2. Virtual Reality
Thanks to numerous innovations, personal VR headsets are in the process of being optimized
for the consumer market.
However, VR still faces barrires to wider adoption. PC and high-end console headsets utilize
high definition displays and powerful processors capable of complex gameplay, but the
technology can be expensive. Mobile VR, on the other hand, is generally cheaper and wire-
free, but graphics and gameplay are held back by mobile phones’ inferior processing strength.
3. ESPORTS
ESports has exploded into a global industry that last year alone generated $696 million in
revenue.
Somewhat of an issue for eSports is the fact that competitive games are privately owned.
Matches, as well, are hosted over servers managed by parent companies. In addition, each
company holds gamers to a unique code of conduct, which, if violated even unknowingly,
may cost individual players their user account.
4. Electronic Payments
Gaming’s transition to mobile and online is mirrored in its payment options. To balance
rising development costs, game creators are finding new ways to provide value in exchange
for payment.
Since their introduction to gaming, these and other “microtransactions” have been a source
of controversy. As with any digital payments, fraud and data breaches occasionally pose a
problem as well.
