7 Gaming Trends That NEED TO DIE in 2023

TL;DR

Key gaming trends from 2022 that should disappear.

Transcript

(high pitched bleep tone) - [Falcon] Stuff happens in gaming repeatedly that we just see over and over again. It gets popular, or it just happens a lot, and some of it really sucks. Hi, folks, it's Falcon, and today on "Gameranx", seven gaming trends from 2022 that need to die. Last year, we did a list of this. We talked about high GPU prices, serv... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Delays in game releases became a major theme of 2022, as many anticipated titles were pushed back, affecting player expectations.
• 💄 The consolidation of gaming companies increased, with Microsoft and Sony making significant acquisitions, changing the dynamics of the gaming industry.
• 🎮 The ongoing popularity of cross-platform games raised concerns about maximizing the potential of next-gen consoles.
• 👾 The prevalence of overly chatty characters in narrative-driven games led to criticism, highlighting a disconnect between player preferences and game design.
• 🥳 Nintendo Switch's performance issues underscored the demand for upgraded hardware, as even first-party titles struggled with technical problems.
• 🍃 The price increases for both hardware and software in gaming reflected economic pressures, leaving many players frustrated.
• 😀 NFT-related initiatives faced considerable backlash, contributing to a decline in interest as the market contracted significantly in 2022.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some of the major games delayed in 2022?

Notable games that faced delays in 2022 included "Starfield," "Suicide Squad," "S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2," "Forspoken," and "Diablo IV." These delays often stemmed from pandemic-related productivity issues, making 2022 notable for fans expecting these titles to release. The persistent issue of delays had fans questioning the transparency and viability of release dates provided by developers.

Q: How have studio acquisitions impacted the gaming landscape?

In 2022, major studio acquisitions increased significantly, with Microsoft announcing plans to acquire Activision Blizzard for 68.7 billion. This trend towards consolidation raises questions about creativity and competition within the industry, as fewer companies control more intellectual properties, potentially influencing game diversity and innovation in the market.

Q: Why do gamers express frustration over character dialogue in games?

Characters' incessant dialogue in games like "Horizon Forbidden West" and "God of War Ragnarok" became a frustration point for players. Gamers reported feeling overwhelmed by the amount of narration, which at times detracted from gameplay immersion and enjoyment. This pattern led to calls for developers to dial back annoying dialogue and improve overall game experience.

Q: What issues did the Nintendo Switch face in 2022?

The performance issues of the Nintendo Switch became increasingly prominent in 2022, affecting both third-party and first-party titles. Poor frame rates, graphic inconsistencies, and technical problems in games like "Pokemon Scarlet and Violet" raised concerns about the capabilities of the aging hardware, leading to calls for a new console iteration.

Q: How did inflation affect gaming hardware prices in 2022?

Despite expectations for price decreases in gaming hardware, prices actually rose in 2022 due to inflation and rising production costs. Consoles like the PlayStation 5 saw increased prices in some regions, leaving gamers disappointed and questioning the value they receive after waiting two years for availability.

Q: Why are NFTs seen negatively by many gamers?

NFTs have garnered criticism primarily due to their perception as costly and unnecessary monetization tactics within games. While marketed as offering unique ownership and the promise of transferring assets across games, in practice, they have been met with skepticism, especially after a market collapse in 2022 that diminished interest in such integrations.

Q: What trends in gaming are expected to continue or change in the future?

As the gaming industry evolves, it is likely that the consolidated power of a few mega-companies will persist, influencing connectivity among platforms. However, the backlash against NFTs and ongoing issues with game quality suggests a demand for better consumer-centric practices. Additionally, gamers are hoping for more exclusive titles on next-gen consoles and improved performance from hardware.

Q: How did gamers react to the price hikes on Steam?

Steam's pricing increases in 2022, which sometimes significantly raised game costs across regions, sparked outrage among gamers. Many felt that these heightened prices were mainly driven by corporate greed and inflation concerns, further alienating gamers who already faced financial pressures from rising costs in various sectors, including gaming.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The gaming industry suffered from widespread delays in 2022, impacting major releases initially scheduled for that year and frustrating fans hoping for timely launches. Delays were largely a byproduct of ongoing pandemic challenges affecting productivity.

• Significant studio acquisitions and mergers dominated gaming news in 2022, with notable deals including Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This consolidation raises concerns about the industry's landscape, possibly leading to less diversity in gaming.

• The surge in gaming hardware prices, despite advancements, and the introduction of NFTs created a backlash among gamers, reflecting broader frustrations with trends that prioritize profits over player experience and value.