Looking ahead to 2024, it’s evident that the gaming landscape will be heavily influenced by the impending dominance of GTA 6-related trailers, rumours, and speculations. However, before delving into the specifics of gaming trends for the upcoming year, it’s crucial to reflect on the troublesome events of 2023, which will provide essential context for the developments to follow. The past year marked a period of unprecedented upheaval in the gaming industry. Microsoft successfully concluded its monumental $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a deal of historic proportions long in the making. This acquisition instantly conferred upon Microsoft the rights to major franchises like Call of Duty, Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush.
In a broader context, the games industry shrank quite a bit, laying off a whopping 8,000 people since January. The downsizing trend was a response to various factors, including high inflation rates and over-expansion in the past. Simultaneously, the advent of generative AI in video games posed a threat to low-level jobs, adding another layer of uncertainty to the industry’s landscape. Yet, it was in this period of industry turmoil that we saw the emergence of groundbreaking games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Notably, twenty-five games achieved a Metacritic score of 90 or above, marking a significant uptick compared to the average of the past decade. The continual oscillation between record highs and lows in 2023 created a gaming landscape akin to a roller-coaster ride, keeping observers with on their toes.
What Lies Ahead
What’s on the horizon for 2024? CasinosNotOnGamstop explored the anticipated video gaming trends for the upcoming year. Here are five key developments to watch out for:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Launch
- Microsoft’s Post-Acquisition Plans
- Advancements in Mixed Reality
- Innovative Games with Unreal Engine 5
- Rise of Godot as an Open-Source Engine
Nintendo Switch 2
The introduction of a new major console, the Nintendo Switch 2, is expected to make waves in the gaming industry.
While Nintendo has yet to officially confirm the existence of the anticipated Switch 2, court disclosures unveiled a different story. It was disclosed that Nintendo briefed Activision about the successor console in December 2022, and reports from Eurogamer indicated that developers were given a confidential demo of the Switch 2 at Gamescom in August. All signs point towards a likely release of the console in 2024.
Samuel Roberts, former PC Gamer editor-in-chief and co-presenter of The Back Page podcast, speculates that Nintendo is strategically withholding new entries in its major franchises for the launch of the Switch 2. He envisions the console debuting with a new 3D Mario, followed by the release of a new Mario Kart. Roberts also ventures a guess that the hardware might include a paid upgrade element, particularly for enhanced backward compatibility, allowing users to access a slightly improved version of games like Tears of the Kingdom at a nominal cost.
In the realm of leaks and rumors surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, possibilities include a dual-screen model and speculation that the next Switch could potentially downsize to become a Nintendo Switch ‘Mini,’ boasting the power comparable to that of a PlayStation 4. The anticipation and speculation surrounding the Switch 2 continue to fuel excitement and curiosity within the gaming community.
Microsoft’s Post-Acquisition Plans
In the realm of console sales, Microsoft has been playing catch-up with Sony since the introduction of the Xbox One in 2013. However, a strategic shift has been underway in recent years, with Microsoft making significant strides through a series of studio acquisitions. The pinnacle of this strategy was reached in 2023 with the monumental $68.7 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative year for the tech giant in 2024.
According to Samuel Roberts, former PC Gamer editor-in-chief and co-presenter of The Back Page podcast, 2024 could mark a turning point for Microsoft. He envisions a dynamic start to the year with a substantial influx of Activision Blizzard games hitting Game Pass, thereby further elevating its already outstanding value proposition. This strategic move aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to providing a robust and diverse gaming experience to its user base. Roberts also points to specific game releases that could define Microsoft’s 2024. Hellblade II from Ninja Theory, known for showcasing cutting-edge MetaHuman Animation features in Unreal Engine 5, is anticipated to serve as a major graphics showcase. Additionally, Obsidian’s Avowed is expected to capture the hearts of players, contributing to Microsoft’s growing arsenal of exclusive titles. Roberts expresses optimism that the addition of one more exclusive game to this lineup would solidify Microsoft’s position and make 2024 a standout year for the company.
Advancements in Mixed Reality
In the mixed reality race, Meta took an early lead with the inclusion of mixed reality in the Quest 3 in 2023. However, industry observers like Roberts and Stockdale believe that the narrative surrounding mixed reality is likely to be dominated by Apple. Despite Meta’s efforts, Roberts suggests that the storyline of mixed reality will be under Apple’s control. Stockdale concurs, expressing skepticism about mixed reality reaching the success Meta envisions. The anticipated launch of the Apple Vision Pro in March 2024 is poised to spark widespread conversations about the potential of mixed reality in the coming months. Although the specific games utilizing this technology at launch remain unknown, Apple has confirmed that approximately 100 existing Apple Arcade titles will be among the initial offerings.
The impact of Apple’s entry into new technologies is hard to overlook. With a brand that transcends demographics and industries, Apple’s foray into VR, coupled with the advancements in gaming technology through the new M3 chips, is expected to significantly drive engagement. While mixed reality may not emerge as the ultimate victor, the overall VR landscape could witness a substantial boost, further solidifying Apple’s influence in shaping technological trends.
Innovative Games with Unreal Engine 5
The initial releases showcasing the capabilities of Epic Games’ potent Unreal Engine 5, including titles like Lords of the Fallen, Robocop: Rogue City, and Ghostrunner 2, have made a strong impact. Developers, such as Gunfire Games working on Remnant 2, have highlighted the utilization of cutting-edge features like Nanite and Lumen in Unreal Engine 5.
Building on the positive momentum of 2023, the year 2024 is anticipated to witness a surge in major releases powered by Unreal Engine 5. Notable titles like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Black Myth: Wukong, and Nightingale are poised to serve as showcases for Epic Games’ advanced graphics technology. Furthermore, future entries in well-established franchises like Tomb Raider, Gears of War, and The Witcher are confirmed to be developed using UE5. Unreal Engine 5 is also asserting itself as the go-to engine for VR game development, a trend expected to continue into 2024. In a landscape where virtual reality is becoming a significant battleground for hardware, with PSVR 2, Meta Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro vying for dominance, UE5-developed VR games are likely to surpass those developed using Unity. Here are five noteworthy games slated for release in 2024, all crafted with Unreal Engine 5:
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Tekken 8
- Avowed
- Still Wakes the Deep
The Rise of Godot as an Open-Source Engine
Unity’s widely publicized challenges this year have caused a growing number of developers, Mega Crit, the creator of Slay the Spire among them, to part ways with the game development platform. In response to these issues, developers are turning their attention to the open-source game engine Godot, a move that has the potential to significantly bolster Godot’s standing. With an influx of talent, this platform could emerge as a formidable competitor to Unity, much like the way open-source Blender software has become a noteworthy rival to Maya in terms of functionality.
The shift to Godot is already evident, with Mega Crit and others opting to explore its capabilities as an alternative. As 2023 demonstrated, some of the best indie games were successfully developed using Godot, with notable titles such as Cassette Beasts, Usagi Shima, Resolutiion, and Ex Zodiac gaining acclaim. This trend is poised to continue, and the momentum is expected to grow in 2024, indicating a potential surge in the number of new games being created on the Godot platform. The ongoing challenges faced by Unity seem to be reshaping the landscape of game development engines, providing an opportunity for Godot to thrive and establish itself as a compelling choice for developers.
Summing It Up
In the gaming landscape of 2024, five key trends promise a transformative year. The launch of Nintendo Switch 2 brings enhanced hardware and groundbreaking titles. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard sets the stage for an influx of innovative games into the Xbox ecosystem.
Mixed reality takes center stage with Meta Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro, offering immersive gaming experiences. Unreal Engine 5 stands out as a visual powerhouse, shaping the aesthetics of highly anticipated titles like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Black Myth: Wukong.
In a notable shift, the open-source game engine Godot gains prominence, attracting developers seeking alternatives. Success stories like Cassette Beasts showcase Godot’s potential in democratizing game development. These trends collectively represent a dynamic industry poised for a renaissance in 2024, promising an exhilarating year for gamers and developers alike. The journey into 2024 holds the potential to redefine how we play and experience stories in the ever-evolving universe of video games.
