The big franchises are becoming more than just games
This is a trend linked to growing commercialization. Publishers are optimizing their cash flow. Everything is becoming more professional and thought-out.
Games should not only generate revenue at the cash register or through microtransactions, but also at the box office, in retail, or in the event business.
The big publishers are trying to get their foot in the door right now. Or they already have their foot in the door and now want to push the rest of their body through.
Hollywood movies, TV series, eSport events, and plush toys
Some major franchises have Hollywood movies planned, others TV series. Tencent is building an amusement park for its games in China. Plush toys and merchandise are already available and that is increasing.
In addition, eSport is expected to become a huge event with stadiums, ticket sales, team merchandise, and streaming income. Blizzard wants to establish the next game here with Overwatch.
This is an area that will still be relatively at the beginning in 2018 but is slowly coming.
2018 will be like 2017 – only more extreme
So we anticipate relatively conservative trends for 2018. Two or three years ago, one thought: now comes virtual reality, and everything will change – that doesn’t seem to be the case. Rather, mobile gaming and the optimization craze of publishers will change the world.
Everyone wants to be like the cool Silicon Valley giants Google or Facebook and optimize their management and decision-making structures:
- The surprise hit of 2017 was PUBG – driven by a passionate modder. The relatively small Korean studio Bluehole recognized the signs of the times and took a risk.
- A year later, the head of the game now sounds like he wants to build the next EA, dreaming of Hollywood deals, hundreds of employees, and a media brand.
This will affect players: It will become more commercial and harder in gaming. The playful and charming aspects are in danger of becoming smaller.
Even if some predictions and trends for 2018 may sound negative, one should see the good in it: Gaming is becoming bigger, and we are in the middle of an exciting time of change. Surprises are possible.
How gaming ultimately changes in 2018 can be influenced by our wallets, our purchasing decisions, and … yes, also with our shitstorms.
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