s fastest-selling game to date.

  • Black Myth: Wukong: This action RPG reached over 2.4 million concurrent players on Steam upon release, setting a new record for single-player games on the platform.

  • Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: The sequel to the acclaimed remake achieved significant success, with over 310,000 units sold in Japan during its first week and strong performance globally. ​Wikipedia

India continues to lead in mobile game downloads, with an estimated 11 billion downloads in 2025, maintaining its position as the top market for mobile gaming.​

Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more accessible, visually stunning games packed with innovative gameplay. Expect to see augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) titles become more mainstream this year, pushing the boundaries of player immersion like never before.

Today, games are no longer just entertainment – they are becoming a new platform for communication, earnings, transforming business, the education system and gradually blurring the border between virtuality and the real. We have divided today’s trends into three sections because there are a lot of them.

GENRE TRENDS

Some of the most popular classic game genres will see a resurgence in 2024 as they are reimagined and revitalized by new technologies.

MOBA games like League of Legends and Dota 2 will likely receive augmented reality upgrades. Imagine seeing your hero battling in your own backyard as you guide them to destroy the enemy base. This more immersive experience can take MOBA gaming to the next level.

The MMORPG genre will benefit greatly from advancements in virtual reality. Exploring expansive fantasy worlds like World of Warcraft in a fully realized VR setting makes it feel like you are transported inside the game. Visuals and audio will be more realistic to boost the sense of presence.

game design

Battle royale titles have already conquered the gaming world in recent years. But the battle royale in VR format is still in its early stages. We expect games like Fortnite and PUBG to receive high-budget VR versions, finally allowing fans to feel like they are on the battleground with a real sense of scale and depth.

The rise of VR casinos and advanced simulations can further push gambling games into the mainstream. With realistic environments and the ability to interact with others, online gambling can mimic the experience of being in Las Vegas. These immersive environments may open gambling games to new demographics of users.

FORMAT TRENDS

The trends in formats change every year. There are two trends to highlight this year: streaming and rising augmented/virtual reality games popularity.

The Rise of Augmented/Virtual Reality Gaming

The AR and VR gaming industry is poised to take off over the next few years. By 2024, over 15 million gamers are expected to use VR hardware, fueled by advancements in graphics, processing power, and 5G connectivity. Leading platforms like the PSVR 2 and Oculus Quest 3 will offer rich premium VR experiences as the technology becomes more mainstream.

Additionally, augmented reality will expand games into the real world using mobile devices and wearables. Pokémon Go demonstrated the possibilities of meshing gaming with physical spaces. Future AR titles will leverage improved hardware capabilities and environmental mapping to blend digital gameplay with reality in new ways. The versatility of AR gaming also allows for quick sessions during everyday life.

As VR and AR mature, studios are creating more full-fledged games around these formats. Titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Minecraft AR represent early steps toward the creative potential. Over time, gameplay mechanics will be tailored around mixed reality to pioneer new directions in the medium.

Streaming Continues to Rise

Game streaming will also pick up steam as 5G networks roll out more broadly. Industry leaders Twitch and YouTube Gaming continue monopolizing the landscape, but competitors like Facebook Gaming are vying for market share. Streamers can potentially use VR cameras to allow viewers to feel present and engage with content in 3D spaces.

Overall, expect game streaming to further permeate gaming culture in 2024. Watching skilled gamers instructs casual players to improve their skills. The best players can also build their personal brands and profit from viewer donations. This symbiotic relationship will cement streaming as an essential part of the gaming community moving forward.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

There are several trends worth highlighting: cloud and cross-platform gaming, blockchain, 5G connectivity and continued improvements for AR/VR.

Cloud & Cross-Platform Gaming

Cloud gaming services continue maturing, leveraging 5G connectivity for low-latency game streaming. Players can experience cutting-edge titles on basic hardware by tapping into remote servers that handle processing and rendering.

And major cross-platform games now release on consoles, PC, and mobile from day one. Supporting play across all devices is pivotal for publishers to maximize reach. Cross-progression also allows gamers to continue their adventure on another platform seamlessly.

Blockchain & Digital Ownership

Blockchain integration aims to revolutionize digital ownership and stabilize in-game economies. Tokens and cryptocurrency give players true possession of rare digital assets that can be traded outside games via secure decentralized ledgers.

Additionally, the transparency of blockchain verifies the scarcity and provenance of these items. While still in its nascent stages, immutable records of digital products can provide peace of mind against hacking, duplication, and black markets.

Augmented & Virtual Reality

The relentless improvement curve for AR & VR hardware will further close the gap to immersive simulations. Upgraded displays, processing units, battery efficiency and 5G allow for longer high-fidelity sessions.

And increased comfort from ergonomic industrial design reduces motion sickness and fatigue. As costs lower over time, AR & VR gaming moves closer to the elusive goal of feeling presence inside virtual worlds through various sensory channels. Gamers get their first true taste of stepping into their favorite games.

THE MOST EXPECTED GAMES OF 2024

Starting with juggernaut follow-ups, Grand Theft Auto VI constitutes one of gaming’s most seismic events. Details remain heavily guarded as Rockstar Games works toward this presumed 2024 launch. But fans eagerly await news revealing Vice City’s sprawling upgrade to modern graphical standards with Rockstar’s trademark satirical writing updated for contemporary sociopolitical themes. Beyond expanding into further cities over time, GTA Online also transitions into GTA VI as the live service cash cow gets primed for a new decade of supporting content.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 transports players back to Hyrule with a darker tone suggesting the land faces graver threats. Link again confronts encroaching calamity wielding expanded abilities and equipment options offering greater combat expressions against enemy forces upending known terrain dynamics. But the biggest change comes for VR-enabled platforms allowing a faithful first-person view granting stronger life to the fantasy realm through enhanced immersion only magnifying Nintendo’s creative wizardry honed over decades.

The VR treatment also applies to the PSVR 2 launch title Horizon Call of the Mountain as Guerrilla Games’ American post-post apocalypse veers into uncharted territory anchored around skilled warrior Ryas. Trading Aloy’s bow for sharp climbing axes better suited to new vertical traversal gameplay, the adventure boasts stunning vistas as detailed environments stretch farther uninhibited by standard display boundaries. VR presence heightens emotional investment in a series cherishing its message about protecting nature from uninhibited technological escalation destroying society once already.

Finally, Star Citizen perhaps represents gaming’s longest-gestating enigma as Chris Roberts’ initial vision from 2012 expanded exponentially in scope years over deadline. 2024 expectations hinge on tangible delivery sustaining backer faith and funds continually pouring into the ever-ballooning project nearing half-a-billion dollars raised. Promising 100 star systems still seems implausible. But more stable server tech and the single-player Squadron 42 campaign could reinvigorate excitement if respective launches stick reasonably close to hopes instead of perpetual feature creep dissolution. At some point, Star Citizen must translate promises into playable products justifying monumental crowdfunding records.

Alongside the above heavy hitters, gamers can expect strong showings from Elden Ring DLC, a new Nintendo Switch model, the next Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed in feudal Japan, Final Fantasy XVI, Hogwarts Legacy, and a slate of inventive indies pushing creative boundaries. Whether through visual marvels or experimental mechanics, 2024 aims to open new dimensions for interactive entertainment.

CONCLUSION

The game industry continues developing rapidly with no signs of slowing down. Virtual and augmented reality gaming will approach mainstream viability thanks to incremental technological improvements, setting the stage for even more immersive experiences. Combined with 5G and blockchain integration, the table is set for transformative shifts in how games are developed, published and played. Both hardcore gamers and casual players have much to look forward to next year and beyond!