VR, AR, and Inclusive Gaming Leading the Industry Changes in 2021

2020 has been a huge year for gaming, with record numbers of players across the globe enjoying games on all formats. The pandemic has played some part in boosting the industry as people look for socially distanced forms of entertainment. 

Game development keeps pushing the boundaries of possibility, with cutting edge graphics, gameplay, and virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) elements. Dedicated gaming PCs and consoles are ever more affordable, and mobile gaming is coming into its own as a valid alternative platform. 

2021 promises to have some excitement in store, with developers working on VR and AR games, full-motion, inclusive gaming, and much more. Let's take a look at what trends will dominate the video game landscape next year. 

Augmented reality

AR games combine virtual and real-world elements. The best example of an AR game is Pokemon Go, which received over a billion downloads when it was released in 2016. 

Developers look set to further explore the world of AR in 2021, building on the success of recent games like Harry Potter: Wizards Unite where players explore the world around them while collecting items and battling enemies. Ingress Prime is another example of a game based on the Pokemon Go format, with players finding portals for their team, and Jurassic World Alive is similar – except dino-themed of course. 

But, there are other types of AR games as well: Kings of Pool turns any flat surface in your home or outside into a pool table, and games like Brickscape are simpler – a puzzler with a background provided by your smartphone's camera. 

Virtual reality

VR seemed like the future when it first appeared on the scene in the 1980s. However, the relatively primitive (and very expensive) technology around back then left it as a sidelined curiosity. Recent years have seen VR becoming gradually more mainstream,  with gamers seeking out ever more immersive experiences – and the technology becoming more widespread and affordable –  Oculus Rift and PSVR are the best examples. As a result, many developers are incorporating VR into their games – expect this to get more widespread in 2021. We see names such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Beat Saber, Fairpoint, or new Half-Life letting you enter the fantasy worlds fully.

One area where VR has also been bubbling away for a couple of years already is online casino games. According to VegasSlots, an English blog about online casinos, some of the best casino providers recognize the opportunity VR is bringing. Providers like Betsoft and Netent are renowned for wanting to introduce us to lovable characters and take us on exciting adventures. Therefore, alongside classic and pop culture themed slot games, jackpots, 3D and video slots, expect to see more VR slots. 

Mobile gaming

The last couple of years have seen mobile gaming come on leaps and bounds, becoming a respected platform alongside console and PC. Expect to see more console games migrate on to tablets and smartphones, but with seamless integration now standard, console gamers will be able to save their progress across platforms when they're on the go. 

We've seen old school games getting the mobile treatment – Apple Arcade is a good example – and this is set to continue next year. 

Mobile has its own share of tailor-made originals which make the most of the cutting edge graphical capabilities of modern phones. Monument Valley and Infinity Loop are two such examples – simple but absorbing gameplay and lush, relaxing visuals that brighten up commutes across the world. Expect more of the same in 2021. 

Inclusive games

Game developers have realized the commercial benefits of appealing to a huge range of demographics, all with the same game. The key to an inclusive game such as Minecraft or Roblox is that the gameplay is essentially creative and user-generated. 

A large part of the game industry is dominated by destructive games like first-person shooters or sandbox GTA-style games. There is something refreshing and universal about inclusive games, and the fact that the content is mainly created by the user is another part of the appeal. 

Gradual, problem solving based gameplay attracts players of all ages who may not be so adept at fast-paced, action-driven games.

Full motion

Essentially interactive movies, full-motion games have been around since the early 1980s in one form or another, but advances in technology have made them more popular. They lend themselves to puzzle or murder mystery style gameplay, and with multiplayer functionality are perfect for a social or socially distanced gathering. 

Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope allows users to choose different dialogues and actions to determine the outcome, and progress is tracked via narrative video clips. Full motion games could be a big trend in 2021. 

With 2021 just around the corner (already!) video gamers will be spoilt for choice – there will be plenty more reasons to stay home!