Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 459,692 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,236 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 321,366 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,236 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 321,366 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,208 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 459,692 cutting edge ideas.

Top 100 Game Trends of 2012

From Online Info Museums to Pixelated Gamer Artwork

— January 18, 2013 — Tech
As the game trends of 2012 show, this past year was the year of geek chic. Commonly perceived as basement lurkers and the socially awkward, members of the modern gaming community took nerdom to new places, avenging their geekier predecessors by making gaming cooler than ever.

Though there is a lot to be said for new games released in 2012, the most interesting fad found in gaming last year was the development of real-life gaming-inspired products. Everything from furniture, such as the retro game controller cushions modeled after the original Nintendo console, to fashion, like the Skyrim-inspired 'Dragonborn' photo series, showed a dash of geeky pride.

Rest assured, the more practical areas of gaming, such as video game technology, still showed promise in 2012. The Sensic 'SmartGoggles' left the crowd salivating at the possibility of fully immersible gaming at CES 2012, giving a hint at what the future of gaming could look like.

To find out what these microtrends mean for your company and general consumer behavior, check out our Games Trend Report.
5.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Mind-Reading Decks
Mind-Reading Decks
The Board of Imagination Moves From Your Thoughts
<
99
Funky Flying Cameras
Funky Flying Cameras
The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Can Turn Your Reality Digital
<
98
Abbreviated Stealth Game Stories
Abbreviated Stealth Game Stories
'Metal Gear Solid Lore in a Minute' Chronicles Solid Snake's Tale
<
97
Arachnid Assault Games
Arachnid Assault Games
Fight a Creepy Crawly With Mentos' Spider Swiper App
<
96
Culture Icon Cameo Phantoms
Culture Icon Cameo Phantoms
The Ryan Coleman Pac-Man Ghosts are Versatile
<
95
Entrepreneur Computer Graphics
Entrepreneur Computer Graphics
'Tech Companies That Started Something Great' Infographic is Smart
<
94
Puzzling Timepieces
Puzzling Timepieces
Tell Time and Exercise Your Brain With the Sudoku Watch
<
93
8-Bit Drinking Tables
8-Bit Drinking Tables
The Legend of Zelda Beer Pong Table is Perfect for Retro Frat Boys
<
92
Relatable Game Revelation Memes
Relatable Game Revelation Memes
N7 Confessions Denotes Experiences of Mass Effect Fans
<
91
Vintage Gaming Adapters
Vintage Gaming Adapters
The Retrode Lets You Play SNES and Sega Genesis Games on Your Computer
<
90
Retro Gaming Sound Systems
Retro Gaming Sound Systems
The Atari 2600 Speaker Lets You Pump Music and Play Pong
<
89
Playful Punctuation Posters
Playful Punctuation Posters
John Scarratt Illustrates Quirky Versions of the Exclamation Mark
<
88
Portable Game Station Cases
Portable Game Station Cases
GAEMS G155 Lets You Play Your XBOX or PS3 Slim On-The-Go
<
87
Surreal Gaming Specs
Surreal Gaming Specs
The 'Oculus Rift' Headset Provides an Interactive Experience
<
86
Online Info Museums
Online Info Museums
The Big Internet Museum Opens 24/7 to Anyone with Online Access
<
85
Fighting Game Mini Figures
Fighting Game Mini Figures
Julian Fong Crafts Custom LEGO Toys Inspired by Street Fighter
<
84
Fan-Made Game Endings
Fan-Made Game Endings
Koobismo Spearheads Take Back ME3 with 'Marauder Shields' Comic
<
83
Green Elf Game Tributes
Green Elf Game Tributes
Gabriel Leoni Honors Legend of Zelda Franchise with Regal Poster Designs
<
82
Retro Avian Art
Retro Avian Art
Pixel Angry Birds Takes the Popular Mobile Game Back in Time
<
81
Retro Game Chalk Renderings (UPDATE)
Retro Game Chalk Renderings (UPDATE)
Leon Keer Adorns a Sidewalk with a 3D Pac-Man Piece
<
80
Fantasy Game Fashion Models
Fantasy Game Fashion Models
The Prada 2012 Spring Men's Collection Uses Virtual Mannequins
<
79
RPG Mug Rugs
RPG Mug Rugs
Decoy's Dork Decor Sells Retro and Modern Gamer Drink Coasters
<
78
Hybrid Computer Gamepads
Hybrid Computer Gamepads
Chameleon X-1 Assassin's Creed Mouse Has a Slick New Look
<
77
Gaming Animation Comparisons
Gaming Animation Comparisons
HTML5 vs Flash Games Breaks Down The Two Formats
<
76
Realistic Avian App Renderings
Realistic Avian App Renderings
Sam Spratt Illustrates Lifelike Versions of Angry Birds Characters
<
75
Arcade-Inspired Graffiti (UPDATE)
Arcade-Inspired Graffiti (UPDATE)
'3D Super Mario Chalk Art' by Chris Carlson is Hyper-Realistic
<
74
Steampunk Cyborg Portraits
Steampunk Cyborg Portraits
Concept Art for Bioshock's Handyman is Tragic and Menacing
<
73
Retro Console Papercrafts
Retro Console Papercrafts
Alexis Huret Designs a Hip Nintendo Entertainment System Monster
<
72
Videogame Romance Charts
Videogame Romance Charts
The ‘Gamers Get Girls Infographic' Shows That Dating Sites Ca
<
71
Fully Functional Gamer Instruments
Fully Functional Gamer Instruments
The Custom Super Mario Guitar Helps Save Virtual Worlds
<
70
Video Game Pixel Paintings
Video Game Pixel Paintings
Deviantartist RubiksPhoenix Creates Nerdy 8-Bit Artwork
<
69
Realistic Gaming Rifles
Realistic Gaming Rifles
The Delta Six Combat Rifle Gives Gamers a Real Combat Experience
<
68
Mind-Blowing Melon Cases
Mind-Blowing Melon Cases
The Sensic 'SmartGoggles' Debuted at CES 2012
<
67
Jumbled Pixel Portraits
Jumbled Pixel Portraits
Laura Vidal Illustrates Game Characters Using Disorganized Squares
<
66
Generational Difference Charts
Generational Difference Charts
The 'Culture of the Class of 2016' Infographic Shows Changes
<
65
Chalk Weapon Warfare
Chalk Weapon Warfare
Chalk Warfare 2 is an Awesome Twist on Your Standard Video Game
<
64
Creepy Clawed Lighting
Creepy Clawed Lighting
The Barnacle Ceiling Lamp is Inspired by the Half-Life Video Game
<
63
Zombified Playing Cards
Zombified Playing Cards
The Deck of the Dead Manipulates Each Suit Into Zombie Delights
<
62
Personified Corporation Messages
Personified Corporation Messages
'Texts From Video Game Companies' Mocks Lousy Business Practices
<
61
Arcade-Inspired Character Art
Arcade-Inspired Character Art
'PAC MODS' Features Famous Characters as Pac Man Creatures
<
60
Historical Game Hero Infographics
Historical Game Hero Infographics
'30 Years of Super Mario' Follows the Journey from 8-Bit to 3D
<
59
Recreated Gaming Legends
Recreated Gaming Legends
The Zelda Project Brings Iconic Characters to Life
<
58
Concealed Assassin Weapon Toys
Concealed Assassin Weapon Toys
The Ezio Auditore Role–Play Gauntlet Replica Completes Fan Co
<
57
Galactic Alliance Apparel
Galactic Alliance Apparel
These Star Wars: The Old Republic T-Shirts Let You Show Your Loyalties
<
56
Classic Video Game Soaps
Classic Video Game Soaps
Legend of Zelda Soaps Keep Lazy Gamers Clean
<
55
Video Game Breathing Apparatuses
Video Game Breathing Apparatuses
The Portal Gas Mask by Brian Cargile is Some Chic Gamer Gear
<
54
Authentic-Looking Assassin Toys (UPDATED)
Authentic-Looking Assassin Toys (UPDATED)
The Assassin’s Creed Hidden Blade Replica Looks Re
<
53
Mini Cyborg Phone Docks
Mini Cyborg Phone Docks
The Helios iOS Device Turns Your Cellular Device into a Robot
<
52
Detailed Video Game Depictions
Detailed Video Game Depictions
Jose Emroca Flores Paints Super Mario Like a True Artist
<
51
Video Game Propaganda Posters
Video Game Propaganda Posters
Joe Simpson Creates Promos Reminiscent Wartime Images
<
50
Iconic Gamer Mancessories
Iconic Gamer Mancessories
The Legend of Zelda Cufflinks Let You Save Hyrule in Style
<
49
Sci-Fi Game Guns
Sci-Fi Game Guns
The M-3 Predator Full Scale Replica Brings the Mass Effect Pistol to Life
<
48
Typographic Video Game Graffiti
Typographic Video Game Graffiti
Artist Tilt Hides Words in Images of Super Mario Bros. Cast
<
47
Musical Gamer Guitars
Musical Gamer Guitars
The Skyrim Dragon Mandolin is Designed to Slay and Play
<
46
Human Cadaver Cafeterias
Human Cadaver Cafeterias
The Pop-Up Human Butchery and Morgue Sells Fake Edible Body Parts
<
45
Fantasy Game Crochet Totes
Fantasy Game Crochet Totes
The Zelda Bomb Bag and 3 Blue Bombs are Perfect for Geeky Friends
<
44
Woody Tablet Protectors
Woody Tablet Protectors
The Woodero iPad Case is Sturdy and Practical
<
43
Pixelated Geeky Crafts
Pixelated Geeky Crafts
The DIY Space Invaders Pixelated Paper Art is a Homage
<
42
Nerdy Gamer Night Lights
Nerdy Gamer Night Lights
The Super Mario Mushroom Lamp is an 8-Bit Illuminator
<
41
Smartphone Gamer Peripherals
Smartphone Gamer Peripherals
The Xappr Gun Offers a More Portable and Realistic Experience
<
40
Cutesy Game Avatar Art
Cutesy Game Avatar Art
Andrew Wilson Depicts Classic Nintendo Characters in a Pseudo-3D Style
<
39
Gaming-Themed Timekeepers
Gaming-Themed Timekeepers
The Eviga Hola Watch Has Video Game Style
<
38
Geeky 8-Bit Aquariums
Geeky 8-Bit Aquariums
The Super Mario Fish Tank Lets Sea Creatures Swim with Goombas
<
37
Gamer Coffee Cups
Gamer Coffee Cups
Tiago Goncalves Makes a Mug Resembling an Old School Game Boy
<
36
Role-Playing Gamer Pullovers
Role-Playing Gamer Pullovers
The Mists of Pandaria Hoodie Gives Warcraft Players a Stylish Edge
<
35
Retro Gaming Caricatures
Retro Gaming Caricatures
Brendan Corris Renders Nintendo Heroes with Exaggerated Features
<
34
Retro Gaming Cutting Boards
Retro Gaming Cutting Boards
Jim Van Winkle Designs Cooking Tool with a Pixelated Super Mario
<
33
Triforce Skate Shoes
Triforce Skate Shoes
The Zelda 'Twilight Princess' Vans are a Cosplay Essential
<
32
Anachronistic Video Game Accessories
Anachronistic Video Game Accessories
This Duncan Shirah Steampunk Portal Gun is Gorgeously Geeky
<
31
Retro Gamer Lights
Retro Gamer Lights
The Zelda Triforce Lamp Pays Tribute to Nintendo's Other Hero
<
30
Hipsterfied Video Game Animals
Hipsterfied Video Game Animals
Adam Sidwell Morphs Star Fox Characters into Subculturists
<
29
Dance-Encouraging Sneakers
Dance-Encouraging Sneakers
Ground Wave by Tom Sykes Syncs to an App So Dancers Can Boogie Away
<
28
Key-Guarding Figurines
Key-Guarding Figurines
The 'DIY LEGO Key Holder' is a Star Wars Lover's Dream
<
27
Gamer Currency Cushions
Gamer Currency Cushions
These Rupee Pillows Will Have You Dreaming of Zelda
<
26
Retro Arcade Art Installations
Retro Arcade Art Installations
The 3D Ms. Pac-Man Display is Interactive and Fun
<
25
Fantasy Video Game Fashion
Fantasy Video Game Fashion
Skyrim Gets Stylish in the Dragonborn Photo Series
<
24
Nintendo Timekeepers
Nintendo Timekeepers
The 'Nerdy Clocks' Etsy Shop Offers Old-School Gaming Gems
<
23
Geeky Gaming Pumps
Geeky Gaming Pumps
The 'Super Mario Wedge Heels' Will Stomp Out Goombas
<
22
Video Game Picture Books
Video Game Picture Books
Caldwell Tanner Parodies Children's Tales with Nintendo Characters
<
21
Sleek Gaming Gas Masks
Sleek Gaming Gas Masks
The Sentry Turret Soldier Helmet is Weapon Fixture for the Face
<
20
Steampunk Gaming Platforms
Steampunk Gaming Platforms
This Steampunk Nintendo System is a Radically Retro Re-Imagination
<
19
Futuristic Medieval Fantasy Females
Futuristic Medieval Fantasy Females
XiaoBo Tong Renders Warrior Women that Transcend Time
<
18
Realistic Game Character Renderings
Realistic Game Character Renderings
Lili Ibrahim Gives Cartoony Figures Correct Anatomy
<
17
Game-Centred Coffee Tables
Game-Centred Coffee Tables
The MokasWoodCrafting Table Will Bring out the Nerd in Everyone
<
16
Pseudo Supernatural Promotions
Pseudo Supernatural Promotions
China Has its Own Teleporting Girl Superhero
<
15
Toy Pocket Monster Models
Toy Pocket Monster Models
Mike Nieves Crafts Pokemon Figurines Using LEGO Blocks
<
14
Ludicrous Retro Gaming Lavatories
Ludicrous Retro Gaming Lavatories
Gregory Pinzone Fashions a Bathroom Inspired by '80s Arcades
<
13
Menacing Mech Designs
Menacing Mech Designs
Markus Vogt Renders Badass Looking Robots & Machines
<
12
Pixelated Gamer Artwork
Pixelated Gamer Artwork
The Video Game Crafts by Winwolfz are 8-Bit Beauties
<
11
Cinematic Video Game Posters
Cinematic Video Game Posters
Ron Guyatt Re-Imagines Xbox, PS3 & Nintendo Titles as Movies
<
10
Functional Gamer Furniture
Functional Gamer Furniture
The Nintendo Controller Coffee Table Boasts Fully Functional Controls
<
9
Mountain-Sized Monster Depictions
Mountain-Sized Monster Depictions
Nicolas Ferrand Renders Gigantic Creatures Terrorizing Citizens
<
8
Retro Game Controller Cushions
Retro Game Controller Cushions
Felt Sew Good Churns Out Geeky Pillows for Nintendo Fans
<
7
Secret Agent-Inspired Watches
Secret Agent-Inspired Watches
These Timepieces Use Linear LED Lights Instead of Rotating Hands
<
6
Gamer Engagement Rings
Gamer Engagement Rings
Passionate Gamers Can Combine Their Hobbies with These Video Game Rings
<
5
Gamer Blade Desktop Backgrounds
Gamer Blade Desktop Backgrounds
The Zelda Weapon Wallpaper Displays All of Link’s Swords
<
4
8-Bit Movie Cast Caricatures
8-Bit Movie Cast Caricatures
Ty Lettau Renders Star Wars Characters in Mega Man-Like Style
<
3
Blocky Sci-Fi Spaceship Models
Blocky Sci-Fi Spaceship Models
This LEGO Hyperion Battlecruiser Recreates StarCraft 2 Vehicle
<
2
Gamer Night Lights
Gamer Night Lights
The Minecraft Light Keeps Players Safe After Lights Out
<
1
Colorblocked Assassin Attire
Colorblocked Assassin Attire
The Kenway Jacket Will Give You a Totally Lethal Look
<