From sports NFTs and word games to AI-assisted adventure games and blockchains, 2022 was a watershed moment in the gaming industry. Several games from last year became highly influential and set the standard for what’s to come.
Let’s dive in and look at how these influential games will change the gaming landscape in 2023.
Sorare
So rare is a fantasy sports game in which players can buy, sell, and trade digital player cards to create their team. It gained increasing popularity in 2022. It is distinct from other games. Such as NBA Top Shot, and is expected to demonstrate the potential for mass adoption of blockchain gaming and longevity in play-to-earn games in 2023.
Suppose Sorare maintains its popularity and defies the boom-and-bust cycle of blockchain gaming. In that case, it will set a positive example for other games in the genre and demonstrate that this type of gaming can have a long-term impact on the industry.
Marvel Snap and Diablo Immortal
Marvel Snap and Diablo Immortal were released in 2022 with different ways of earning money: Marvel Snap was marketed as a family-friendly game in which players could purchase cosmetics but could not obtain cards by opening packs. In just two months, it had already made more than $10 million.
Although Diablo Immortal is a popular game, its pay-to-win strategy has been criticized. Players can spend up to $100,000 on character upgrades. Despite the controversy, the game earned over $100 million in two months and was one of the year’s top-grossing mobile games.
If Marvel Snap remains successful, it may lead to more games adopting its marketing strategy primarily through cosmetics rather than locking content behind paid barriers.
However, if games like Diablo Immortal continue to generate significant revenue despite criticism, it may encourage more games to adopt a pay-to-win strategy. The success of these two games may set a precedent for how future developers monetize their games.
Wordle
Wordle became famous in 2022, peaking in popularity and maintaining a large audience. Because of the game’s built-in sharing feature, it quickly became the most searched term on Google that year. The New York Times purchased the game with a low seven-figure sum.
Wordle’s popularity and success have shown that games have the potential to drive repeat engagement. It contributes to the growth of subscription services. This trend may lead to more companies investing in gaming to increase engagement and achieve their objectives.
High on Life
Upon its initial release, High on Life received a positive reception for combining elements such as comedy, exploration, and shooting. The game was created using AI tools, which sparked some debate. On the other hand, the game had a successful launch on Game Pass. Becoming the largest third-party launch on the service and the largest single-player game launch.
The successful launch of High on Life on Microsoft’s Game Pass demonstrates that the monthly subscription fee model is viable for more than AAA multiplayer games. It may encourage other AAA and smaller studios to market their titles through the service, increasing growth and exposure for various game genres and creators.
Furthermore, the use of AI in game production indicates a possible industry trend toward incorporating more AI technology.
BGMI, Call of Duty, and Fortnite
The world began to pay more attention to the impact of gaming in 2022. Some countries, such as China, have already taken steps to limit minors’ access to video games. Over national security concerns, India banned the popular game Battlegrounds Mobile India twice.
The US government is also scrutinising the gaming industry. Epic Games has been fined $520 million for violating child privacy rules. The European Union is also considering regulations and investments in games and esports.
Increased government scrutiny and regulation could result in stricter rules and fines for gaming companies that violate privacy or security laws,9 limiting their ability to collect and use player data.
Furthermore, increased regulation and oversight may impact industry consolidation and mergers shaping gaming’s future by determining which companies have the resources and power to shape the industry.
Closing Thoughts
2022 was a significant year for the gaming industry. As gaming evolves, more sophisticated and immersive gaming experiences are expected to push the limits of what is possible. The most influential games of 2022 are only the tip of the iceberg. We can’t wait to see what the future of gaming holds.